building your resume tips

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Resume (With Examples!)

Your resume is arguably the most valuable piece of paper for your career. But this document can be daunting for many. Maybe you’re not sure how to fit in all your information onto one page. Maybe you’re not sure about the right way to format and write your resume. Maybe you don’t even know what the heck a resume is!

Whatever your concern, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making the perfect resume, from scratch.

What Is a Resume?

What are employers looking for in a resume.

• Pick Your Format
• Start With Your Basic Information
• Add in Your Work Experience
• Consider Including Volunteer Work or Other Experience
• Don’t Forget Your Education
• Top It Off With Some Skills and Interests
• Write a Resume Summary Statement (if Relevant)
• Tailor It to the Job (and the ATS)
• Edit and Refine It

What Are Some Examples of a Good Resume?

A resume is a summary of your career, whether yours is just getting started or has been going on for years. Coming in at around one page in length (two only under specific circumstances), it showcases the jobs you’ve held and currently hold, the responsibilities you’ve taken on, the skills you’ve developed, and the qualities you bring to the table as an employee. Together, those things make it super easy for any hiring manager to see your qualifications and fit for a role.

For all the work you may put into writing one, hiring managers actually spend very little time—mere seconds in many cases—looking at your resume. But despite this sad fact, it’s safe to say that creating a great resume (rather than hastily throwing one together) still matters.

“If you miss the mark, your resume may never be read. Even worse, you might be removed from the applicant pool by a computer before a human even knows you exist,” says Muse career coach Heather Yurovsky , founder of Shatter & Shine. So you want to get it right because, as she explains, isn’t the goal to “spend less time looking for a job and more time in a role you love?”

You might be wondering if you can lean on your LinkedIn profile instead of writing a resume. The answer, sadly, is no. Most hiring managers still expect you to submit a resume, even if they also look at your LinkedIn. Even if you don’t need a resume for a job you’re applying for now, you’re going to need one at some point in your career—they’re not anywhere close to going out of style. So it’s best to always have one at the ready should an opportunity pop up.

And although LinkedIn has plenty of benefits, a resume has one clear advantage: While your LinkedIn is usually a broader picture of your career trajectory, your resume gives you the opportunity to tailor your career story to a specific role or company (more on that later).

Oh, and you’ve probably heard of something called a CV? It’s slightly different from a resume , and usually more common with academics and job seekers outside the U.S.

Hiring managers look for three things on your resume, “What did you do? Why did you do it? And what was the result?” says Muse career coach Martin McGovern , owner of Career Therapy. “If you can answer all three of these questions in...your resume bullet points, you’re going to be on the right track.”

Clear, easy-to-understand language is key. “The truth is that most resumes make no sense. They are stuffed with jargon, they are too technical, and they are filled with redundancies. Try to read a resume that isn’t yours and you will quickly realize that it feels like an alien wrote it,” McGovern adds. Put yourself in the shoes of a recruiter who has no idea how your role works—how can you make your resume accessible to them?

The hiring manager also cares about more than just you and you alone—they care about you in relation to them. “Hiring managers want to see if a candidate matches the requirements” of the role they’re hiring for, Yurovsky explains. “Your resume should paint this picture so the hiring manager not only knows what day-to-day responsibilities you can handle, but why you, above other[s], bring value to their organization.”

How Do You Write a Resume?

Whether you’re someone who’s never written a resume in your life, or you need a nice, thorough refresher on the process of creating one, follow these steps to go from a blank page to a complete—and dare I say beautiful—document.

Related: This Free Worksheet Makes It Easy to Create (or Update) Your Resume

1. Pick Your Format

Before you start typing one single thing, you have to decide what you want the overall resume to look like.

Resume builders can be helpful for this step—they’ll take all your basic information and organize it for you, eliminating some of the legwork. You can also use a pre-made outline, such as one of these free Google Docs templates .

But it’s often safest to start with a clean slate all on your own and eventually upgrade to a more advanced layout. (If you'd still like a place to write all the relevant information before you get started, check out our resume outline .) This allows you to course correct, edit and re-edit, and choose a resume format that best fits your particular situation (after all, not everyone has a career trajectory that’s easy to compartmentalize).

In general, you’re most likely to cover and/or include sections on the following:

• Your work experience
• Your non-work experience, including professional organizations, community involvement, or side projects
• Your education and certifications
• Your skills (specifically hard skills) and interests

So how do you format and organize all of that information?

By far the most common (and safest, if you’re not sure which route to take) option is reverse chronological order . This means you organize your experiences from most recent to least recent. So your work experiences would go above your education, and your current role would go above previous roles you’ve held. This of course has its exceptions—maybe you went back to grad school between jobs, or your most recent role is irrelevant to the job you’re applying for. So the whole page may not be exactly in reverse chronological order depending on your situation. It’s just a guideline.

There’s also something called a functional or skills-based resume . This is used pretty rarely, mainly with career changers and those with limited or complicated work histories. It gets its name because it’s primarily about listing your skills rather than experiences, and showcases them above your work history and education.

You can also opt for a combination resume , which is a mix between a reverse chronological resume and skills-based resume. It highlights your skills at the top, but allows just as much room below to cover your job and school experience.

Use caution when choosing these two formats: “Combo and skills-based [resumes] can be hard to follow, because [they force] the reader to hunt for connections between your skills and experience, and [don’t] provide the full context of your work,” says Muse Career Coach Angela Smith , founder of Loft Consulting. “I’ve also heard a lot of recruiters say that they automatically discount skill-based resumes because they feel the candidate is trying to hide something. I don’t necessarily believe that, but I think it’s important for job-seekers to know that perception is out there.”

2. Start With Your Basic Information

Your contact information should always go at the top of your resume. In this header you’ll want to include anything that could be helpful for a recruiter to get in touch with you. Usually, this means adding in:

• Your full name (preferably the name you use across the web)
• Your phone number
• Your personal email address

You might also choose to include other basic information, such as your LinkedIn or personal website URL, your GitHub (for technical roles), your social media profiles (if relevant to the job), or your address. If you’re looking to move for a job, you may choose to leave out your address or write “open to relocating” to better your chances of getting an interview.

The key is to make this part as clear as possible. If a hiring manager can’t reach you, there’s no point in perfecting the rest of your resume.

3. Add in Your Work Experience

This section will most likely be the bulk of your resume. Even if you’re changing careers, employers still want to see where you’ve worked, what you’ve done, and the impact of that work to get a sense of your background and expertise.

Your “Work Experience” might be one entire category, or you might choose to break it up into “Relevant Experience” and “Additional Experience” to highlight the jobs that are most important for hiring managers to focus on. Either way, you’ll almost always want to have your most recent experience at the top and your older experience down below.

Within your work experience, you’ll want to include each official job title, the company (and possibly its location), and the years you worked there. Below that, you’ll add in two to four bullet points explaining what you did in that job, the skills you built and exercised, the tools you used, and the results of what you did. If you accomplished a lot during your time there, focus on the responsibilities that made the most impact or you’re the most proud of, as well as the ones that best align you with the job you’re applying for (more on that in the following sections). It’s key here to list, if relevant, quantitative as well as qualitative accomplishments.

For example, you might write:

Associate Accountant, Finances and Co., Ann Arbor, MI September 2017 – Present

• Manage billing and invoicing for more than 50 clients, ensuring the deadlines and needs of our enterprise partners, including Big Company and Super Star Org, are met
• Collaborate closely with sales, account management, and project management teams on project setup, maintenance, and invoice management
• Assist in the streamlining of invoicing guidelines and procedures through documentation and the implementation of new software, resulting in an average two-week decrease in total time spent per client

Your resume bullets should be in past tense if you’re referring to past jobs and present tense if you’re talking about your current roles. In addition, your bullets should always start with a strong action verb that best describes what you did. And if you have examples of your work, consider hyperlinking them here as well.

If you have a ton of experience and this category is starting to run long (read: over one page), consider kicking out your oldest jobs unless they’re super relevant to the job you’re applying for, or extra impressive for your field.

Not sure where to start? “It’s helpful to do a brain dump and create a document that has everything and anything you consider as experience or an achievement,” says Yurovsky. From there, she explains, you can start to whittle down what is and isn’t important. And you can refer to this document later if you ever decide to update your resume for a specific role.

Need more specific advice on listing your work experience on your resume? Check out these additional resources:

• When you’ve held multiple jobs at the same company: 2 Jobs, 1 Company: How to Show Multiple Positions on Your Resume
• When you’re not sure what your accomplishments are or how to explain them: Resume Revamp: How to Turn Your Duties Into Accomplishments
• When you want to spruce up a boring or insignificant job: How to Make Your Most Boring Jobs Sound More Interesting on Your Resume
• When you’re considering fudging a job title: The Answer to “Can I Change My Job Title on My Resume to Make It More Accurate?”
• When you’ve had a bunch of short-term gigs: How to List Temporary Jobs on Your Resume

4. Consider Including Volunteer Work or Other Experience

Anything you’ve done that’s not work experience—your side gig, volunteer work, special projects—can be hosted under clearly-labeled sections (“Volunteer Experience” or “Activities,” for example). Depending on how robust your work experience is, these things may be worth including, particularly if they’ve helped you level up your skill set or better align you with your dream job. Plus, they make you look that much more well-rounded, passionate, and hardworking.

If you’re a recent grad, you might also build out a section for on-campus activities, such as clubs, organizations, or leadership experience. This can be a great supplement if you’re lacking in the jobs department. You can frame these just as you would professional jobs—including your title, the organization’s name, and bullets describing what your role was and what you accomplished.

Read More: This Is Exactly How to List Volunteer Work on Your Resume

5. Don’t Forget Your Education

If you’re still in school or just graduated, your education can go at the top of your resume, but for pretty much everyone else, this goes near the bottom. Most people include their school, graduation year (for folks less up to about a decade out of school), major, and degree. Brand-new grads might also write in their GPA, honors and awards, study abroad, thesis, or other notable achievements. But keep this section super simple, as you don’t want it to take up too much space over your work experience.

It’s possible you have unique education experience, such as taking an online course or certification. If you did this specifically as a way to boost yourself within your industry, definitely include it. Again, list everything more or less reverse chronologically—so a grad school degree would go above an undergrad degree, and a more recent relevant online course would go above that.

Learn more about the ins and outs of listing your education on your resume:

• How to (and How Not to) List Education on Your Resume
• How to List Online Courses on Your Resume the Right Way (Because Yes, There Is a Wrong Way)

6. Top It Off With Some Skills and Interests

The skills section of a resume gets a bad rap, but it’s just as important as the rest of the stuff you include. It’s a quick list a recruiter can scan to see if your skill set aligns with what they’re hiring for. And it’s super ATS-friendly (ATS stands for “applicant tracking system,” the robot that in some cases reads your resume before a human does) because it allows you to add in keywords the machine is scanning for.

Usually this section goes at the bottom of your resume, but in special cases—such as a skills-based resume or when someone’s switching fields—you may place it further up.

What exactly do you throw in here? You’ll want to list any hard skills and applications you’re familiar with (Photoshop, SEO, JavaScript, to name a few examples), and, if relevant, your level of expertise. Avoid including soft skills here, like time management or public speaking—save those for your bullet points instead.

Be strategic when filling in your skills. Don’t list things you actually couldn’t do at a high competence level (I’m looking at those of you who say you’re “great” at Excel), and maybe nix skills that are completely irrelevant to the job you want. For example, you may not even need to include Excel if you’re applying for say, a design position, unless it’s listed as a job requirement.

Maybe you’re thinking, I’m a really good volleyball player, but that’s not a “skill,” right? No, it’s not, but it is a hobby. Adding in a hobby section at the bottom of your resume is underrated, and frequently a smart choice. It can be a great conversation starter with a hiring manager, and it can show that you’re a good culture fit—or a culture add—for the company. Also, it’s just a nice way to add in some of your personality. So tack on a bullet point listing out some of your interests, such as hiking, rowing, or crafting (no more than five to seven work-appropriate verbs), and you’re all set here.

7. Write a Resume Summary Statement (if Relevant)

You may have heard of a resume summary statement . They’re not super common, but they can be useful to include near the top of your resume if you’re looking to add clarity or context to your resume. If you’re a career changer, you might find a summary statement helpful in explaining your leap and tying your experience to your new path. Or if you’re a more experienced professional, you can use a summary statement to highlight a theme that brings your career trajectory together.

Overall, you probably won’t need a summary statement if your career is pretty linear and your bullet points do a great job of emphasizing what you have to offer in terms of skills and experience. But if you think it makes sense to include one, “Take the time to think about what the person reading your summary wants to know before you write it,” says McGovern. “Good summaries explain why you do what you do and how it can help. For instance: Merging a background in ABC, I help companies improve XYZ through 123. Summaries shouldn’t be any more complicated than that.”

So, taking McGovern’s example, you might say:

Merging a background in social media marketing and PR with seven years in the consumer tech space, I help companies improve their internal and external communication and brand awareness through data-driven, quality content and strategies that align with the modern trends of the space.

Yurovsky adds that “you don’t want your summary statement to be a dense paragraph with too much information. You want it to be easy to read, concise, and memorable. Almost like a tagline.”

Read More: 3 Resume Summary Examples That’ll Make Writing Your Own Easier

8. Tailor It to the Job (and the ATS)

Once you have your resume written out—you’ve broken down your work experience, tagged on some activities and additional experiences, and listed out your skills—it’s important to go back to the job description (or multiple job descriptions, if you’re applying to several similar jobs) and make sure that what your resume says matches up with the kind of candidate the employers are looking for. In other words, tailor it .

Let’s explain further. You’ll want to begin by tackling the ATS . This means combing the job description to see if individual words and phrases line up. What skills are they asking for, and have you listed them (so long as you actually have them)? What words are they using to describe their ideal hire, and do you use similar language in your resume?

Next, take a bird’s-eye view. If you were the hiring manager for the role, where on your resume would your eyes be drawn to? And what would you be looking for? Whatever you think will be most important for the recruiter, make sure it’s near the top of your resume, or otherwise emphasized.

Finally, dig into the role and responsibilities of the job. Does your resume reflect similar experience? If not, is there a way you can spin it so that it’s clear you’re capable of doing the job (and doing it well)?

These articles can help you if the word “tailoring” makes you start to sweat:

• What It Really Means to “Tailor Your Resume”
• Your Guide to Making Unrelated Experience Look Relevant on Your Resume
• A Cool Trick: How to Spin 1 Resume Bullet 5 Different Ways

9. Edit and Refine It

Please, please don’t just write your resume and shoot it out without giving it a second glance. Hiring managers may not spend hours browsing it, but if there’s one thing that sticks out more than anything else it’s a glaring typo.

The best approach? Write a rough draft, then leave and come back to it later with fresh eyes to give it an edit.

Cover the basics: Is your contact information correct and updated? Are you using the right verb tenses? Does everything look consistent and accurate in terms of spelling and grammar?

Then do some cutting if your resume’s quite long. It’s no longer a hard-and-fast rule that all resumes must be only one page—but consider it a smart guideline for most applicants, especially if you've got less than 10 years work experience. The exception is if you’re very senior or very established in your career; in this scenario, a two-page resume isn’t completely out of the question. Everyone else, read this article for advice on how to cut your resume down.

Formatting-wise, it’s key to consider a couple things. First, what font are you using , and is it legible (for a human and a robot)? When in doubt, go with one of these simple, but sleek, options: Arial, Arial Narrow, Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, or Helvetica.

Second, are you going to save it as a Word document or PDF ? Neither option is wrong, although a PDF helps ensure that your formatting is maintained, no matter what type of computer the hiring manager uses to open the document.

Third, is your resume formatted in a way that it’s skimmable? If it’s feeling crowded or overrun with words, read this: 12 Tiny Changes That Make Your Resume Easy for Recruiters to Skim .

Once you’ve given it a few good looks, it may be worth sending it to a friend or colleague (or even a career coach ) to get a second opinion. Don’t just have them edit it for spelling and grammar—they should dig into your bullets and offer feedback on whether or not your resume is showing you in the best possible light (it’s smart to also send them the job description for something to compare it to).

Here’s the thing: Your resume won’t ever look exactly like someone else’s, nor should it. How you choose to format it, organize your information, and talk about specific experiences depends not just on your career path, but on your field, the job you’re applying for, the company that job is at, and more.

So there isn’t a universal way to do a resume. But there are common themes. To give you some context as to how yours might turn out, here are three examples of different kinds of resumes.

The Most Popular: A Reverse Chronological Resume

As previously mentioned, a reverse chronological resume is preferred by many coaches and HR experts, mainly because it’s super readable. When everything’s in a clear order, it’s easy to skim and even easier to draw lines between experiences.

Who it’s good for: Just about everyone—from students applying to internships all the way up to senior-level executives (with an optional resume summary statement)

Download an Example Chronological Resume for a Software Engineer

The Unorthodox Route: A Functional or Skills-Based Resume

Rather than listing out your experience in reverse chronological order, a functional or skills-based resume has bullet points that reflect how each of your skills is demonstrated by the work you’ve done over the course of your career. At the bottom, you’ll include everything else, such as your education, job history, professional achievements, community involvement, and other technical skills. This is a good option if you have a somewhat all-over-the-place work history and want to tie everything together neatly.

Who it’s good for: Career changers whose work experiences may not appear to be relevant and people with an abundance of temporary jobs or gaps in their work histories.

Download an Example Functional Resume for a Project Manager

The Creative Angle: An Infographic Resume or Resume Website

This resume type is characterized by how it’s formatted visually. You may choose a reverse chronological order or skills-based style to organize your information, but also use graphics, colors, unique fonts, and even multimedia elements to help that information pop. Keep in mind that any creative resume is still likely subject to an ATS—and certain elements may be unreadable by a robot. So consider going this route only if you know a human will be reading your resume (and that said human might enjoy it).

