Professional resume format sample to make you stand out

Professional resume format sample to make you stand out in 2026. Also see the resume writing tips below.

What is the best professional resume format for advertised and unadvertised jobs?
How do I stand out from other job applicants?
How do I choose the best resume format in 2026?

Professional resume format in 2026

This is a general resume format example. The professional resumes that I prepare for my clients are more in-depth, as I discuss each resume in detail with each client. Also, each resume I prepare is tailored for each client and I don’t have a one size fits all.
Don’t include salary expectations in your job applications.
Avoid listing personal information like age or marital status, unless specifically requested.
Omit personal information irrelevant to the job application.
There are many online sample templates.
Use this 2026 format to ensure you stand out. But if you are not sure, email me for a free resume review and evaluation.
Use bullet points instead of paragraphs.
Proofread and correct all spelling and grammar mistakes.
Also see my job interview training and salary negotiation coaching. Including negotiating a counteroffer and negotiating terms of contract.
Use this template, whether you are a CEO, dentist, teacher, engineer or nurse. Also use this format for all professions, for all levels.
This 2026 sample resume format makes you stand out for most locations worldwide and it can be used as a cold calling resume in 2026.
Also, check out my salary negotiation tips for women and men.

Name

Phone number

Email address

_________________

Summary

A brief statement describing you, your experience and strengths.

Professional Experience

Start with your present / last employer
List of all employment up to 10 to 15 years. Focus on the best relevant experience
List the name of the Company. Also, the location.
A brief description of the company. Also, the size. Such as the best IT company in Sydney
Your title or titles if you had more than one title.
Dates of employment
Do not include expected salary in your application.
Include cost savings, such as % and $.
Repeat the above for each position and apply the same to your cold calling resume.

Education

Certification and Training

Under this section, include:

Personal Details

Do not list your personal details, such as age or marital status. Unless asked to do so.
Don’t list personal info that is not relevant to the job that you are applying for.
Also, do not include hobbies.

Citizenship

This section is optional. Depending on the requirements of the job that you are applying to

Memberships

In this section, list memberships

References

Contact your best referees and prepare a list to give to the employer, when asked.
Include references available upon request. Even though some list the references at the bottom. But I don’t recommend doing so. Unless you are asked to do so.

Use this sample format as a cold calling resume to tap into the hidden job market. By cold calling, you will increase your chances with unadvertised and non-existing jobs. As the hidden job market covers 60 to 80% of all jobs.
So, the above example is also used for cold calling. Even though many job applicants do not like cold calling.

For a free resume evaluation, email me or call me.
Helping clients Australia wide. Including clients in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
Also see work from home and salary negotiation tips
We’ll be adding other sample templates and tips.
For any questions about the above professional resume format, please email me.

Based in Sydney, NSW, Australia.