Who it’s good for: People applying to creative roles (designers, editors, writers, marketers, video producers, for example), startups, or fun companies, or to jobs where a creative resume is encouraged, if not required.

Download an Example Infographic Resume for a Designer

Not a designer but want your resume to look just as pretty as this example? Check out these articles:

• 5 Sites to Create an Awesome Infographic Resume (Even if You’re the Least Creative Person Ever)
• How to Build a Resume Website That Will Impress Every Hiring Manager Who Sees It
• 5 Digital Tools That Will Make Your Resume Infinitely More Beautiful

Your resume is a living, breathing document. So while you won’t go through this whole process every time you apply for a job, you should be thinking about all these things as you go to update your resume for your next career step. You might decide later on to switch up the order, or remove or add things, or even get creative and try out a whole new format. If you’re not getting the calls back you expect, you may decide to scrap it and start over —and that’s totally OK.

Regardless of where this piece of paper goes and how it grows, when you give it the care and attention it deserves, you set yourself up for success. And you’ll make it that much more likely that you’ll land an interview and get the chance to prove to the hiring manager—over the phone or in person—what you’ve got to offer.

43+ Resume Tips and Tricks to Land Your Next Job in 2024

Haven’t updated your resume in a while?

We feel you!

There’s a lot that goes into crafting a resume, and unless you’re an expert, the whole process can be overwhelming.

Worry not, though. We’re here to help!

In this value-packed guide, we’re going to give you 43+ of the best resume tips & tricks. Follow these tips to the T, and you’re bound to land your next job.

If you have the time, we’d recommend reading the guide end-to-end. We didn’t include anything that’s “Optional.”

If you don't, that’s fine too! We divided the guide into 3 chapters, with the most important ones on top...

• Fundamental Tips - These resume tips are a game-changer. Whether you follow them or not can be the deciding factor in whether you’re getting hired.
• Essential Tips - These resume tips are very important, but not as important as the Fundamentals. 
• Nice-to-Have Tips - These resume tips aren’t that ground-breaking, but they can still have an impact on your job-search.

Let’s get this started.

19+ Fundamental Resume Tips and Tricks

1) use a professional email address.

No one wants to contact that guy with the tacky email from high school (We’re looking at you, [email protected]).

Create a professional email address for anything related to your job-search and career. 

Any combination of [first name] and [last name] will do.

• [email protected]
• [email protected]

If you have a common name and the email is taken, consider using your initials ( e.g. [FirstNameInitial][LastName]@gmail.com ), or even buying your own custom domain name.

2) Double-Check Your Contact Information

Even the most confident writer is not safe from typos.

Make sure that all your contact information on your resume is accurate, both email and phone number.

After all, even if you’re the most qualified person in the world, it’s not going to matter much if the HR manager can’t contact you.

3) Include Phone Number and Country Code

It’s always a good idea to include your phone number in your resume.

Sure, in most cases, the HR manager will reach you on email. But what if the email gets lost, for whatever reason? Or worse - it goes to your spam section.

If you’re applying for a foreign job, you should also include a country code .

For example, if you’re from Denmark and you’re applying to another country, you’d want to include the country code (+45) in front of your number.

4) Mention Achievements Over Job Responsibilities

When listing your work experience , include achievements instead of responsibilities whenever possible.

Chances are, the HR manager already knows what your responsibilities were from your job title. 

Fun fact: your responsibilities are probably literally the same as everyone else's in your profession.

Instead, to stand out, you want to include as many achievements as possible.

Here’s some achievement examples:

• Exceeded sales KPIs by 25% for 3+ months straight.
• Generated over $25,000 in sales in 1 month.

Compared to responsibilities:

• Generated leads through cold calling.
• Carried out sales operations and managed existing clients.

See the difference? The first example shows that you’re a high achiever. The second shows that you’re a sales manager.

In some fields, though, you might not have any real achievements. If you’re a server, for example, you can’t have “served 200+ people really well” as an achievement.

In that case, it’s totally OK to stick to responsibilities.

Not sure which achievements to mention? Check out our list of 40+ achievements for every field

5) Stick to Relevant Work Experience

Speaking of work experience, make sure you only include previous positions that are relevant to the job you’re applying for .

Make sure that all work experience entries are…

• Timely - Only mention your last 3-5 positions max. No one cares what job you did 15 years ago.
• Contextual - Applying for the role of a dentist ? You don’t have to mention that one time you worked as a pre-school math teacher.

If you don’t have a lot of experience in the field (or no experience at all), though, you can include whatever you have. It’s better to have some experience rather than none .

6) Focus On Other Sections If You Have No Experience

What if you’re a student who’s never worked a day in their life?

The good news is that you don’t need work experience to have a good resume.

In fact, for entry-level jobs, the hiring manager doesn’t expect you to have any experience.

If you want to stand out with a no-experience resume, you can focus more on other sections, such as:

• Coursework - Want to show the HR manager that you have the right know-how, even though you don’t have experience? Mention any relevant courses you took in university.
• Extracurricular Activities - You’ve probably heard the famous college saying - “extracurricular activities are good for your resume.” Well, here’s some good news. It’s not just a rumour, they actually are! List your extracurricular activities just as you’d list your work experience, and you’re good to go.
• Projects - Done some interesting projects in your free time? Maybe you grew an instagram page to thousands of followers. Or, you worked on a part-time startup in uni? Whichever the case, you can add it to your resume.

Want to learn how to write a convincing student resume? Be sure to check out our no-experience resume guide !

7) Be Super Specific - Add Numbers, Data, and Experiences When Possible

Everything you write in your resume should be very specific .

Back every claim with specific experiences, numbers, or data.

What do we mean by that? Well, compare these 2 examples:

• Results-oriented sales manager with 5+ years of experience in the fin-tech industry. Driven over $500,000 worth of enterprise software sales at Company X. Deep knowledge of multiple CRM tools, including SalesForce, PipeDrive, HubSpot CRM, and more.
• Sales manager looking for the next step in their career. Previous experience involves doing sales for several software companies. Deep knowledge of CRM software.

See the difference between the two examples?

The first is very specific, mentioning numbers, data, experiences, etc.

The second, on the other hand, is very generic. The only thing you learn from it is that the candidate does sales.

8) Gap In Your Resume? Explain What Happened

A gap in your resume can be a huge red flag - but only if you don’t address it.

The hiring manager is going to assume the worst by default. So, it’s a good idea to be direct and insert 2-3 sentences acknowledging the gap and explaining what happened.

To do this, just make a small note under your latest work experience entry:

MadeUpHospital

Jan 2016 - Jun 2017

*Quit due to medical reasons in 2017, looking to rejoin the workforce.

• Responsibility #1
• Responsibility #2
• Responsibility #3

Need more tips & tricks on how to get your career back on track? Check out our complete guide to getting back to work after a long period of unemployment !

9) Mention Promotions and Career Progression

Recently got promoted? Congrats!

Make sure to mention that in your resume. 

Company Name

Latest Position

• Dates Worked
• Promotion Explanation (can be an achievement)
• Achievements/Responsibilities

Older Position

10) Use Active Language

Language matters.

The way you present your achievements can amplify their significance, or downplay their worth.

Compare these 2 examples:

• Spearheaded company X’s content marketing operations.
• Responsible for content marketing at company X.

The first example makes you seem more in-charge, like what you did had a huge impact.

The second, on the other hand, sounds super plan, as if you straight up said “I did content marketing.”

You should use action words to make your achievements sound a LOT more significant. 

Some of our favorite action words include:

• Accelerated
• Accomplished
• Contributed

Not sure which action words you want to use? Check out our complete list of 340+ best action verbs for your resume .

11) Tailor Your Resume to Job Ad

Imagine 2 resumes:

• The first describes THE person you’re looking for. They possess all the relevant skills and experiences, and they’re accurately listed in the resume.
• The second MIGHT be the person you’re looking for, but you’re just not sure. They seem to have some relevant experience, but not others.

Which one would you pick? Exactly!

So, how do you make YOUR resume look like the first example?

By tailoring it to the job ad!

How? Well, let’s look at the following job ad:

We’ve highlighted some of the essential skills in blue above. 

Now, to tailor your resume to these requirements, all you’d have to do is mention in your resume that you:

“Have 5+ years of experience in online marketing.” 

• You can mention this in your resume summary.

“Have experience with social media marketing.” 

• This can go in either the “Skills” or “Work Experience” section

“Have a B.A. in marketing or business.” 

• This, of course, belongs in the education section.

“Have experience in managing $20,000+ monthly ad budget on Facebook.” 

• You can mention this in either Work Experience or Resume Summary

If your resume mentions all the essential job requirements, there’s no reason for the hiring manager NOT to call you back!

12) Create a Convincing Cover Letter

Do you want to get an interview in just about every job you apply to?

Well, that’s going to require a bit more effort than usual: you’re going to have to create a killer cover letter.

For most job-seekers, the cover letter is an after-thought. 

They put 100% of their focus on the resume, and re-use the same cover letter for every position they apply for.

Here’s the thing, though: a cover letter is as important as a resume. In a lot of cases, it can even be the deciding factor on whether you get called in for an interview or not.

So, want to know how to write a good cover letter? Here’s what it should include:

• Your Contact Information.
• Hiring manager’s contact information.
• Opening paragraph - Brief introduction to your career, 1-2 top achievements and intent (why you’re applying for this company or position) 
• The body - Go through your experiences and achievements in more detail. Explain how your background is relevant for the position they’re hiring for.
• Closing paragraph - Summarize your main points, and include a call to action (“if you’re interested, I’d love to chat!”)

There’s a LOT more to creating a good cover letter than what we just covered. Check out our complete guide to cover letters for a more detailed walkthrough on how to make one!

13) Keep Your Resume 1-2 Pages at Most

An ideal resume length is 1 page .

Nope, no excuses. 95%+ of job-seekers don’t need to go past the one-page limit.

After all, HR managers receive over 1,000+ resumes for each open position. They don’t have the time to read your autobiography.

There are some exclusions to the one-page rule, though. You can go up to 2 pages if:

• You’re applying for a job in academia. In which case, it’s OK to go up to even 3 pages.
• If you’re an experienced executive with a decade’s worth of work experience.

Want to learn more? Check out the guide on how long should a resume be ! 

14) Use a Reverse-Chronological Resume Format

Part of creating an effective resume is choosing the right format to tell your story.

If you ask just about any career expert (including us), they’d recommend you to stick with the reverse-chronological format .

That means starting off every resume section with your latest experience, and working your way down to the earliest.

In some rare cases (if you have a career gap, for example), you might want to go for a different resume format, such as the Functional Resume or a Combination Resume. If you want to learn more, check out our guide to resume formats .

15) Include White Space

White space refers to the space in your resume between all the sections and paragraphs of text.

When formatting your resume, you should keep some space in between your sections so that it’s easier for the HR manager to skim your resume.

Here’s some basic layout info you should keep in mind when it comes to white space:

• Margins - aim for 1-inch margin on all four sides of your resume to maximize white space.
• Line spacing - go for 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing between text and double lines after subheadings.
• Bullet points - limit up to 6 points within each section.

Not sure if you’ve got your resume layout right? Check out our guide!

16) Use the Right Resume Font

You want your resume to be easy to read, right?

But at the same time, you also want it to stand out.

That means that you should pick the right font, and the right font size.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Best resume fonts: Ubuntu, Robot, Overpass
• Best resume font size: 11-12pt for normal text, 14-16pt for section titles and headers

Check out our full guide on best resume font, size, and format for more info and practical examples.

17) Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly

ATS is an applicant tracking system that many businesses use to screen resumes.

The way this works is, the ATS scans your resume to see if you mention the right keywords, and if you don’t, it automatically discards your application.

So, how do you make sure that a robot doesn’t reject your resume that worked so hard on?

Well, it’s 2 things:

• Pick a Tried-and-Tested Format - Here’s the thing: if the ATS can’t scan your resume, it will automatically discard it. So, you want to use a resume that’s built with ATS in mind. We might be biased, but we’d recommend trying out Novorésumé. We build our resume with with ATS in mind, making it scannable by applicant tracking systems world-wide.
• Sprinkle the Right Keywords - Just as we explained in the “Tailor Your Resume” tip, go through the job ad and figure out what keywords the ATS could be looking for. Then, sprinkle them all around your resume. Head over here if you want to learn more about ATS & keywords .

18) Don’t Lie On Your Resume

This one’s pretty obvious, but we thought we’d mention it anyway:

Don’t lie on your resume. Ever.

You’re going to be found out sooner or later and it’s going to cost you your job, or even your career.

It’s just not worth it.

19) Use an Online Resume Builder

Ever used Word editing tools to build your resume?

Then you probably know what we mean when we say that it’s a total pain.

You spend hours perfecting your resume, and then you make a single, small layout change, and BAM! The whole resume gets messed up.

Want to save yourself from all that hassle?

Use an online resume builder !

All you have to do is pick your favorite resume template , and start filling it in.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, or a professional with a decade of work experience, we have the right format for you!

13+ Essential Resume Tips and Tricks

20) include your job title in resume.

Your professional title should be the job title you’re applying for word-for-word.

Applying for a job as an advertising account executive?

Make sure to include the position name in your resume (below your name) as it’s written in the job ad. 

Ditch the buzzwords - no hiring manager likes those.

• Software Developer
• Code Monkey Ninja Samurai Hero

21) Name Your Resume Correctly

Once you’re done optimizing your resume and you’re ready to send it in, make sure the PDF version has the right name.

The ideal format is FullName - Resume .

• John Doe - Resume.pdf
• John Resume - Final Final Final Version Fixed 

22) Use Correct Subheadings

You’ll want your resume section subheadings to be accurate and easy to find.

So, to help the HR manager reading your resume, try to keep things simple.

• Resume Summary
• Work Experience
• Organizations
• Background Information
• Career History
• Groups Part Of

Bonus Points - this can also help Applicant Tracking Systems read your resume. They recognize “Work Experience,” but not “Work History.”

23) Include Only Relevant Social Media

Wondering if you should include social media links in your resume?

As a rule of thumb, you should only mention the ones that are relevant to your profession and career.

Here’s a brief overview of what you might include:

• LinkedIn - If your LinkedIn is updated, you can mention it for most professions.
• Stack Overflow / GitHub - If you’re a software engineer.
• Medium -Are you a freelance writer or blogger? Include your Medium.
• Quora - Are you an influencer in your field? Mention your Quora account (as long as you have a decent number of answers).
• Website/Blog - Do you have an online presence? Maybe a personal blog that positions you as an expert? If so, make sure to mention it.

24) Include Resume Objective or Summary

The hiring manager looks at your resume for 5-6 seconds max to decide if they’re going to read the rest or not.

Want to catch their attention in a snap?

Use a resume objective or summary.

Both of these sections act as an introduction to your resume, and are used to show that you’re qualified for the job from the get-go (before the HR gets to read the rest of your resume).

So, what’s what?

Both of these sections go in your resume header, right under your contact information section.

A resume objective is mainly for students, or professionals switching their careers. An objective is a 3-4 sentence snapshot of your professional goals and aspirations.

A resume summary is a 3-4 sentence summary of your resume. You use this instead of a resume objective if you’ve previously worked as the position you’re applying for.

• Multilingual customer service representative looking to provide Company X provide stellar customer experience. Strong communication skills, fluent in English, German, and French. Basic knowledge of CRM systems.
• Proactive UX designer with 5 years of experience in delivering enjoyable web and mobile products within the FinTech industry. Designed UI/UX and other marketing materials for 6 apps and 3 games at Company X, 2 of which were features in the App store. Skilled with Sketch and Adobe Creative Studio.

25) Don’t Use Personal Pronouns (“I”, “Me”)

Once you put your name at the top of your resume, it’s already implied that everything you mention in your resume applies to you.

So, there is no need to unnecessarily repeat “I did…” in your resume countless times.

• Managed data entry integrity within the applicant tracking system, ensuring timely entry and visibility of recruitment activity within ATS/CRM technologies.
• I managed data entry integrity within the applicant tracking system. I ensured timely entry, and I worked on the visibility of recruitment activity within the ATS/CRM technologies.

26) Consider Optional Resume Sections

Still have extra space to fill within your resume and want to show off your other important qualifications?

You can include some of the following optional sections to help your resume stand out:

• Hobbies and interests - While this is not a game-changer, they can really help show YOU are as an individual. 
• Volunteering experience - If you try to help others in your free time, while expecting nothing in return, chances are that you’re the type of employee who’s in it for more than just the money. This can be a huge plus for the HR manager.
• Certifications and awards  - Do you have any relevant certifications and awards in your field? As long as it’s relevant, feel free to include it.
• Publications - Are you a freelance writer or a distinguished author? You can include your published works (online, academic journal, etc.) here.
• Projects - Working on a side project can really show off your passion for your field. Hiring managers love employees who do cool work in their free time.

27) Tailor Your Skills to The Job Position

When scanning your resume, one of the most important things hiring managers look for is whether you have the right skills or not.

They’re not looking for just any skills, either. They’re looking for the skills that are going to help you excel at the job you’re applying for.

So, you need to tailor your skills section for each position you apply for.

You can usually figure out which ones are worth mentioning by scanning the job ad.

As a given, make sure you don’t mention anything that’s not directly related to your job.

For example, no one cares about your Photoshop design skills if you’re applying to work as a cashier.

Not sure which skills you can include? Check out our comprehensive list of 150+ must-have skills for any resume .

28) Cut the Fluff

Fluff is way more common than you’d think.

A lot of university students and fresh graduates often fill up their skills section with buzzwords like:

• Critical thinking
• Communication

But if you take a step back and think about it, those skills don’t mean anything. You know it, we know it, the HR manager knows it.

Without providing an example, they’re just a waste of space.

Just about everyone is good at “ communication ” - it doesn’t mean anything without experience to back it up.

So, go through your resume again, and think about this: does everything I say provide clear value?

If the answer is “No,” we’d recommend cutting it and replacing it with something more interesting.

Don’t have much experience? Struggling to fill in your resume? Check out our guide to making a no-experience resume .

29) Proofread With a Tool Like Grammarly

You can’t afford to have any typos on your resume.

There’s nothing more ironic than someone claiming to have an “eye for detail” with a bunch of spelling mistakes in their resume.

So, to be positive that your resume is typo-free, you can use a tool like Grammarly when you’re going over your final edits.

While Microsoft Word and Google Docs do a decent job of detecting errors, it’s always a good idea to have a backup spelling tool just in case.

30) Be Consistent With Section Formatting

Be consistent with your section formatting so that your overall resume is easy on the eyes.

This includes things like:

• Line spacing.

31) Include Volunteering Experience

You can’t go wrong with volunteering experience.

It’ll make you stand out regardless of your job position or industry. 

If the volunteering experience is somehow related to your career and has some transferable skills, you can even include it in your work experience

Here’s what that might look like:

Volunteer Camp Instructor

FireTech Summer Camps

06/2018 - 09/2018

Courses taught:

• Coding games with Java
• Python and electronics with Minecraft
• Teen coding with Python

32) Include Irrelevant Jobs if You Have No Other Experience

As a general rule, when applying for a job, you only list work experience that’s relevant for the position.

But what if you have none?

In that case, it’s totally OK to mention ANY work experience you might have, even if it’s not relevant for the job you’re applying for.

Look at it this way: the recruiter is more likely to hire someone that's worked A job, rather than a person that's never worked a day in their life.

11+ Nice-to-Have Resume Tips and Tricks

33) include languages and proficiency.

Most companies are international nowadays, and being bilingual is a great way to gain a competitive advantage.

Even if knowing a foreign language isn’t necessary for the job you’re applying for, it might come in handy at some point in the future.

When listing languages, you should always include your skill level:

• Intermediate

Oh, and it goes without saying that you shouldn’t lie about your skill levels.

Trust us, you don’t want to end up in a situation where the interviewer is a native Spanish speaker, and you exaggerated your “Proficient Spanish.”

34) Don’t Include “Reference Available Upon Request”

This is another common mistake many people still make.

Having a whole section dedicated to that one phrase is just a waste of space.

Hiring managers know they can always request your list of references - so what’s the point of mentioning it?

35) Don’t Include a Photo (If You’re From the US and UK)

There’s a lot of confusion around photos on resumes .

Some people always use a photo on their resume.

Others believe it’s a strict no-no.

So, which one is it?

It depends on your location.

There are strict anti-discrimination labor laws in some countries, namely:

• United Kingdom
• United States

If you’re from one of those countries, don’t include a photo on your resume.

Obviously, there are some exceptions to the rule - such as, if you’re applying for a modelling job.

If you’re from anywhere else in the world, though, you can include a photo. 

36) Feeling Stumped? Get Inspired by Resume Examples

Have doubts about your resume design or layout?

Check out some of our job-winning resume examples .

We made sure to cover samples for several different fields, including business, computer science, and more!

37) Read Your Resume Out Loud

While it may sound awkward, reading your resume out loud is the best way to spot any awkward phrases or spelling mistakes.

Sure, Grammarly is useful, but it often misses a lot of really obvious mistakes (which the HR manager probably won’t!).

This is going to be monotonous, yes. But it’s the best way to proofread your resume and it also beats any spell checking tools out there.

38) Clean Up Your Online Presence

Imagine this:

The recruiter LOVES your resume.

They’re about to call you in for an interview, but before that, they decide to check up on your online presence.

Big mistake.

The first thing that pops up when they Google your name is your Facebook page, with very embarrassing photos from your last night out.

Not really that appropriate for a Senior Banker.

Want to avoid such awkward situations? Make sure your online presence is working FOR you, not against you:

• Change your Facebook Privacy setting to “Friends” to make sure random people can’t see your profile.
• Clean up your Twitter account, make sure you’re not posting anything too scandalous.
• Google your name and see if you can find anything off. You can ask Google to remove any private sensitive information .

Do you have a LinkedIn profile? You should! It shows the recruiter that you’re serious about your career.

Make sure to optimize your LinkedIn profile so that it complements your resume!

39) Consider Putting Education First

The most important sections of your resume should come first.

Are you a student with very limited work experience?

Consider putting your education section on top of your work experience.

This places a lot more focus on your education career, as opposed to any irrelevant jobs you might have worked.

Of course, if you have worked a job in your field, you’d always want to put work experience on top.

40) Add Your Courses In the Education Section

If your education section is your biggest selling point, then you might want to also add any relevant courses you’ve taken.

As usual, relevance is key here. Applying for a job in finance? The recruiter doesn’t care about the social media course you took in your freshman year.

B.A. in Accounting and Finance

• Advanced financial statistics
• Econometrics II
• Advanced accounting II
• Media communication
• Digital and social media
• Communication research

41) Use DocSend to Track Your Resume

Ever wondered what happens after you send in your application?

Did the HR even read your resume, or did it fall through the cracks?

Well, with a tool like DocSend , you can know for sure whether someone look at your resume or not.

The way this works is, you upload your resume on DocSend, and it gives you a link you can use.

Whenever someone opens your link and looks at your resume, you’ll get a notification.

Cool, right?

This way, you can know for sure if you can expect a call for an interview (the HR looked at your resume for 60+ seconds), or you’re just not qualified (HR closed the resume within 5 seconds of opening it).

And to put the cherry on top, you’ll know if the HR manager missed your resume (you won’t get the notification within a week), so you can just send them a quick reminder!

• Unfortunately, this method only works if you’re applying for a job through e-mail and not through an online application.

42) Use Colors to Stand Out

The color scheme you use in your resume is an important part of its design.

Ideally, you should strike the right balance of creativity and professionalism.

If you’re applying for a job in a more conservative industry (e.g. finances, banking), a standard black and white theme is fine.

But if you’re applying to work in a creative startup as a web designer or a developer, you can get more creative.

After all, HR managers get a TON of resumes every day, and most of them look exactly the same.

Whenever you can afford to stand out with your resume, you should!

43) Consider Using a Professional Template

If you’re looking to create a new resume but don’t want to go through the painstaking process of creating one from scratch - consider using a professional template.

There’s a lot of pre-built online resume templates that can have you up and running with a fully customized resume in a matter of minutes.

There’s a lot of variety as well. You can pick a design that works perfectly for your industry or field.

Want to give it a try? Check out some of our top resume templates !

Key Takeaways

And that's a wrap!

There are a ton of resume tips & tricks on the web, and in this guide, we covered all the essential stuff.

So, we hope you enjoyed the guide and are a lot more confident with your resume skills!

Looking for more actionable advice? Check out our career blog for industry-leading career tips and tricks!

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

40+ Resume Tips and Advice for 2024 [with Expert Insights] | Enhancv

In This Guide:

Structure and formatting resume tips, content resume tips, tailoring and customization resume tips, tips for using ai to write your resume, additional resume tips.

Crafting the perfect resume can feel like a daunting task, but with the right advice, you can create a stand-out resume  that captures the attention of potential employers.

Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to update your resume or a recent graduate stepping into the job market, our comprehensive guide will help you demonstrate your skills and experiences effectively. From structuring your resume to highlighting key achievements, these tips will make your resume shine and increase your chances of landing that dream job.

So you’re already familiar with what a resume is —all the different and possible parts of a resume , maybe some typical resume mistakes  to avoid, and perhaps even exactly how to write a resume .

In that case, the next step is to familiarize yourself with the following tips. They’re sure to help you in the final stretch to get your resume ready to impress!

Structure and formatting are crucial on a resume because they ensure your information is easily readable and accessible to hiring managers. A well-structured resume puts the spotlight on your key qualifications, skills, and achievements, making it easier for employers to quickly see why you’re a strong candidate.

Good formatting also helps your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) , which many companies use to screen applicants.

By organizing your resume clearly and professionally, you make a positive first impression and increase your chances of landing an interview.

1. Study the job posting

Tailoring your resume to match the job description  is crucial in catching the eye of recruiters and passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Begin by thoroughly reading the job posting to understand the specific skills and experiences the employer is looking for. Highlight the keywords and phrases used in the job description, especially those listed under "Responsibilities," "Qualifications," or "Requirements." These keywords should be seamlessly incorporated into your resume, reflecting your qualifications in a way that matches the employer’s expectations.

For instance, if the job posting mentions proficiency in “project management” and “ budgeting ,” ensure these terms are included in your resume where relevant.

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

If you’re applying for a marketing manager position , your resume might include a bullet point like:

• Managed a team of 5 in the successful launch of a $50,000 marketing campaign, increasing brand awareness by 30%.

2. Structure your resume properly

A well-structured resume makes it easier for recruiters to find the information they need. Typically, an application should include the following resume sections : Header, Summary/Objective, Employment History, Skills, and Education.

The header should contain your contact information; the summary should provide a brief overview of your professional background; employment history should list your previous jobs in reverse chronological order; the skills section should highlight your relevant abilities; and education should detail your academic background.

Resume structure example

• Header : Jeffery Holmes | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndoe
• Summary : Experienced Marketing Professional with 5+ years in digital marketing, specializing in SEO and content strategy.
• Employment history :

Marketing Manager, ABC Corp, 2019-present : Increased web traffic by 40% through SEO improvements.

• Skills : SEO, Content Strategy, Google Analytics
• Education : Bachelor’s in Marketing, XYZ University, 2014

3. Create an eye-pleasing header

Your resume header  is the first thing potential employers will see, so it should be clear, attractive, and professional. Ensure it includes your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile .

You may also include your city and state, but avoid unnecessary details like your full address unless required.

Use a larger font size for your name to make it stand out and ensure the contact information is easy to read.

4. Choose the right resume format

Selecting the appropriate resume format  is essential for presenting your information effectively.

• The reverse chronological format , which lists your work history starting with the most recent, is ideal for those with a steady career progression.
• The functional format  focuses on skills rather than job history, making it suitable for those with gaps in employment or changing careers.
• The hybrid or combination format merges these two, highlighting skills and work history, which can benefit professionals with a varied work background.

5. Keep it concise

A concise resume is more likely to be read and appreciated by recruiters. Aim to keep your resume length  to one page  if you have less than ten years of experience. This forces you to prioritize the most relevant and impactful information, ensuring that every word adds value.

Among the most effective ways to shorten your resume  is using bullet points to clearly present your achievements and avoid long paragraphs.

Instead of detailing every job duty, focus on key achievements:

• Reduced page load time by 40% through optimization techniques.

6. Use a professional font

Using a clean, sophisticated resume font  makes your document easy to read and ensures it looks professional.

Stick to ATS-friendly fonts , like:

• Times New Roman

Also, remember to keep the size between 10-12 points for body text, however, for headings, a slightly larger size (13-14 points) can be used to help differentiate sections.

7. Maintain consistent formatting

Consistency in formatting makes your resume look organized and professional. Ensure that all headings, bullet points, and text align properly.

Use the same font and style throughout your resume, and keep the resume layout  clean and uncluttered.

8. Use appropriate margins

Typically, one-inch resume margins  on all sides are ideal for a resume, but don’t go less than 0.5”. This provides enough white space to make the document easy to read while fitting in all the necessary information.

If you find you have too much white space, consider spacing your lines by 1.15 or 1.5.

9. Quantify your achievements

Quantifying your achievements with numbers and statistics  helps substantiate your accomplishments and gives a clear picture of your impact. This makes your resume more compelling and provides concrete evidence of your success.

Increased website traffic by 50%  through strategic SEO improvements.

10. Proofread and get feedback

Typos and grammatical errors on your resume  can leave a negative impression on recruiters. After proofreading yourself, have friends, family, or colleagues review it to provide additional insights and catch mistakes you might have missed. This extra step ensures your resume is polished and professional.

Consider using the  Enhancv resume builder  to avoid typos. The built-in Content Suggestion software automatically checks your work for errors. It also provides specific feedback and language to improve your resume.

You can also  enable grammar-checking on Microsoft Office  or Google Docs  to proofread as you write. Another excellent option is Grammarly , which provides plug-ins to further enhance the grammar check on Microsoft or Google Docs products.

11. Save as PDF or Word

Unless a job posting specifically requests otherwise, save your resume as a PDF or Word document .

These formats are easily opened and can be read by ATS. PDFs are particularly useful as they preserve your formatting across different devices and programs.

12. Name your file clearly

When saving your resume, use a clear and professional filename . This makes it easier for hiring managers to find your document and reflects a professional attitude.

Simple formula:

FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf.

13. Resume icons

Using icons on your resume can enhance visual appeal and readability, making key sections easier to identify and creating a strong initial impact. However, overuse can clutter your resume and affect ATS compatibility.

To balance aesthetics and functionality, use icons sparingly for contact information, skills, and section headers. Ensure consistency in style and size, choose simple, recognizable icons, and keep the majority of your content text-based to avoid parsing issues with ATS.

14. Using lines on a resume

Using lines on your resume can enhance readability and visual appeal by clearly separating different sections. Place lines purposefully to divide major sections like Contact Information, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, and Skills.

Opt for thin, light-colored lines to maintain a clean, professional design and ensure consistency in style and thickness throughout. Maintain adequate spacing around lines to avoid clutter, and use them sparingly to highlight key sections without disrupting the flow of information.

Thoughtful use of lines improves organization and clarity, making it easier for recruiters to quickly find and understand your qualifications.

15. Be honest

Honesty on your resume is crucial. Exaggerating or lying on your resume  about your qualifications can be easily uncovered and can damage your credibility. Be truthful about your skills and experiences!

16. Update regularly

Regularly updating your resume  ensures it reflects your latest achievements, skills, and experiences. This keeps you prepared for new opportunities and ensures your resume is always current.

17. Include a cover letter

A cover letter  is an essential accompaniment to your resume. It allows you to introduce yourself, explain your interest in the position, and elaborate on key aspects of your resume. A well-written cover letter can distinguish you from other candidates.

For more on what your cover letter should consist of, click here .

Content is imperative on a resume because it underlines your qualifications, skills, and experiences, directly influencing a hiring manager's decision. High-quality content effectively communicates your achievements and capabilities, demonstrating your suitability for the role. It helps you stand out in a competitive job market by highlighting what sets you apart from other candidates.

Moreover, well-crafted content tailored to the job can help your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), ensuring it reaches the recruiter. Clear, relevant, and impactful content is the hallmark of a strong, positive impression.

1. Write a compelling introductory

There are three options to choose from when it comes to your introduction.

Resume summary

This is a brief statement at the beginning of your resume that underlines your key qualifications and career goals. This section should succinctly convey who you are as a professional and what you bring to the table, helping potential employers quickly see your value. A well-crafted summary can set the tone for the rest of your resume and make a strong first impression.

• Resume summary formula

A strong resume summary should be concise and tailored to highlight your most relevant qualifications. Here’s a formula you can follow:

[Job Title/Professional Identity] with  [Number] years of experience in  [Industry/Field] .   Proven track record in  [Key Skill/Responsibility] ,  [Key Skill/Responsibility] , and  [Key Skill/Responsibility] . Adept at  [Specific Task or Tool] . Seeking to leverage expertise in  [Relevant Area] to  [Achieve a Specific Goal or Contribute to Company] .

Here’s an example of the formula in use:

Objective statement

This is another similar variant, designed primarily for entry-level candidates or career changers with little to no experience. It highlights your biggest strengths, relevant experiences, and how you plan to add value to the specific job or company you're applying for. In just three sentences, the objective statement demonstrates to prospective employers how your skills and work history will contribute to their business.

• Objective statement formula

To create a compelling resume objective statement, use the following formula:

[Adjective + Job Title]  + [Years of Experience]  + [Key Skills/Qualifications]  + [What You Want to Achieve/Contribute]  + [How It Aligns with the Company's Goals/Values]

We illustrate below:

Resume profile

This type provides a brief snapshot of your professional identity, emphasizing your skills, experiences, and career objectives. This short paragraph combines elements of a summary and an objective statement, offering a holistic view of who you are as a professional, what you’ve accomplished, and what you aim to achieve.

Breakdown of the example

• Professional identity:  "Dedicated project manager with over 8 years of experience in the IT industry"
• Skills and experiences:  "Specializing in software development and team leadership. Successfully led cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget. Skilled in Agile methodologies, risk management, and stakeholder communication."
• Career objectives:  "Committed to continuous improvement and passionate about leveraging technology to drive business success. Seeking to apply my expertise and leadership skills to a dynamic team at ABC Corporation to enhance project outcomes and foster innovation."

All of these professional statements should come first on your resume, just under the header and headline.

2. Highlight key achievements and honors

Instead of merely listing job duties, focus on your accomplishments in each role. This approach demonstrates the impact you've made and your ability to deliver results. As we’ve already mentioned above, quantifying your achievements with numbers, percentages, or other metrics can make them more compelling and concrete.

If you have received an award for outstanding performance, you might write:

3. Showcase your skills

Include a dedicated resume skills section  to shine a light on the hard skills  relevant to the job you're applying for. Soft skills , on the other hand, should be embedded within different areas of your resume, such as your work experience, education, and summary.

Hard skills, also known as core competencies , encompass a wide array of technical abilities  and knowledge specific to your profession. In contrast, soft skills are interpersonal and behavioral abilities that influence how you work and interact with others.

4. Provide contact information

This is related to your resume header, please refer back to the example above if needed. Ensure your contact information  is up-to-date and prominently displayed. Include your name, phone number , email address, and LinkedIn profile. Including your physical address on your resume  is optional but can provide context about your location.

One thing to avoid, however, is having your photo on your resume . This may incur unconscious bias and it’s rarely expected.

5. Include relevant links

Providing links on your resume  to your professional website, work portfolio , or LinkedIn profile allows employers to see more of your work and accomplishments. Ensure all links are up-to-date and relevant to your professional image.

6. Resume adjectives

Using the right adjectives on a resume is important as it can effectively convey your strengths and qualities to potential employers. Well-chosen adjectives can make your skills and experiences stand out, giving a clear impression of your professional identity and work ethic.

Tips for using adjectives include being specific and relevant to the job you're applying for. Avoid overused or vague adjectives, and instead, opt for those that accurately describe your abilities and achievements. Balance the use of adjectives to maintain professionalism and avoid exaggeration. This enhances your resume's impact and readability.

Read our post on resume adjectives  for more information and an extensive list of examples.

7. Use action verbs

Starting bullet points with strong action verbs  makes your resume more dynamic and engaging. Words like “developed,” “managed,” and “implemented” effectively describe your contributions and responsibilities.

Managed  a team of 10 sales representatives, increasing overall sales by 25% within one year.

8. Showcase career progression

Showing your career progression by displaying promotions and increased responsibilities demonstrates your growth and capability to take on more challenging roles. This helps employers see your potential for long-term value.

Promoted from Junior Sales Associate to Senior Sales Manager within two years, managing a team of 10 sales associates and increasing regional sales by 30%.

9. Highlight relevant education

List your educational background in a dedicated education section on your resume , including degrees, institutions, and graduation dates. Also, include any professional certifications and training relevant to the job although separate sections are also acceptable.

• • Minor in Graphic Design.
• • Relevant Courses: Digital Marketing Analytics, Social Media Strategy, Content Marketing.
• • Certification in Digital Marketing,

10. Include volunteer work

Volunteer work  can demonstrate additional skills and dedication. It's especially valuable if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for or helps fill employment gaps.

Many candidates place this after their work experience or under a separate section if it's extensive and relevant.

• • Organize food drives and manage a team of volunteers. Increased donation levels by 20%

11. Mention professional development

Listing workshops, courses, and professional development activities— training skills , in general, shows your commitment to continuous learning and improvement. This can be particularly valuable in fast-evolving industries.

• Completed Advanced SEO Strategies Course, HubSpot Academy, 2021.
• Attended annual Digital Marketing Conference, 2019-2023.

12. Add additional sections if relevant

Additional sections can make your resume unique and provide more context about your skills and interests. Include sections like hobbies and interests, professional affiliations, awards, languages, projects, and publications if they add value to your application.

These additions should be placed after the main sections, like work experience, education, and skills.

Here are a few examples:

• Language section

This section shows your communication skills and cultural adaptability, which are valuable in today's globalized workforce. Multilingual abilities can differentiate you from others by making you more attractive for roles that require interaction with diverse clients or colleagues.

It also indicates your capacity for learning and flexibility. Employers often seek candidates who can bridge language barriers and contribute to international business operations, enhancing team dynamics and expanding market reach.

• Hobbies and interests

Including this element on your resume can provide a more well-rounded view of your personality and help you stand out from other candidates. They can underline soft skills like teamwork, creativity, and time management, which are valuable in a professional setting.

Additionally, hobbies can act as conversation starters in interviews, helping to build rapport with potential employers. If relevant to the job, they can also demonstrate a genuine passion or additional expertise that complements your professional qualifications.

• Resume awards

Awards demonstrate your achievements and recognize your excellence in your field. They illustrate your competence, dedication, and the value you bring to your work.

These distinctions also add credibility to your skills and experience, reinforcing your qualifications for the position.

• Professional affiliations

They demonstrate your commitment to your field and show that you stay updated with industry trends and best practices. Associations also highlight your professional network and can indicate your involvement in ongoing education and development.

This can be particularly impressive to employers, as it suggests you are proactive in maintaining your expertise and are connected with other professionals in your industry.

• • Participated in PMI Global Congress and local chapter events.
• • Engaged in continuous learning through PMI webinars and courses.
• • Active member of the Scrum Alliance community.
• • Attended annual Global Scrum Gatherings and local meetups.
• • Contributed to ACM Special Interest Groups (SIGs) on software engineering.
• • Published articles in the ACM Digital Library.
• Publications on resumes

Publications demonstrate your expertise, thought leadership, and contributions to your field. They provide context for your research skills, ability to communicate complex ideas, and commitment to staying updated with industry developments.

Including publications is particularly beneficial in academia, research, and technical fields, as it shows your active engagement with current knowledge and practices. Ensure the publications listed are pertinent to the role, as this can strengthen your application by showcasing your qualifications and professional accomplishments.

• Resume projects

Including projects demonstrates your practical experience and ability to apply your skills in real-world situations. Projects showcase your problem-solving abilities, creativity, and achievements, making your resume shine to employers.

They provide concrete examples of your work, which can be especially valuable if you lack extensive professional experience. Adding relevant projects also shows your initiative and dedication, whether they are from work, school, or personal endeavors.

Overall, projects add depth to your resume, illustrating your competencies and contributions effectively.

• • Implemented secure user authentication and payment processing.
• • Increased site traffic by 30% through optimized SEO strategies.
• • Collaborated with a team of designers and developers to ensure seamless user experience.

13. Include relevant licenses and certificates

Licenses and certifications on your resume  can be crucial in certain industries, as they demonstrate that you have the necessary qualifications and have met industry standards. Including these on your resume can set you apart from other candidates, especially if the job requires specific credentials.

Make sure to list any relevant licensures and certificates prominently and include the date of issuance.

Certification example:

Licensure example:

Tailoring and customization on a resume  are crucial because they show employers you have the specific skills and experiences they seek. By aligning your resume with the job description, you demonstrate that you’ve researched the company and understand their needs.

This increases your chances of standing out among applicants and getting selected for an interview. It also highlights your attention to detail and dedication, qualities valued by employers.

Tailor your resume for the job you want, not just the job you have.

1. Tailor your resume

Customizing your resume for each job application is essential to stand out in the competitive job market. This means you should carefully read the job description and identify the key skills and experiences that the employer is looking for. Then, adjust your resume to emphasize those qualifications. This not only shows that you have the required skills but also that you’re genuinely interested in the specific position.

Tailoring your resume involves reordering your skills, experiences, and achievements to align with the job requirements. For example, if a job posting for a marketing manager emphasizes digital marketing and data analysis, make sure to highlight your expertise in those areas prominently in your resume.

2. Make multiple versions

Creating multiple versions of your resume allows you to be prepared for various job opportunities without starting from scratch each time. This is particularly useful if you’re applying for different types of roles or industries.

Keep a master resume that includes all your experiences, skills, and accomplishments. From this master resume, you can create targeted versions that focus on specific aspects of your career that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. This approach saves time and ensures that your resume is always tailored to the specific job.

If you are applying for both project management and business analyst roles, you might have two versions of your resume. The project management version would emphasize your experience in leading projects, while the business analyst version would focus on your analytical skills and experience with data analysis.

3. Use relevant keywords

To increase your chances of getting noticed, identify the key words and phrases  in the job description and naturally incorporate them into your resume. This shows the hiring manager that you understand the job's requirements and are able to fulfill them.

4. Curate your bullet points and experiences

Limiting bullet points to the most relevant achievements ensures that your resume remains concise and focused. Each bullet point should demonstrate a significant accomplishment or responsibility that is directly related to the job you’re applying for.

Avoid cluttering your resume with less relevant information that might dilute the impact of your most impressive achievements. Instead, focus on specific, quantifiable accomplishments  that highlight your skills and experience.

5. Show transferable skills and experiences

Highlighting transferable skills on your resume  is especially important if you are changing careers or applying for a role that differs from your previous positions. Transferable skills are abilities that you have developed in one context but can apply to another, such as leadership, communication, or project management.

By showcasing these skills, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed in a new role even if you don’t have direct experience in that field.

If you are moving from a teaching role to a corporate training position, you might highlight your skills in public speaking, curriculum development, and mentoring.

For example, you could write:

Designed and delivered engaging educational programs, resulting in a 30% improvement in student test scores.

6. List recent and relevant work experience

Focusing on your recent and relevant work experience on your resume  helps demonstrate your current skills and qualifications. If you’re asking yourself how far back you should go , typically, employers are most interested in your work history from the past 10-15 years. Older roles can be summarized or omitted if they are not directly relevant to the job you are applying for.

This approach keeps your resume concise and ensures that the most pertinent information is highlighted.

Keep your work history relevant

Instead of detailing a job you held 20 years ago, you might summarize it briefly if it is still relevant. " Previous roles include various marketing positions, contributing to a solid foundation in brand management and customer engagement”.

Using AI to assist with writing your resume can be highly beneficial. Here are some pointers to make the most out of AI tools:

1. Leverage AI resume builders

• Ease of use:   Enhancv’s free AI-powered resume builder  simplifies the creation process, guiding you through each section with prompts and suggestions.
• Customization:  Use these tools to tailor your resume to specific job descriptions by inputting keywords and skills relevant to the job.

2. Optimize keywords

• ATS optimization:  Run your current resume through Enhancv’s free AI resume checker  to identify and incorporate keywords from job descriptions, increasing your chances of passing ATS scans.
• Relevance:  Ensure that the keywords align with your actual skills and experiences to maintain authenticity.

3. Enhance formatting

• Consistency:  AI can suggest and implement consistent formatting, making your resume visually appealing and easy to read.
• Modern layouts:  Utilize AI recommendations for modern and effective resume layouts that attract recruiters' attention.

4. Draft multiple versions

• Role-specific resumes:  Create multiple versions of your resume tailored to different job roles or industries using AI suggestions.
• Experimentation:  Use AI to experiment with different wording and structures to see which versions resonate best with job postings.

Integrate AI into your resume writing process. It’ll enhance the quality, relevance, and effectiveness of your resume, increasing your chances of landing the job you desire.

1. Keep a resume outline

Maintaining a resume outline  is an essential organizational strategy that helps streamline the resume writing process. A resume outline is a comprehensive list of all your qualifications, including work experience, education, skills, certifications, and achievements.

By keeping this information readily available, you can easily tailor your resume to specific job applications without starting from scratch each time. This approach not only saves time but also ensures consistency and completeness in the information presented.

2. Avoid personal information

In short, do not put your  age , marital status, or social security number as they can lead to potential bias or identity theft. Employers are primarily interested in your professional qualifications and skills, not personal details that do not impact your ability to perform the job.

Excluding this information keeps your resume focused and professional, aligning with modern resume writing standards.

3. Avoid unnecessary phrases

Phrases like “References available upon request” are outdated and take up valuable space on your resume. Employers assume you will provide references if requested, so there is no need to state this explicitly. Instead, use this space to highlight additional skills or accomplishments that can make your resume stand out.

4. Explain career gaps

Being upfront about gaps in your employment history is crucial. Employers appreciate honesty and transparency. Use your cover letter or resume summary to briefly explain any significant gaps and focus on what you did during that time that contributes to your professional development.

If you took a year off to care for a family member, you could write, “ Took a career break from June 2020 to June 2021 to provide full-time care for a family member. During this time, I developed strong time management and organizational skills. ”

This explanation is straightforward and emphasizes the positive skills gained during the gap.

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50+ Resume Building Tips (Tricks and Writing Advice)

Writing a resume that helps you get noticed is very important as you embark on your next search for a dream job. In 2022, your resume needs to be easy to review quickly, concise with the most important highlights related to the job you’re pursuing, keyword-friendly for the AI resume bots that may be reviewing it first, and more.

When deciding to update your resume for a new job search in 2022, don’t feel like you must do a complete overhaul when considering the below-mentioned resume -building tips. In most cases, you’ll edit it to reduce the fluff and highlight the things that matter the most . Your number one goal is to get an interview for the particular job you’re applying for; it’s not telling your life story. Many job seekers believe that every little experience they’ve had or project they’ve completed has to be on their resume , and that’s not the case, as you’ll see below.

We advise you to print out your current resume  and the job posting you’re most interested in and have a red pen available as you walk through these tips and tricks for writing a great resume in 2022.

Best Resume Building Tips

Reduce Your Resume to One Page

Decide whether or not to include your mailing address, utilize a straightforward and easy scan format, maximize the use of format spacing, margins, all-caps, and bolded font for readability, remove the fluff by sifting through dated and unnecessary buzzwords, show off your hard and soft skills, scrub your personal info and social media accounts, do not match your resume to your linkedin profile.

When considering these resume -building tips, the first thing to do is reduce it to one page . A single-page resume is a widely held preference for most recruiters and HR leaders. Back in the day, we used to think of a long resume as proof of professionalism, and that’s no longer true. You can still include all the bright moments of your career and many of the different jobs you progressed through. Just try not to elaborate too much, and remember to be concise. If you’re stretching to get your resume to one page, adjust your font to a minimum of 11 for the body, and a max of 14 font sizes for your name.

Below are quick resume writing tips that you should use to highlight relevant skills, your educational background with academic honors , and your work history to reduce a good resume to one page.

• Only include relevant experiences to the job you are applying to
• Cut repetitive bullets for different jobs
• Leave out “references available upon request,” as employers will ask you when they want them
• Make your name smaller, with max 14 font size
• Get rid of your objective and skills section, especially if it’s taking up significant real estate
• Leave out volunteer work if it takes you to two pages unless it’s very relevant to the job to which you’re applying
• Leave out your high school unless you are in college looking for an internship or summer job
• Put information about each position on one line
• Format relevant leadership experience under work experience
• Adjust your spacing but make sure everything is easy to scan
• Put your contact information (city, professional email address, phone) on one line
• Use a smaller font, minimum 11 font-size though
• Don’t feel pressure to put three bullets but make sure they get your points across
• Use bullet points with relevant information that makes you stand out
• Only mention self-explanatory awards that are relevant
• Leave off irrelevant experience
• Submit it as a PDF unless otherwise specified
• Save your resume as “Your Full Name Resume ” and not something like “First Initial Last Name Resume Update 2022 March – The Newest”

Should you put your full address on your resume? Yes, you should add some form of location identifier , but it doesn’t necessarily need to be your complete address. There are different opinions about adding a street address to your resume . Some people find it necessary to have your prospective employer aware of your exact location, while others disagree. The consensus seems to point towards adding some form of location identifiers, such as adding just your city or state, your metropolitan area, or that you work remotely.

Reasons to put your full address on your resume include some employers expect it. It makes your resume ATS (Applicant Tracking System) friendly, makes the hiring process shorter, matches time zone compatibility for remote positions, and puts you in consideration for other jobs.

The reasons against putting your full address on your resume include personal security issues, the risk of employer location bias, unintentional disqualification if an employer sets up a location boundary, an outdated look, and space used.

Your career timeline isn’t as important as what you learned along the way. When updating your resume , even on an entry-level resume , state the milestones of your professional journey chronologically , and explain how they added to your skillset.

Generally speaking, there are four types of resume formats. Recruiters spend only a few seconds on every resume that lands on their desk. It would help if you crafted yours so that the most vital pieces of information are front and center. The good idea is to choose the proper format for your resume to do this. In some cases, resume templates can help get you started.

• Chronological
• Combination

Browse effective resume formats online for inspiration and choose a clearer  and more concise outline than your outdated resume . The aesthetics should first please you, but it should also be straightforward to read without exuberance. Choose a theme that’ll fit the image of your industry and a potential employer.

Below are a few resume formatting tips that may help you stand out and improve your current version.

• Set half-inch margins on the top and bottom and .7-inch margins on the sides
• Pick an 11 or 12-point resume font and stick to it
• Utilize times new roman font for the cleanest, least dramatic look
• Create a proper resume header format for your contact details with your name in a larger font than your address and phone number
• Divide your resume into distinct sections, for example, contact information, work experience, and education (add skills, awards, and summary if room otherwise remove)
• Use  relevant bullet points with action verbs  to talk about your experience
• Be consistent with your resume formatting and stick to the same date format, for example, 1–2023, or January 2023
• Use single spacing for bullets but add white space as necessary for readability
• Add an extra space before and after each section heading
• Don’t use photos on your resume unless the job description specifically asks for them
• Make sure the company, job title, and dates are in all caps, highlighted, or bolded so they stand out and are easy to scan

An average human nowadays has an attention span of a little less than a Goldfish. The short attention span suggests that a three-page resume would seem overwhelmingly long. A busy employer will quickly move on to a briefer document and may miss out on your excellent qualifications.

Let’s remove the following fluff or dated items from your resume .

• An objective or skills section at the top of your resume
• Weird or potentially polarizing interests
• Third-person voice
• An email address from your current employer or an outdated one from Yahoo or Hotmail
• Unnecessarily big words
• Tiny, unimportant jobs from 20 years ago

As you know, resume space is vital, and utilizing unnecessary words and verbose language can backfire. Here are more terms to never include on a resume .

• Team player
• Hardworking or hard worker
• Microsoft Office
• Reference available upon request
• I, she, he, him, her
• Can’t or won’t
• Unnecessary personal information
• I know HTML, photoshop
• Generalizations
• Accomplished
• Stay-at-home Mom
• Responsible for
• Results-oriented

Another great resume writing tip is to describe your current and previous work to frame your best traits. If you’re an expert in your field, write that before anything else. Leadership, conflict resolution, successful negotiation, and effective communication are among the most needed soft skills in the 2020s. Don’t just say that you have these skills, give examples that shed light on your best traits . If you missed it, check out our post on soft skills employers seek in the residential construction industry. Are you learning a new skill while searching for a new job ? Make sure to add it when building your resume .

Believe it or not, there was a time when marital status and the number of kids you had needed to appear on a resume . Familial status is no longer the case; recruiters generally avoid asking about these details. That said, go light on personal information in this uber-professional document, including non-relevant hobbies, and only present relevant social media handles. Lastly, this is an excellent time to remind you to scrub your social media channels that might have the information you don’t want to share with a potential employer.

• Make your accounts private if necessary
• Hide or delete any inappropriate posts
• Deactivate all old or unused accounts
• Add more appropriate photos
• Add a professional bio to your accounts if necessary
• Edit your handles and URLs
• Post-industry-related news, quotes, or articles

Tailor Your Credentials with Pertinent Keywords, the Job Requirements, and the Industry

Lastly, as you consider these resume writing tips, do your best to tailor your credentials to the job requirements to show you’re a good fit. We recommend updating your resume for each job, if different, and focusing  on keywords and notable topics in your industry .

Like the points above, keywords are words or short phrases related to specific job requirements. They are the skills, abilities, credentials, and qualities a prospective hiring manager might look for in a candidate. When a hiring manager looks through a pile of resumes, they scan each resume to find these keywords. Many companies even use automated applicant tracking systems (ATS), or talent management systems, to screen candidates for job openings. An ATS works by eliminating resumes that are missing specific keywords. If the software or the hiring manager does not detect any of the keywords in your resume or cover letter , your application might get thrown out.

Embedding keywords in your resume or cover letter is a great way to demonstrate, at a glance, that you fit the position’s requirements. That said, it’s essential, when updating your resume , that you have many of the crucial keywords specific to your background and the job you are applying to in your resume . We advise referencing the job description for many of the most relevant keywords.

You do not want to make your resume and LinkedIn profile the same. While your job history, dates, and education should match, LinkedIn should be more informal . Hiring managers will go to your LinkedIn profile to learn more about you, which is generally evident in your writing style. There are significant differences between resumes that get you hired and your LinkedIn profile, and it’s important to distinguish the two.

That said, don’t mistake an informal voice for being unprofessional. There are creative ways to make your LinkedIn profile professional and relaxed. Further, recruiters want to see different information, and it could signal to a recruiter that you’re lazy, not creative, or don’t understand what LinkedIn is used for. Generally, an executive resume should talk about business details, while LinkedIn should be more conversational about how you accomplished certain things.

There’s a fine line between crafting the perfect executive resume and writing a solid LinkedIn profile. Many executives use executive resume services to help distinguish the two.

Additional Resume Writing and Interview Tips for 2022

At Matchbuilt, in addition to helping you build a resume , we pride ourselves on supporting our candidates during the interview process. We’re jam-packed with tips regarding evidence-based recruiting practices, how to answer difficult interview questions such as “Why should we hire you?”, preparing for a Skype or Zoom interview , and tips for your LinkedIn profile —getting ready to resign from your current position? Try to leave without burning bridges .

About Mark Matyanowski

As the founder of MatchBuilt, with over 18 years of recruiting and coaching experience and 8+ years in executive roles at a leading Fortune 100 company, I am deeply committed to guiding professionals in their career paths.

Our team at MatchBuilt offers expert support in enhancing resumes, optimizing LinkedIn profiles, and preparing for interviews. Our blog, drawing on our rich experience and industry insights, is a valuable resource for job seekers.

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Tips for Making a Great Resume

Your resume is the key piece of your job application. Here's how to get it right.

Table of Contents

With the current labor shortage and low unemployment rate, job seekers are at an advantage. However, that’s not to say you don’t need a professionally written resume. Employers still want to find and hire the best employees for each open position, and resumes are the first step in that search. Use the following strategies to make your resume stand out and demonstrate that you are the best candidate for the job.

How to create a great resume

Here are some tips for creating an impressive resume.

1. Assemble your job history and skills.

The first step in creating your resume should include your relevant job history, industry experience and applicable skills. While you might feel tempted to add every place you’ve ever worked at, narrow down your history to only list relevant roles or experiences. This will keep your resume concise and direct hiring managers and recruiters to the right place. However, this also might mean creating multiple resumes and tailoring them to the specific job/company you’re applying to.

From there, format your resume so that it is easy to identify your qualifications. For instance, if you advanced in a company quickly, draw attention to that growth, said Claire Bissot, SPHR and director of Kainos Capital. If you excessively job-hopped, bullet those jobs without providing specifics and detail more applicable positions. This will play to your assets.

When structuring your resume, make sure the information is presented in a logical order, said career coach Veronica Yao. 

“A hiring manager [will] read your resume starting at the top and ending at the bottom. However, if they don’t finish reading the whole thing — and they often don’t — you still want to ensure your strongest points come across.”

2. Use an original resume template.

Employers appreciate originality. While it’s helpful to refer to a professional resume template, don’t follow it rigidly, as this might actually deter potential employers.

“I often pass over resumes that match Microsoft Office templates,” Bissot told Business News Daily. “The templates are meant to be a guide to get started, but it should be expanded on to make it your own.”

Showcase your expertise in an appealing and eye-catching manner so you stand out from other applicants, especially if you’re in a creative industry. Include hyperlinks, aesthetic formatting, colors and shading, testimonials and other unique features. Use your resume to tell your career story. For instance, you can write an interesting “about me” section to personalize and summarize your experiences.

3. Fill out the sections.

Use bullet points or short lines to outline your job responsibilities and accomplishments for each role you’ve listed on your resume. This will help recruiters and hiring managers better understand your experiences and how you’ve helped that company grow. 

Typically, it’s best to use action verbs and data-backed words rather than “fluff.” For example, if you’re outlining social media marketing experience, rather than simply stating “I managed social media platforms for my client,” write “Increased social media lead generation by X percent year-over-year.” This cuts to the point and backs up your credentials with hard data to showcase your success. 

4. Choose the file type.

Most employers prefer resumes as Microsoft Word documents (.doc) or PDF files. Microsoft Word documents are the most traditional and widely accepted file types for resumes, but PDFs ensure the formatting doesn’t become wonky after submission. 

However, when you’re dealing with applicant tracking systems (ATS), Word documents are easier for these systems to read through and pick up on important keywords. This is important if you want to stand out in modern recruiting. If you submit a PDF or other file, you might get automatically rejected if the system cannot read it. A general rule of thumb is to save both versions of your resume and submit a Word document to applications on job sites and a PDF when sending directly to a recruiter or hiring manager. [Read related article: Ways AI Is Changing HR Departments ]

5. Proofread the draft.

Before you submit your resume anywhere, proofread it yourself and ask a trusted friend or professional contact to do the same. One minor mistake or grammatical error could result in countless rejections. Your resume is your first — and often only — chance to impress a potential employer, and you should treat it as such.

Here are a few things to look at:

• Spelling, grammar and punctuation: A hiring manager will likely automatically dismiss your application if they spot a typo or grammatical error. “Make sure it’s error-free and easy to read,” said Diya Obeid, founder and CEO of ATS company JobDiva. “HR reps equate typos and errors with laziness. Use good English — the written word has a huge impact on the employer.”
• Formatting: “Review formatting very closely, including font, alignment and spacing,” Bissot said. “Related issues can often be perceived as a sign of lacking technical skills and/or attention to detail.”
• Headings: Yao said that candidates often submit applications addressed to the wrong employer or outline experience that’s irrelevant to the role. “Receiving a resume that’s crafted and addressed to someone else — or worse, a competitor — can be a huge turnoff and will set a negative tone even if they do choose to continue reading your application.”

Resume writing tips

It can be difficult to succinctly present all of your experiences and qualifications on one page, but there are many ways to spruce up your resume without going overboard. To help you land an interview, we rounded up some of the best resume-writing tips.

1. Keep your resume short and direct.

The No. 1 rule of writing a resume is to keep it short and to the point. The general rule is no more than one page unless you have a good reason for it to be longer, like an extensive career or a lot of highly applicable work experience.

An easy way to keep your resume concise is to include only recent, relevant experience. While that yearlong first job might have taught you a lot about the field, you don’t always need to include every detail from your entire career history.

Most experts recommend including jobs from the previous 10 or 15 years only, although this time frame may be shorter if you are new to the workforce. Including too many unrelated work experiences can make your resume appear too busy and draw attention away from your relevant qualifications. Your resume should be focused, clear and concise.

2. Highlight relevant skills and experiences.

Using the same resume for every job you apply for is not the best approach. Instead, your resume should target the specific job you are applying for. Prioritize the skills, qualifications and experiences that are directly applicable to the job you are trying to land.

Choose three or four former positions or experiences that best highlight the skills required for each position for which you apply. Employers value brevity; this is not the time to list every position you have ever held. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position, you could include your former retail experience and bullet the communication, branding and interpersonal skills you learned in that position.

If you don’t have a work history that directly relates to the job you are applying for, be creative with how you present your other experiences. Draw on the skills you used and how your contributions benefited the organization or project. [Read related article: 22 In-Demand Skills to Help You Get the Job ]

3. Demonstrate results with numbers and metrics.

When you write about your previous work experience, it is always a good idea to quantify your successes with numbers. Metrics can highlight your achievements and give the hiring manager or recruiter a clear sense of how you impacted your previous place of employment. For example, someone who previously worked as a sales representative might say that they “executed more than 50 cold calls daily, with an average 5 percent conversion rate.”

4. Craft a career snapshot.

More recently, career experts have urged job seekers to do away with the old “objective” statement and instead consider including a brief summary, called a “career snapshot,” at the top of their resume.

“With the career snapshot, you present a branding statement that briefly explains your unique value as well as your skills and qualifications,” said Tomer Sade, CEO of Book a Space. “This would then be followed by a few bullet points that highlight your experience and your accomplishments. Whatever you list here should be relevant to the position you’re applying to.”

“The top third of your resume is prime resume real estate,” added Lisa Rangel, an executive resume writer and CEO of Chameleon Resumes. “Create a robust summary to capture the hiring manager’s eye.”

Think of your career snapshot as an answer to the question “How would you describe your work experience in one sentence?” The summary is an opportunity to sum up your most relevant and important skills, experience or assets right off the bat.

5. Optimize your text.

If a company uses an ATS to collect and scan resumes, a human hiring manager may never see any application that doesn’t fit the job criteria they’ve entered. Trish O’Brien, vice president of human capital operations at Lifelong Learner Holdings, emphasized adapting your resume to the position to increase your likelihood of passing the first level.

“Make sure you’ve carefully reviewed the posting and … [used] the appropriate keywords in your resume to get past the screener,” O’Brien said. “Be truthful, but understand that the first pass on your resume is likely via an ATS.”

A helpful tip is to make sure you include keywords from the job post in your resume. Copy and paste the job description into a word-cloud generator to identify the most frequently used terms, and make sure the terms that apply to you are used in your resume. You can also create a “core competencies” or “areas of expertise” section of your resume to list all of your hard and soft skills, and then reiterate those skills when you bullet your experience.

6. Think beyond your job duties.

Hiring managers don’t want to read a list of your job duties. They want concrete examples of your accomplishments in previous positions that show how you can make a difference in this new position.

Rangel said that specific merits are more engaging to read than just your experiences. For example, “I reduced operating expenses by 23 percent in six months” is far more interesting to an employer than “I have 30 years of sales experience.”

When deciding what information to keep or cut out of your resume, focus on striking abstract traits and qualifications in favor of concrete, quantifiable results.

“The best resumes highlight a job candidate’s actions and results,” said Bob Myhal, chief marketing officer at CBC Automotive Marketing. “Employers want employees who get things done and who take great joy and pride in what they do. Rather than a laundry list of your qualifications, your resume should reflect your accomplishments and enthusiasm for your career.”

You shouldn’t ignore your skills section either. Sade reminded job seekers to list any industry-relevant apps or programs they’re familiar with and to find ways to incorporate examples of their emotional intelligence (e.g., self-awareness, empathy) and soft skills (e.g., work ethic, reliability) into their job descriptions.

7. Use the right language to stand out.

Trite, lackluster descriptions of your job duties and accomplishments won’t do you any favors. Make sure you’re using strong action words, such as “achieved,” “designed,” “improved” and “established,” to describe your roles and projects, said Sade. This will make you sound confident while imparting vital information. But be cautious about depending on action verbs — include details about how you improved a process or achieved a goal .

“Words such as ‘professional,’ ‘results-driven’ and ‘detail-oriented’ provide very little helpful information,” Sade said. “It’s better to use actual job titles than these words.”

Obeid said that you should remove words like “go-getter,” “team player” and “go-to person” from your resume. These come off as fluff and take up precious space on your resume.

8. List your social media profiles.

Many hiring managers today screen candidates on social networks . Save them a step by providing your profile links on your resume. Seasoned applicants with a professional social presence would do well to include URLs for their LinkedIn profile, Twitter account and blog, if applicable.

“If, and only if, your social media accounts are filled with professional posts pertaining to your industry, listing them on your resume can be advantageous,” said Richie Frieman, author of REPLY ALL … and Other Ways to Tank Your Career . “They can show you have a strong network and are up to speed with modern-day marketing and communications practices. The hiring manager will see that you like to keep up with what’s happening and that you care about learning more.”

Your social profiles can be a powerful recruitment tool to supplement your experience and position as an expert in your field, but only if they are leveraged correctly.

Importance of a great resume

Your resume is the most important document you’ll submit in your job search. It’s your frontline fighter, so to speak, as it’s your first opportunity to present yourself to a potential employer. A professional resume will help you achieve the following:

• Increase your earning potential. According to the Zippia research, professionally written resumes are not only good for landing an interview, but they can also boost your earning potential by 7 percent to 32 percent. 
• Increase your chances of securing a new role. Zippia also found that 68 percent of job seekers who have worked with a professional resume writer landed a new job in under 90 days. If your resume lacks professionalism or relevance to the positions you’re applying to, you likely won’t receive as many opportunities.
• Quickly impress recruiters and hiring managers . Hiring managers and recruiters look at resumes for an average of only six to seven seconds each, so make every second count. A strong resume can help you stand out from the crowd, but a weak resume can remove you from the running.
• Decrease your number of rejections. According to Zippia, you need to send an average of 50 to 100 resumes before you get hired. However, the more impressive and professional your resume is, the lower this number will be — and the less you will have to wait to start a new job.

Make a great first impression

Your resume is a great way to showcase your experience and make a solid first impression. It doesn’t matter how talented, passionate or experienced you are — if a recruiter or hiring manager is unimpressed by your resume, you won’t get the chance to sell yourself. If you follow the tips above, you’ll increase your chances of moving on to the interview stage of the hiring process and landing the job of your dreams.

Ki ely Kuligowski and Skye Schooley contributed to this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.

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60 Resume Tips to Help You Land Interviews

Here are 60 must-know resume tips from the experts themselves! We talked to resume writers, recruiters, and job coaches to find out what it takes for job seekers to land an interview.

Jobscan has helped land interviews at:

You’d think writing a resume was easy. All you need to do is list your contact information, work experience, and education–and you’re all set! Well, not really.

Nowadays, it’s become too easy to apply for a job. With a few clicks, you can upload an application. While that’s good news for job seekers everywhere, it’s a huge challenge at the same time.

This means that job posts can be flooded with tons of applications in a matter of minutes. And if your resume isn’t built to stand out, it can easily end up in the forgotten pile.

Plus, it’s not just the recruiters that we need to impress. Enter the bots called Applicant Tracking Systems or ATS . Most companies now use ATS to filter candidates and pick those that match their job ads best.

In fact, a survey by Harvard Business School found that more than 90% of employers use an automated system to filter or rank potential middle-skills (94%) candidates.

With that in mind, we’re here to give you effective resume tips to help you not just make it past ATS but also impress recruiters!

1. Include the job title on your resume

ATS are engineered in a way that enables them to highlight resumes that have the exact job titles recruiters are hiring for.

The reason for this is that companies generally prefer applicants with experience in the same or related positions.

To better your chances of making it past the bots and getting recruiters to give you a shot, let them know you have the skills they’re looking for.

To do this, you can simply add the exact job title you’re applying for below your name.

Here’s an example of what it should look like:

Janet Jobscan

Editorial Associate | Seattle, WA 98104 | (555) 555-5555

It’s a brief yet clear introduction to your experience and qualifications.

2. Set clear expectations with a headline or summary

There’s another effective way to include the job title on your resume–by writing a succinct yet impactful headline that includes the job title.

Let’s say a company is hiring for a “Marketing Manager”. You can include that exact job title on your resume’s headline if you have experience in the same position.

An example of a headline for a Marketing Manager position would be:

Seattle, WA 98104 | (555) 555-5555

Marketing Manager with 10 years of experience in highly targeted digital marketing campaigns

Adding a headline like this will improve your resume’s searchability. This way, ATS can put you among the best matches for the job.

Also, since it’s placed just below your name, recruiters can get to know you even without having to skim through the entire document.

If you’re an entry-level applicant or don’t have experience in the position, you can still write a headline. The only difference is that you would be highlighting transferable skills or knowledge in relevant tools.

Here is an example of an entry-level headline for a Graphic Artist position:

Tech-savvy Graphic Artist proficient in Adobe’s creative software

3. Understand how applicant-tracking systems work

To know how to beat the system, you have to understand how it works. Applicant tracking systems can be used by recruiters to gather and parse applicant data to screen for the most qualified candidates.

Different ATS may have some variations, but they all follow a general process that looks like this:

• Collect data, such as contact information, work experience, and education.
• Pre-screen through knockout questions and eligibility parameters.
• Rank or match against job descriptions.

To have a shot at being selected, you need to write a resume that matches the job description and includes keywords that recruiters are looking for in a resume.

You can opt to do this manually. However, you’ll have no way of measuring exactly how well your resume matches the job description or telling whether you’re targeting the right keywords.

A great way to ensure that your resume is a sure hit is by using an automated resume scanner that allows you to compare your resume against the actual job post that you’re applying for.

When using this scanner tool, you’ll get a Match Report that shows you your resume score and breaks down specific metrics that factor into your rating.

To have an idea of what this looks like, here is a sample Match Report for a Senior Product Manager role:

You’ll notice that in this sample report, we got a 76 percent rating, which is a really good score! In fact, this means that our sample resume hits the right marks and is good for sending out.

Still, we can further improve this match rating by fixing the issues indicated in the summary, such as those pertaining to searchability and skills.

4. Aim for the person who will read your resume

There’s no doubt that you’ll have an edge over other applicants when you understand how ATS work. But in the process of doing so, don’t forget that your resume will still end up on the desk of a person.

So write your resume in a way that passes applicant tracking systems, but make sure that it gets a nod of approval from hiring managers and recruiters too!

What does this mean?

• Make your resume understandable. Refrain from just picking out words and key phrases from the job description and using them anywhere you can insert them. Your resume needs to be logical and understandable.
• Let your resume tell a story. Write to impress! Your resume is the key to your much-awaited interview. Make sure that it sets you well apart from other candidates.
• Spark people’s interest. When you know how to optimize a resume for ATS, it’s pretty easy to get past the system. What’s trickier is writing a resume that piques people’s curiosity and gets them to want to know more about you.

You can do this by showing off! Demonstrate both your hard and soft skills so recruiters know you have the right recipe for the perfect candidate.

5. Use the right keywords

Earlier, I mentioned the process that ATS follows when filtering applicants. That process involves scoring or filtering resumes through keyword matching.

Keyword matching is when ATS matches a resume for keywords that recruiters want to see.

Hint: The main keyword is usually the job title! So make sure you mention the exact job title at least once on your resume.

When your resume doesn’t have any of the keywords that recruiters look for, it might automatically get filtered out or not show in their search results.

This is why knowing what keywords to use and how often to use them is crucial to building a solid resume .

You can determine the keywords to use by using Jobscan’s resume keyword optimization tool , which gives valuable insights, such as the following:

• Keywords and phrases that should show up on your resume.
• Recommendations on how to fix keyword issues.
• Other non-crucial keywords you can use to improve your match rate.

To illustrate, take a look at this example:

Here, you can see how a sample resume matches a job description for a Senior Product Manager role.

You’ll notice that one of the hard skills that the recruiter requires, namely “android”, doesn’t show up on the resume, hence the “X”. This means we need to edit our resume and include it to increase our keyword match score.

6. Don’t overuse or cheat on the keywords

Keywords are important. But using them way too much can hurt your chances instead of improving them!

Yup, you may appear in more candidate searches, but hiring managers will know just by skimming your resume that you’re keyword-stuffing to beat ATS. Another way to call this method? Keyword cheating. Yikes!

You don’t want to start your job search by cheating or being dishonest on your application in any way. Nobody wants to work with a cheater.

So just don’t do it.

But then, even if you don’t intend to stuff your resume with keywords, you could still be guilty of doing so! This can happen when you’re targeting too many keywords, are clueless about how many times to include them, or don’t know which ones to focus on.

To avoid this altogether, my suggestion is to use a keyword optimizer that can tell you what to include, what to leave out, and when you’re using keywords too often.

This tool will show you exactly how many times each keyword appears on your resume so you know when you’re overdoing it or not including keywords enough.

7. Work in keywords naturally

Another way to prevent keyword stuffing is by working keywords into your resume naturally. This means your resume should be understandable, logical, and have a natural flow.

Your sentences should not feel forced. Trust me, it’s quite easy to pick up when you’re using a keyword in a sentence just for the sake of it.

This can be easier said than done, though, especially because you need to include keywords and phrases exactly as they appear in the job description. Sometimes, things like tenses and plurals get in the way of writing a natural-sounding sentence.

Here is a comprehensive guide on how you can use keywords exactly as they appear in a job description and still have a resume that makes sense.

8. Optimize your resume to get past the bots

Here’s a foolproof resume tip: Optimize your resume using Jobscan’s resume optimizer to cover all your bases, including keywords, formatting, recruiter tips, and more!

Here’s how this tool works:

Step 1: Upload your resume or paste your resume text.

Step 2: Paste the job description on the text field or use a sample job description and click on the “Scan” button. Here, I opted to use a sample job description for a Content Writer job.

Step 3: View the results. You’ll get a Match Report that shows you how well your resume matches the job description based on metrics such as searchability, skills, recruiter tips, and formatting.

Un-optimized resumes will typically get a match rate of 30 to 50 percent. So if you use this tool and get a low rating, don’t get discouraged. This number is to be expected for resumes that need optimizing–which is exactly what Jobscan’s optimizer is for.

As you’ll see on this sample Match Report, my resume has issues with searchability, recruiter tips, and skills. Thankfully, the report also shows exactly what those issues are and how I can fix them.

When you upload your own resume on this tool, you can simply follow the tips indicated on the Match Report to increase your match rate.

9. Know the sweet spot for optimizing resumes

When using the resume optimization tool , you’d want to increase your match rate, but not too much. A 100 percent match rate is not the goal! Reaching a match rate this high could even hurt your resume.

Over-optimizing your resume could make it sound unnatural, even robotic. So instead, aim for the sweet spot of 65 to 80 percent.

With a rating like this, you can ensure that your resume matches the job description while still allowing your personality to shine through.

Take the resume I scanned earlier for instance. Before optimizing, I got a score of 30 percent. Using Jobscan’s resume scanner, I was able to increase this rating to 72 percent! That’s a huge improvement!

This tells us that my resume is now a great fit for the Content Writer role and should give me a better chance of getting selected for an interview.

10. Impress recruiters with accomplishments

We all want to–and should!–put our best foot forward when writing a resume. But what’s even more impressive than mere claims about our abilities is quantifiable proof that we have the skills we claim to possess.

You can do this by backing up your skills with measurable results and accomplishments .

For example, instead of saying,

“Increased source-to-hire rate.”

You can say,

“Increased source-to-hire rate by 30 percent.”

This gives a better idea of how effective you were and provides an objective basis for recruiters to gauge your skills.

11. Provide context for your accomplishments

But there is still a better way of showcasing measurable results on your resume. This is possible by providing context for your skills and accomplishments.

To demonstrate, let’s go back to the example that we used in #10.

The better sentence, “Increased source-to-hire rating by 30 percent”, can give recruiters a good idea of how effective an HR professional is.

But you can make this more compelling by providing context, which allows recruiters to better appreciate this achievement’s impact.

To do this, you can add further details, such as whether this had been achieved before or how it impacted the team’s productivity.

For example:

“Filled manpower requirements 30 percent faster, doubling our team’s productivity.”

12. Use great storytelling with the CAR and STAR techniques

To keep recruiters interested, present your skills and experience using the CAR and STAR techniques.

CAR stands for:

While STAR is short for:

These are usually used as guides when answering interview questions, but they can also help job seekers make their resumes more compelling.

What you want to do is present a challenge or problem that you provided a solution for, how you overcame it, and what the results were.

You can use this method by expanding on your top skills or when elaborating on your accomplishments.

“Addressed the high turnover rates by conducting regular employee check-ins and monthly team surveys, which improved morale and reduced resignations by 40 percent.”

13. Follow ATS-friendly formatting

How you format your resume matters too. When not done properly, your formatting could hinder your resume from being successfully read and parsed by ATS.

There are three main types of professional resume formats:

• Chronological

You can use these resume templates to make sure that your resume is formatted correctly.

14. Include a skills section

Another important thing to remember when formatting your resume is to include a dedicated skills section. Most people forget to include one!

Your skills section should go near the top of your resume so recruiters can quickly gauge your relevance to the job.

Most recruiters won’t scan the entire document, so even if they don’t get to the rest of the resume (for now), you’ll be able to effectively pique their interest and make them want to get to know you better.

15. Expand your skills list

When listing your key skills, don’t settle for a bare bullet list. A skills section is a great opportunity to show off!

Use this section to provide recruiters ample context for each skill that you mention.

You can do this in two ways:

• Elaborate within the bullet lists. This way, recruiters understand how you gained your skills and see where you successfully used them.
• Expound on your accomplishments. If you don’t want to elaborate on the skills section, you can still do so through your work experience.

16. DON’T use the functional resume format

The functional resume format is ideal for job seekers fresh out of college or without any relevant experience. That’s because, unlike the chronological format, it highlights a person’s skills without providing context on how these skills were gained.

Skills are typically gained through actual job experience or training. When you’re applying for your first job, though, you may not have relevant experience to show.

People also use this format to hide gaps in their employment history.

However, precisely because it hides information that’s critical for hiring, most recruiters think the functional format is suspicious and a waste of time .

Besides, you don’t have to hide employment gaps. Instead, show them and explain why they’re there. Recruiters will most likely wonder anyway, so the best thing you can do is make sure they don’t get the wrong idea!

Here’s an example of how you can effectively explain an employment gap:

Educational leave (June 2020 to March 2022)

Completed a master’s degree in Wildlife Biology to gain a better understanding of wildlife management and relevant conservation measures.

17. Use the hybrid resume format instead

If you are an experienced professional, have relevant experience and skills, and are qualified for the job you’re applying for, you should use the hybrid resume format instead.

The hybrid format is a combination of functional and chronological resume formats.

It allows job seekers to highlight key skills while providing much-needed context for how those skills were gained and in what environment or situations.

Don’t know how to use this format? You can download these ATS resume templates .

18. Mix and match resume sections to show your best experience

Resumes typically have three main sections:

• Contact information
• Work experience

But you don’t have to limit yourself to just these sections. To best showcase important information about yourself, you can include some of these other sections too:

• Resume summary
• Accomplishments or achievements
• Volunteer experience
• Certifications and licenses
• Awards and honors
• Hobbies and interests

19. Know where to place the education section

Where you place your education section tells a lot about you.

On a resume, the most important information goes at the top. In most cases, you should want to highlight skills and experience. But if you’re a fresh grad or don’t have experience, you can place your education section below your contact information.

Some companies also screen for educational attainment, so if that’s the primary qualification, you’d want to bring that up to the top.

If you’re using the hybrid format, it may go below your skills section too.

20. Be consistent with formatting

Whatever resume format or style you decide to use, make sure to be consistent with it.

The way you present your information gives recruiters a big clue not just about your personality but even the way you work and your attention to detail.

Here are key areas to look at to ensure your formatting is consistent:

• Heading styles
• Indentations

21. Use creative formatting for creative industries

Most resumes will benefit from a clean, minimalist look. That’s because it puts a spotlight on the information on the document, not the resume’s design.

But when a job calls for it, you can show off those design skills by using a creative format for your resume.

Graphic artists, for instance, may benefit from adding a dash of personality into their resume format, as it’s often a big factor in creative industries.

BUT if you’re trying to make it into a large company, this might not be the best resume tip to follow. Most Fortune 500 companies use ATS to screen applicants, which means a custom resume won’t be readable or accurately parsed.

In this case, a creative format may not be the best option .

Instead, check out these editable Google Docs resume templates that you can use to build your own.

22. Make your resume skimmable

According to an eye-tracking study, the average time that recruiters spend reading one resume is 7.4 seconds . Yep. That’s all the time that the resume you worked hard to write gets.

So to succeed at getting a foot in the door, you need to grab their attention in that amount of time. You can do this by making sure your resume is skimmable.

Here’s how:

• Protect your white spaces. A cluttered resume is not only intimidating to read through. It can even be annoying! Make it easy to scan the whole document by providing plenty of space for recruiters to rest their eyes.
• Use section headings. Draw their eye down the page by providing headings that break content into easily digestible nuggets and create a natural flow.
• Don’t stuff your resume with keywords. It’s hard to keep reading a resume that’s all keywords and no substance!

23. Write ATS-friendly headings

Section headings are great for making a resume readable. But the way you write those headings matters as well, especially for ATS.

To allow ATS to correctly analyze your resume, keep your section headings standard. Headings like “Work Experience” and “Education” are ideal because ATS read them accurately.

It’s best to avoid custom headings, such as “Where I’ve Worked” or “Where I’ve Been” because ATS can’t correctly analyze them as the intended section headings.

24. Avoid using columns and tables

Applicant tracking systems CAN’T correctly read your resume if you include tables and columns . So keep your resumes free of those!

When ATS read a resume with two columns, it merges the information on the two columns. It then ends up with a document that’s not only no longer logical but also contains information in the wrong headings.

By the time the parsed resume gets to a recruiter, it no longer makes sense.

Also, because some keyword phrases may be broken up, industry-specific keywords may no longer be searchable.

25. Work your soft skills into your resume

Soft skills are just as necessary as hard skills on your resume . These refer to your character traits, talents, and attitudes that impact how well you suit a role.

However, since they are abstract, it’s best not to write soft skills like “communication” or “leadership” outright on your resume.

The better way to demonstrate soft skills is to prove that you have them through measurable results and achievements.

However, It’s not only trickier to target soft skills on a resume. It can also be challenging to determine which soft skills match a job.

To make things easier, you can analyze your resume with Jobscan to know exactly what soft skills to highlight.

26. Put a spotlight on your most relevant experience

When listing your work experience, don’t simply list them in chronological order. The better way is to show the most relevant experience first.

If you have had plenty of work experience, you can even leave out the ones that aren’t relevant to the job.

27. Highlight transferable skills when changing careers

Want to shift careers ? Why not! You can write a career change resume for that.

When you’re applying for work in a different industry, however, you have to overcome the hurdle of irrelevant work experience.

A good way to do that is to highlight transferable skills . These can be either hard or soft skills that can be applied to any job, such as “digital skills” or “communication”.

Highlight transferable skills that you gained from your previous work experience to show that you have what it takes to excel in the job you’re applying for.

Read more : How to Make a Career Change at 50

28. Be honest

An oft-unmentioned resume tip is this: Be honest . We all want to stand out and impress when writing our resumes. And we should!

But in the pursuit of getting that YES from recruiters, don’t include skills, experience, or any details that aren’t true for the sake of making your resume THE one to choose.

Come your interview schedule and you’re asked about the skills that you claimed to have (but don’t), your limited knowledge and skills will show.

29. Show that you fit their values and culture

How well you fit into a company’s culture and align with its values matters.

Recruiters want to hire people with the same principles because otherwise, it can be a source of unnecessary conflict.

To align yourself with a company’s culture and values, do your research on what they’re like as a company. Go to their website, read their company blog, and check out their social media pages.

Simply saying, “I’m passionate about seeing the world” when trying to get into a travel-oriented company may not be the most effective way to do this.

Instead, you can include volunteer experiences and part-time engagements that are related to things that the company believes in.

For example, when applying to a company that values the environment and a sustainable lifestyle, you might want to include volunteer work with environmental groups.

30. Demonstrate your edge over younger candidates

If you’re looking for a job and you’re over 40, the sad reality is that you may experience discrimination due to your age .

The good news is you can show recruiters that you may not be the youngest of the bunch, but you’re an excellent pick!

• Stay updated. The biggest downside to hiring older applicants usually is their lack of tech know-how. Show that you’re up-to-date on technology, AI , current events, and business practices by highlighting these in your skills and experience.
• Have a niche and be really good at it. Being a jack of all trades may not be the best thing nowadays. What companies need more of today are specialists and experts. Everyone can know a little about everything. But not everyone can be an expert at something.
• Be active on LinkedIn.This is the Facebook of the professional world. It’s where recruiters source candidates and check out applicants. So make sure your profile exudes energy and personality.

31. Show that you’re always learning

Have you been upgrading your skills, learning new techniques, or expanding your knowledge of your industry? Show it off! Recruiters love candidates that are eager to learn.

You don’t even have to pursue higher education to do this. There are countless free certifications online that you can use to upskill. Highlight these on your resume for that added edge.

32. Don’t hesitate to leave off jobs from your resume

You can exclude certain work experiences from your resume.

Just as you would exclude skills that are irrelevant to the job you’re applying for, you can leave off jobs that hurt your chances of showing you’re a good fit.

These are work experiences you don’t have to include:

• Jobs over a decade old. You can exclude work experience 10 years old or older. This way, you can avoid ageism, especially if you’re applying for a tech-related role.
• Odd jobs. These could be gigs like dog walking that you took on purely to augment your income. They typically don’t require key skills and will only take the focus off your relevant work experience.
• Jobs where you had bad experiences. If you would rather not talk about it in the interview, it’s best not to mention it.

33. Include side hustles to fill employment gaps

Not everyone’s employment journey is the same. And it’s normal to have employment gaps here and there. However, gaps in employment history often make recruiters suspicious.

The solution is to fill those gaps with side hustles. Make sure to highlight skills and achievements during these periods, especially those that are relevant to your application.

34. Resist the temptation to include a headshot

According to one recruiter interviewed by Jobscan, including headshots in resumes “ opens the door to recruiter discrimination .” In fact, some simply reject resumes with headshots on them to avoid the problem altogether.

Anyone who tells you to add a headshot to your resume is simply giving you bad resume writing advice .

35. Include the months in your employment dates

Leaving out the months from your employment dates may seem suspicious to some recruiters because you can’t accurately tell how long the engagement was.

Adding the months shows recruiters that you’re transparent about your work history. Coincidentally, ATS also needs employment months to parse dates correctly.

Your employment dates should look like this to be analyzed correctly:

“June 2015-December 2019”

36. Use easy-to-read fonts

Make it easy for recruiters to scan your resume by using fonts that look professional and are easy to read .

These fonts include:

• Times New Roman

Using these fonts also ensures that ATS is able to correctly read your resume. Unconventional fonts may cause errors in resume parsing.

37. Make room for white space

Large blocks of text are intimidating to the eye. They also make it hard for recruiters to give your resume a quick scan.

To make your resume skimmable, protect your white space by doing the following:

• Keep your sentences short.
• Include only relevant, important information.
• Provide ample spacing between sentences, lists, and sections.

38. Don’t restrict your resume to one page

You must have heard this resume tip: Resumes should be one-page long max. However, this may actually hurt your resume, especially if you have lots of information to include.

Forcing a lengthy resume to fit on one page can make it look cramped and hard to read.

39. Refrain from hyperlinking important details

When providing important details like contact information, it’s best to provide the complete URLs instead of hyperlinking them.

Many recruiters print out a hard copy of your resume, which means they won’t be able to access your details.

Adding information this way also makes sure that ATS is able to read your information correctly.

40. Take entering info into text fields seriously

Some online applications will ask for you to upload your resume and then re-enter your resume information into a separate text field.

It’s important to take re-entering resume information seriously.

DO NOT just say “Please refer to the attached resume.” ATS analyzes the information inputted in these text fields just as much as the information on your resume.

Yes, it’s pretty tiring to have to write the same information again. But companies actually require this step for the applicants’ benefit . When resumes aren’t formatted correctly or cause parsing issues, inputting the same information on text fields ensures that information isn’t lost.

So make sure to enter your information carefully. The easier way is to copy the text on your resume and paste it onto the text fields.

41. Use searchable file formats when uploading your resume

When uploading your resume, always use a searchable file format. Uploading your resume as a static image, such as in .jpg or .png, will cause errors and most likely prevent recruiters and ATS from locating it.

Only upload your resume in a Microsoft Word format, such as .docx, or as a .pdf file.

42. Use a professional resume file name

How you name your resume matters too. A resume file name like “Princess.Jossaine.docx” may be searchable to ATS, but it will get disapproving looks from recruiters who see it.

Remember that the way you name your resume file says a lot about your personality, professionalism, and attention to detail. So best keep resume file names professional. A standard file name that contains your first and last name is best.

Resume-Jossaine-Nunez.pdf

Also, limit your file name to letters, numbers, dashes, and underscores. Special characters may cause errors in some ATS.

43. Use the active voice

Keep your sentences clear, compelling, and brief. A great way to do that is to use an active voice throughout your resume.

It also keeps your sentences direct and communicates an active role in the accomplishments that you mention.

“Tasked to improve the Human Resource protocol to bring down high turnover rates.”

“Reduced high turnover rates by 30 percent by conducting regular employee surveys and tightening Human Resource protocols.”

44. Don’t use “was”

Another way to strengthen your resume is to use power verbs instead of the weak helping verb “was”.

Power verbs or action words effectively communicate actively. Combinations like “Was in charge of…” fail to convey that you actively pursued a task or achievement.

“Was in charge of creating a Human Resource Handbook.”

“Created a Human Resource Handbook that streamlined HR-related systems and protocols, improving our employee satisfaction rating by 20 percent.”

45. Tighten up your language

A resume is typically one to two pages long. That’s not a lot of space for you to showcase your best qualities, skills, and experience.

Make the most of this space by only including words that effectively communicate your suitability for the job.

This means lazy words like “etc.” and “so on” should have no place on your resume.

Instead of using these words, employ clear, no-fluff storytelling using bullet points, short sentences, and strong action words.

46. Avoid being repetitive

Let’s say you’re applying for a Content Writer position. The tendency is to mention the word “write” or “wrote” over and over again, especially when detailing your work history and skills.

It’s only natural, though, because that’s what you should highlight on your resume! Besides, “writer” and its variations are most likely the top keywords to target.

However, repeating the same words too many times can make your resume sound unnatural.

The solution is to use strong synonyms, employ them throughout your resume, and give the document a thorough read to check how it sounds.

47. Check your spelling and grammar

Remember the last time you sent an important email, only to find a glaring spelling mistake after sending it? Horrible, right? You definitely don’t want that experience when submitting an application.

Always check your resume for spelling and grammar before sending it out. You can use Grammarly or Google Docs’ spelling and grammar tools to make this easier.

48. You’re better off NOT using buzzwords and cliches

Itching to use cliches like “results-driven” or “self-motivated”? Don’t. Recruiters are tired of buzzwords, cliches, and empty jargon.

Anyone can claim that they’re “detail-oriented”–which only means mentioning cliches like this does absolutely nothing to impress recruiters. In fact, recruiters even find these descriptions cringe-worthy!

Other cliches, jargon, and buzzwords are:

• Best-of-breed
• Think outside of the box

These are all desirable traits. It’s understandable why so many people use them.

The more impactful way, though, is to show, instead of tell. Highlight your accomplishments, how you achieved them, and what challenges you overcame.

49. Make it easy for recruiters to find you

Don’t just rely on online submissions for your chance of getting invited for an interview. Create profiles on several job sites, like LinkedIn and Indeed–and let recruiters find you!

Recruiters often scout for suitable talents on job websites, so the more out there you are, the better your chances of getting spotted.

50. Include your LinkedIn URL

Even if you don’t include your LinkedIn profile , recruiters will most likely look you up. Why not make it easier for them? By including your LinkedIn profile, you convey transparency and confidence. It shows that you have nothing to hide.

You can easily find your URL by clicking on Me in the top right corner of any LinkedIn window and then clicking on View Profile. Your URL will show in the address bar.

51. Take advantage of LinkedIn’s full potential

Many job seekers look at LinkedIn as just their online resume. But it’s more than that. There are so many things you can do on this platform.

As long as you know how to use it to your advantage, you will be able to land jobs faster. Some opportunities may even come to you!

Here are some ways you can maximize your LinkedIn account :

• Expand your network.LinkedIn offers a great opportunity for you to add people to your network, as well as interact with like-minded professionals and decision-makers. The bigger your network, the better your chances of recruiters finding you.
• Elaborate on your work experience. Each profile section has plenty of space for you to detail your experience and qualifications. Talk about as many accomplishments as possible while still using clear, compelling language.
• Show off your personality. Don’t be afraid to let your humor, energy, and drive shine through your profile. You can do this by writing a witty headline or telling your career story.

52. Ensure that your resume matches your LinkedIn profile

Eliminate confusion by making sure that your LinkedIn profile matches your resume.

This might be tricky when you tailored your resume for a specific job or left irrelevant experience out. But don’t worry. A few differences are okay, as long as important details on your resume match what’s on your profile.

You might want to check employment dates, company names, skills, and figures mentioned in accomplishments.

53. Optimize your LinkedIn profile

A good LinkedIn profile is not enough. Most companies don’t manually scout for candidates on job sites anymore. They use ATS to do this.

Tailor your profile in a way that will match what ATS picks up by optimizing your LinkedIn profile . This will make you a match for roles that you’re qualified for, even those that you may not even have considered.

54. Link to appropriate social media profiles

Like with your LinkedIn profile, recruiters will most likely look you up on social media. That’s not because they just want to see where you went last weekend.

Personal social media profiles actually give recruiters insights into your personality, passions, beliefs, and interests. Basically, they want to know who you are outside your resume.

Linking to appropriate social media profiles exudes confidence. It shows recruiters that you’re proud of your online activity and believe that it can only improve your chances of getting selected.

Of course, clean up your social media activity before doing this! The goal is to show that you’re not only a great asset professionally, but that you also have a vibrant personality and a great life outside your profession.

55. Keep a master resume

You should tailor your resume to fit a specific job. But that doesn’t mean your main resume file should keep changing as well.

Keeping a master resume that contains all your information will help keep your details accurate.

So the next time you need to submit an application, all you need to do is make a copy of this master file and leave out details that are irrelevant.

56. You don’t need to indicate your references

Don’t waste precious space on references. Recruiters already know that you have them and will likely ask you about them if they need to. The only exception to this is if a references section is required when submitting an application.

57. Use a professional email address

Your email address is often the first thing that recruiters will see about you. Even before they open your resume, your address will be right there in their inbox. And you’d want to use it to make a great impression.

So if your email address is anything like my teenage account, “[email protected]”, you should create a professional-sounding email ASAP!

A good format to use is “[email protected]”.

Outdated email providers, like Hotmail and AOL, are also a no-no. Nowadays, a Gmail address is the way to go.

58. Be reachable

Your resume should have your complete contact information. Check your details for errors to make sure recruiters can contact you.

59. Let your personality shine through

Give a glimpse into your personality through your resume. Recruiters don’t just pick candidates with the best qualifications. They also want to hire people whose personality fits their culture and make them pleasant to work with.

Here are ways to do that:

• Let your social media activity show it for you. Allow recruiters to see what you love, how you spend your free time, and how you have fun.
• Use a conversational tone. Keep your resume brief, but maintain a conversational tone. Make recruiters feel like you’re telling them your career story.
• Format your resume to reflect your personality. The fonts you use, the way you convey information, and the amount of white space on your resume tells a lot about you.

60. Proofread your resume

When you’re confident that you’ve just written a knockout resume, don’t forget to proofread it! Keep it free of errors and inconsistencies, so recruiters can focus on what’s important: You.

How long should a resume be?

A resume can be one to two pages long. You don’t have to restrict your resume to only one page, especially if you have plenty of information to share.

What’s more important is having ample white space and a clean, organized look.

How many references should I have on my resume?

It’s better to NOT include a references section on your resume unless it’s required.

How many jobs should you include on your resume?

You should list as many jobs as you can on your resume. However, you should exclude those that are 10 years old or older or are irrelevant to the job you’re applying for.

What not to include on a resume

Some things that you should NOT include on your resume are:

• Empty or outdated jargon
• Incorrect or false information

Jobscan’s resume optimizer can give you a detailed list of words to avoid to make sure your resume is a perfect match.

55 resume tips to help you land the job

• Use Jobscan’s resume scanner to tailor your resume keywords to the job description.
• Use a resume skills section to include top skills if you’re not sure how to incorporate resume keywords.
• Choose common resume fonts like Cambria, Garamond, Palatino, Calibri, and Helvetica.
• Use the exact job title from the job description on your resume if possible. If you haven’t had the exact title, you can do this by tweaking a previous job title that had the same functions or using an introductory statement.
• Opt for a career summary when including an introductory statement.
• Include months and years in your work history (e.g. 11/2017, November 2017, Nov 2017).
• List accomplishments on your resume instead of only job duties. Using measurable results in percentages, time, and dollars prove your value.
• Use abbreviations and acronyms to account for all ATS searches [e.g., Certified Public Accountant (CPA)].
• Save your resume with a professional file name. Your first name, last name, and the position works great.
• Use the same generic resume for every job.
• Include a “References Upon Request” section.
• Include a headshot on your resume.
• Waste space on a resume objective statement .
• Overuse keywords in an unnatural way just to get noticed by the ATS. This is called “ resume keyword stuffing ” and hiring managers are trained to notice it.
• Copy and paste the entire job description in white text to your resume to make it “ATS-optimized.” This is easily noticed.
• Add skills you don’t actually have to your resume.
• Rely on variations or different tenses of keywords found in the job description. Use exact matches when possible.
• Get too creative with design (i.e., fancy fonts, tables, formats).
• Submit your resume before spell-checking or having someone else review it.

Scan your resume to see how closely it matches the job you’re applying for. Get custom tips on how to optimize your resume.

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Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Writing > 10 proven tips for building better resumes

10 proven tips for building better resumes

Applying for new jobs is exciting—and stressful. Updating or creating a new resume can be a challenge, especially if you haven’t changed jobs recently. If you’re confused or discouraged, it’s time to get some tried-and-true resume help.

In this blog post, we rounded up necessary information about resumes, and ten tips to help yours shine.

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What is a resume?

Most recruiters ask job candidates to send their resumes alongside cover letters and recommender information. In academia, they ask for curriculum vitae (CVs) . These are rarely requested in a business setting.

In the business world, a resume is a single-paged document that lists a person’s professional background and skills. It can cover a variety of topics, including your:

• Professional summary
• Certificates
• Awards and honors

While resumes often contain these core materials, they rarely look the same. You can organize your resume chronologically, by function, or a mix of the two. You can use plain white paper with black lettering, or add color and interesting shapes.

You can format your resume however you’d like, as long as it is organized and appealing. However, it does need to reflect your unique qualities.

Why is having a good resume relevant?

Resumes are often the first thing recruiters look through. Cover letters, recommenders, and professional websites come later.

Recruiters spend 7.4 seconds screening your resume before they decide whether or not to keep looking at it. In that time, recruiters must be able to determine your work history and if you’ll be suitable for the position.

After the initial scan, recruiters want to review the highlights of your career. If your resume is well-written, they see your job history at its finest.

Resume help: 10 resume tips

So how can you make your resume stand out? You should:

• Use simple formatting. Recruiters will scan your resume quickly. If the formatting is overly complex, they might put it down. Carefully balance font style, font size, layout, and design. Use bullet points and bold headings to break up the text.
• Place an overview or mission statement at the top. Your most important information should be at the top of your resume. An overview at the top gives your recruiter a good sense of you right away.
• Include both hard and soft skills. Today’s recruiters aren’t just looking for hard skills. They want to be sure that you can thrive in their offices, too. Depending on the job you’re applying for, include a mixture of both hard and soft skills.
• Show results where you can. Don’t just mention your capabilities. You’ll need to show results, too. Include numbers where you can, and give small, telling details that show how you have helped projects succeed.
• Leave off what you can. Packed resumes often look disorganized. Include what is relevant to the role you’re applying for. You can leave off items like your mailing address and social media accounts, too, unless they’re necessary.
• Be consistent with your design and text. To help make your resume clear, ensure your colors and fonts are consistent. If you use specific tactics in formatting, like bullet points or sentence fragments, stay consistent throughout.
• Get creative. If you work in a creative field, experiment with design and presentation. If you don’t work in a creative field, you can still get creative with your text. Think of ways to reword items to exemplify their challenges and how you overcame them.
• Keep it to one page. Recruiters expect a one-page resume. While this can be a hurdle, it’s also a good thing. One page forces you to focus on the aspects of your history and present skills that matter.
• Proofread. Finally, you’ll need to proofread. Grammar and spelling errors can make your resume look unprofessional. It can help to read your resume out loud. You might even want to put your resume away for a day and come back to it later with fresh eyes.

Should you ever pay for resume help?

There are various businesses and freelancers who will write your resume for a fee.

If you are extremely stressed out about your resume and have absolutely no idea where it should start, this can be a good option. It might help your anxiety to know that a professional is in charge. Plus, your resume writer will certainly write you a relevant, clear resume.

However, if you pay someone to write your resume:

• It will cost you
• The finished product might seem clichéd
• It will be difficult for them to reflect your personality
• Your writing at a later stage (cover letter, emails, thank you note, etc.) might seem obviously different

Authoring your resume is free, and you’ll be able to make it unique. When you get a job, it will be apparent to your coworkers that the person who wrote your resume was you.

Plus, if you have a Microsoft account, you can use templates to get you started.

Getting resume help with templates in Word

Word resume templates are free for anyone who wants to start their resume off strong.

If you’re short on time, you can simply select a template, enter your information, and be done with it. If you just want a place to get started, Microsoft templates are easy to personalize.

With templates in Word—and our ten tips—you can get the resume help you need to start wowing recruiters.

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16 Resumé Tips That Will Get You an Interview

8 Min Read | May 17, 2024

Believe it or not, creating a solid resumé is  just  as important as prepping for and nailing your job interview. After all, your resumé is your chance to make a strong first impression on the recruiter! But before you get too freaked out, know this: Building the perfect resumé is actually a lot simpler than it sounds. And once you’ve read these 16 tips, you’ll be ready to move forward into the job search with confidence.

1. Keep it one page.

Do you know how much time a recruiter spends looking at your resumé on the first go-around? About 7.4 seconds. 1   Whoa . So, if they have to flip or scroll through pages of your accomplishments and past experience, this party could be over before it even starts. Keeping things simple, relevant and to the point will earn you some respect right off the bat. If things go well here, you’ll have the opportunity to answer the most  common interview questions   in person !

2. Link to online portfolios.

Some job applications may ask you to send samples of your work, but even if they don’t, there’s still a classy way to show off what you do best. Try including a link to an online portfolio or professional website if you have one—that way you’ll be able to showcase more of your work without taking up space on your actual resumé.

3. Make sure your contact info is professional.

Nobody wants to send an email to sk8rboi2002. Don’t use your college email address either. Just a normal, boring email account with your first and last name will get the job done. And don’t forget to include your phone number (but make sure your voicemail greeting isn’t anything funny or clever).

4. Include relevant social media accounts.

I know I’m talking to adults here, but I just have to say it: Double-check all your social media accounts to make sure they’re recruiter-friendly, especially if you include any of your social media handles on your resumé. But even those should only be on your resumé if they’re relevant to the position you’re applying for. For most jobs, your LinkedIn account is the only one you need to include.

5. Skip the bio.

It used to be trendy to put a paragraph about yourself at the top of your resumé , but let that trend die—especially if you’re also submitting a  cover letter  with your application. You don’t need to put an elevator pitch or your life story under your name at the top of your resumé. Remember, we’re keeping this relevant and to the point!

6. Evaluate whether you need a photo.

When it comes to photos, be strategic about whether or not you put your picture on your resumé. It could make sense to include one if you’re applying for a modeling or acting job, but accounting? Yeah, they probably don’t care what you look like or if your resumé is fun .

And even though recruiters aim to stay as unbiased as possible during the interview process, a less-than-great-quality photo could subconsciously affect their impression of you, even if they don’t mean for it to. So, if you do decide to go with the photo option, make sure it’s not pixelated, blurry or too small to see.

7. Keep the job listing in mind.

Recruiters post job descriptions for a reason—they want to be clear and specific about what qualities and skills they’re looking for. Look for those buzzwords and find ways to work them into your resumé (doing that will help you beat the applicant tracking system ). Be honest about your skill set and don’t get discouraged if you don’t have every skill on the list. It could actually be a good thing to be  slightly  underqualified. You want to be challenged in your new role! And many employers are willing to work with you and train you when you first step into the job—as long as you have a growth mindset.

8. Tweak your resumé for each role.

I know it might sound like a lot of work to tailor your resumé to each job application, but that effort will really pay off. Recruiters will know that you took the time to read all the info and are seriously interested in their company, not just sending a cookie-cutter application to hundreds of different jobs.

9. Tell the truth.

Okay, this one is a no-brainer application and  interview tip  in general, but enough people have lied or “stretched the truth” on their job applications to make it worth mentioning. Don’t say you know someone at the company if you’ve never talked to them before. Don’t say you know how to use Excel and PowerPoint if you really don’t. It’ll just make you look shady when the recruiter asks you for more specifics (or worse, if you  do  get hired, and then they have to show you how to make a spreadsheet).

10. Make it easy to read.

When building your resumé, put yourself in the recruiter’s position. What would you be looking for? You’d probably want something that’s clear and easy on the eyes, right? Here are some things that can help with that:

• Use 10- to 12-point font.
• Use a professional font, like Helvetica, Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, etc. (no Comic Sans unless you’re going for the community-center-bulletin-board look).
• Keep your headers simple and use concise bullet points below them.
• Don’t use too many variations in font size, color and style (bold, italics or underline).

Sure, there’s room for some creativity, but nothing too crazy—think streamlined and classic. Recruiters will love you for it, because you’ll make their job easier! For extra help with formatting, check out my free Resumé Guide .

11. Use active words.

Recruiters are used to seeing words like managed or led on resumés, and there’s nothing wrong with those words. But what if the language was just a little more engaging? Here are a few active, interesting and not-too-fancy words to use where it makes sense:

• Coordinated

You get the picture. Again, you want to make sure the words you use to describe what you did are truthful, but spend some time with a thesaurus to see if there’s a more descriptive way to say it.

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12. Explain why you’re a good fit.

Remember when we talked about tailoring your resumé to each job you’re applying for? Your resumé should include a few words about  why  you want to work for this company. It’s one thing to know that someone wants to work for you, but if you see that they genuinely care about the company and its mission, wouldn’t you be way more likely to want them on your team? I know I would.

13. Give concrete examples.

When talking about your past experience, it’s a good idea to quantify it by using some kind of number or measure of success. That will give recruiters a clear picture of the kinds of results you deliver! Here are a few examples:

• Increased sales by 200% in one year.
• Structured, wrote and posted four to five articles per week.
• Served 20 to 30 clients per week and generated $10,000 in revenue per month.

Even if your past experience wasn’t in sales or you don’t know how much revenue you brought in, you can find some way to explain the work you did in terms of numbers.

14. Proofread your resumé.

Spelling and grammar are your friends! Even just one case of using the wrong their can sway a recruiter’s opinion, so read over everything more than once. Proofreading is like making sure you don’t have a mustard stain on  your interview outfit  before you walk inside!

Ask a few other people you trust to give you some feedback too—not just on the tiny details, but on the clarity and appearance of your resumé as a whole.

15. Put your education last.

Ken, are you crazy? Education is the first thing you’re supposed to put on your resumé.  Wrong! Always put the most important and relevant information first—and in most cases, that’s who you know at the company and why you want to be there, not your education. Most recruiters don’t care where you went to school, as long as you’re educated in your field.

And don’t forget to include any other training or educational courses that are relevant to the job you want (especially if you don't have lots of work experience )!

16. Don’t be afraid to use a template.

There’s no shame in using a template to help you build your resumé—in fact, it will make your life a whole lot easier. I’ve included six different templates in my Ken Coleman Resumé Templates that will help you get your resumé where it needs to be in no time.

These templates are something my team and I put together to give you more in-depth tips on creating the perfect resumé. You’ll also get instructions for using the templates, plus a list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to applying for jobs. I hope this helps you through the job search process. Happy resumé building!

Ken Coleman Resume Templates

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About the author

Ken Coleman

Ken Coleman is the author of the national bestselling book From Paycheck to Purpose and the #1 national bestseller The Proximity Principle. He hosts The Ken Coleman Show, a caller-driven show that helps listeners find the work they’re wired to do. Ken also co-hosts The Ramsey Show, the second-largest talk radio show in America, and makes regular appearances on Fox News and Fox Business. Through his speaking, broadcasting and syndicated columns, Ken gives people expert advice, providing strategic steps to get clear on their unique purpose and grow professionally. Learn More.

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18 Résumé Writing Tips to Help You Stand Out

By  Allison Pohle

Updated May 11, 2021 2:15 pm ET

• A résumé isn’t just a list of every job you’ve ever had. It should demonstrate your accomplishments.
• Mirror language used in the job posting so your résumé isn’t discarded by an applicant tracking system.
• Use a clean and simple format. 

Companies increasingly  rely on software  to sort through applicants, which is why it is essential to tailor your résumé to ensure it makes the cut. Applicant tracking systems sort, scan and rank applicants by looking for keywords in applications. Although these programs can save time and money for employers, about 60% said such tools cause them to miss some qualified candidates, according to a 2016 survey of 1,200 job seekers and managers by CareerArc, a human-resources technology company, and Future Workplace, a research firm. Here’s how to make your résumé stand out to robots and humans alike. 

1. Highlight your achievements in your résumé. 

A common mistake job seekers make is believing a résumé is a recap of your career, when in reality, it should convey what you have accomplished, says Christy Noel, a career expert and author of “Your Personal Career Coach.” 

“I always say, spend less of your real estate describing your job, and more time describing your results,” says Ms. Noel.  

2. Customize your résumé.

Read over the job posting, and think about the work experience you have had that is most directly relevant to the position you are pursuing. You can leave out some past jobs and internships if the experience you had wasn’t related. Whatever you do: Don’t submit a generic résumé to dozens of postings. “Even if you have the best experience, if your résumé isn’t speaking directly to the position in which you are applying, there is a strong chance you’ll never even get an interview,” says Demisha Jennings, a certified professional résumé writer and founder and owner of She Assists LLC.  

The same applies to your cover letter. It is your chance to provide more detail on how your experience will help you succeed in the job.  Read our cover letter guide  for how to write one that makes you stand out.

3. Decide how to format your résumé.

Most of the time, a chronological résumé will work well for communicating your past experience. But, in some cases, a functional or hybrid résumé might be more appropriate.  Read more about résumé formats here.

4. Make your contact information easy to find.

Include your name, phone number, email address, city and state. It may also be appropriate to include the URL to your LinkedIn profile. You want it to be easy for hiring managers to reach out.

In addition to making it easy to connect with you, it is important to your job search that you grow your network.  Read our networking guide  for tips on how to do so.

5. Consider adding a summary. 

Many résumé templates leave space for an objective statement, outlining career goals, but that approach is outdated, says Ms. Jennings. Instead, consider a carefully worded summary. The summary is often the first place a hiring manager will look, and gives you an opportunity to introduce your skills high up on the page. You can also work in relevant keywords from the job description. “Recruiters are looking for what you can bring to the table and what you’ve done, rather than you saying, ‘I’m seeking a position,’” Ms. Jennings says. 

6. Great résumés should stand out to skim readers.

Most recruiters spend just a few seconds skimming through a résumé—with an average in one study of  7.4 seconds.  

To have the best chance of making an impression, ensure your job titles, company names and dates of employment are easy to read. The sections of your résumé should be adequately spaced, too, says Dana Leavy-Detrick, founder and director of Brooklyn Resume Studio. 

For additional ways to make a good impression on recruiters and headhunters, read  our guide on how to work with headhunters .

7. Make your résumé robot-friendly. 

Structure your résumé to meet the requirements of an applicant tracking system to give yourself the best chance of having it reach an actual human. Ms. Leavy-Detrick suggests the following:

• Optimize keywords.  Use the same words and language that are in the job description. For example, three different companies might describe the same role as “programmer,” “developer” or “software engineer.” 
• Use a straightforward format.  Avoid tables and text-based graphics, which might not get picked up by a scan of the résumé. Sans-serif fonts such as Arial or Helvetica are also best to ensure readability.
• Think about order.  When formatting each line item of work experience, list the company name first, followed by the job location (city, state), your job title, and your start and end dates. Some résumés can get lost if the dates are listed before the job title. 

8. Prioritize relevant keywords. 

Tailoring your skills to include language from the job posting is an important way to let both the applicant tracking system and, eventually, a hiring manager, see how your prior qualifications tie into the job requirements. But just because you have a résumé full of keywords doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get an interview. “The ATS isn’t there to help the job seeker, it is there to help the employer review your skills against their most important qualifications,” says Ashley Watkins, a career coach and résumé writer with Write Step Résumés LLC. 

9. Craft compelling and concise bullet points.

The goal of a résumé is to list your accomplishments, rather than every duty you performed in the role. Résumé-writing experts recommend including no more than five bullet points per prior job listed. 

• Don’t focus on tasks.  Many job seekers describe what they did every day, such as answering phones or creating marketing materials, Ms. Watkins says. “Simply copying and pasting the job description doesn’t account for the things you did great, that you did above and beyond your peers,” she says.
• Instead, explain what those tasks achieved.  Emphasize your results. Ms. Watkins suggests asking yourself “Did I save [the employer] money? Did I save time? Did I improve a process? Did I build a relationship?” These will help you format your bullet points.
• Use metrics.  Say what you achieved, then contextualize it—with figures if possible. You might not be able to put a monetary value on every accomplishment, but you can frame it by sharing details like the time it took or how many people were involved. “If you raised sales 50% in two months, that means a whole lot more than ‘I’m in charge of sales,’” Ms. Watkins says. 
• Don’t omit accomplishments that aren’t quantifiable.  Not every achievement will have metrics to show success. If there are figures, you might not always have access to them. But that shouldn’t stop you from including them, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. Perhaps you had a positive impact on the culture of an organization, or improved a struggling relationship with a client. These efforts could help to demonstrate your  soft skills.

10. Focus on transferable skills if you lack experience.

If you are applying for a job in a new field or you are an entry-level applicant and don’t have much direct experience, don’t worry. Highlight transferable skills you have developed in the past that will serve you well in the position, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. For example, you could play up leadership skills you developed participating in an extracurricular activity or time-management skills you learned in a prior job.

11. Go beyond your work history, and include all relevant experience.

If you are new to the workforce, or are job-hunting after being laid off, you could also include related experience that was outside of a traditional full-time job, says Ms. Watkins. For example, you can highlight volunteer work, consulting projects or educational training, all as part of making the case for your unique value, she says.

12. Don’t worry too much about gaps in your résumé.

The Covid-19 pandemic economy resulted in many people being laid off or furloughed. Ms. Watkins says the 2020 job market reminds her of 2008, when she worked as a recruiter. The expectation at that time, she says, was that candidates would have  gaps  on their résumés or list more short-term positions. While it isn’t necessary to directly address the gaps in your résumé, you should be  prepared to talk about them in an interview . “The focus should not be centered on the fact that you were furloughed or laid off, it should be focused on you and your skills and what you do that impacts the company’s bottom line in a positive way,” Ms. Watkins says.

While it is common to list the months and years you started and ended positions in the job history section, you could just use years. This will draw less attention to a six- or eight-month gap, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. 

13. Highlight relevant skills.

It is common to  add a skills section to your résumé , outlining expertise relevant to the position. You can include languages you speak, technical skills or courses you have done. If you lack experience, you can also complete some trainings, which you can find on LinkedIn and elsewhere, related to the job you are applying for and add the courses in this section, says Ms. Jennings.

14. Prioritize work experience over education.

The professional experience you have had is often more relevant to the position than your education history, which is why the work experience should be listed first. In the “Education” section, you should list where you attended college, if applicable, or the highest level of education you have attained. If you graduated with honors, you can flag that, but it isn’t necessary to list your GPA.

15. If you are early on in your career, a key résumé tip is to limit it to one page. 

If you are early on in your career, you should limit your résumé to one page. It is OK to start spilling onto a second page after you have eight to 10 years of experience, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. 

16. Add some color for a stylish résumé that sets you apart. 

Your résumé should look clean and professional and you should keep applicant tracking systems in mind when formatting the document. But, if it is appropriate, you can add subtle accents of color in the section headings or in bars that separate sections as a way to differentiate your résumé. Ms. Leavy-Detrick doesn’t overstress the need for good design with her clients. “But it can definitely help,” she says. “When I say design, I don’t mean crazy graphic design. I mean having a polished application,” she says. “Think of it the same way you would coming dressed to an interview, it is part of your presentation, and so many people overlook this on the résumé.”

It may be appropriate to incorporate a more creative and graphic-based layout depending on the field in which you work and where you are applying. If you are applying for a position in a creative field, and you are emailing your résumé directly to a hiring manager, then it can be appropriate to use more designs, says Ms. Jennings. But if you are applying to a large company that uses an applicant tracking system or job portal, she says it is best to avoid using graphics unless you are working with a résumé writer who can help you get your resume through the system.

17. Proofread and double-check the formatting.

You may be eager to send your résumé or submit your application, but you should take the time to first check for typos and grammatical errors. You could also have a friend or family member look over it. When you are checking for errors, be sure to double-check the formatting. Sometimes the spacing can get thrown off when you save the file, so check how it looks as a saved document and, if you can, save it as a PDF before sending. 

18. Make sure the saved file name includes your name. 

Make less work for the hiring manager by including your full name in the file name of the résumé document.

What to read next

• How to Prepare for a Job Interview
• What Questions to Ask During a Job Interview
• Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
• How to Dress for a Job Interview
• How to Write a Thank-You Email After a Job Interview  
• How to Negotiate and Counter a Job Offer
• How to Negotiate Salary for a New Job: The Do’s and Don’ts
• Severance Pay: What It Is and Why You Should Negotiate a Package Before Accepting a Job

Corrections & Amplifications Ashley Watkins is a résumé writer with Write Step Résumés LLC. An earlier version of this article incorrectly said Write Steps LLC. (Corrected on Nov. 20)

Copyright ©2024 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

Appeared in the November 23, 2020, print edition as '11 Résumé Tips to Help You Get Noticed

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How to Build Resume with Data Science Skills?

With the evolvement of AI and technology, data science comes at the forefront in almost every segment. Whether you are a fresh graduate or a working professional looking to switch to the field of data science or simply looking to add more strength to your resume, portraying effective data science skills can bring a significant change. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a resume that showcases your data science skills and increase your chances of getting your dream job.

Steps to Build Your Resume with Data Science Skills

1. Choose a Resume Template

Utilizing an online resume builder and any selection of one template from a variety of pre-existing resume templates can save you a lot of time. You could pick, for example, a suitable free resume template from the various collections in Google Docs or MS Word. These templates should be clear, visual friendly, visually attractive, well formatted, and laid out in a manner that you can fit tons of information into a page without creating a cramped and overwhelming feel.

2. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job Description

This is a very critical step in your job-search application. To increase the chances of your resume being noticed, you need to tune it based on the jobs you are applying for. A hiring manager is typically bombarded with hundreds of resumes daily and thus will probably have few seconds to scroll through each of them before deciding whether they are worth a more detailed reading or not. Hence it is important that your resume catches the eye.

Here, the best approach is to read the description of the job and come out with the whole "wish list" and requirements for which type of candidate the company is seeking. The wanted skills, based on these facts, should then be incorporated with increased emphasis in the resume. Anywhere possible, use the keywords of this job description. This will help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems and land before human eyes for possible further consideration.

3. Be Concise but Useful

Now, knowing what exactly to include in your data scientist resume, rework and adapt this information to be laconic, precise, relevant, and well-presented. Exclude any information that adds no further value to this role and which wasn't mentioned or implicated in the job description. Keep your resume concise, purposeful, and full of good information. The bullet statements are brief and must not run over several lines.

4. Follow Reverse-Chronological Order

The most common and preferable format of the sections connected with education and work experience is in reverse-chronological order. The most recent goes to the top, followed by the second to the last, etc. This will help a hiring manager easily get a view of your professional growth and the latest achievements.

5. Include Essential Details in the Experience Section

This is a section that interests most recruiters, so it should be your major focus when writing a data scientist resume. List your jobs in reverse chronological order or include only the latest in case you have a very long work experience. If you lack real experience, consider including data science internships. For each of the jobs mentioned above, provide:

a. Dates of employment (Month and year for start and finish, or Present)

b. Your job title

c. Company name

d. What you achieved in that job

Try not to have any big gaps (more than six months) in your resume, especially in recent years. Even if all your previous jobs are not from the field of Data Science it is best to include them, but there's no need to get into too much detail. In case all your previous experience comes from an absolutely different sphere, try to understand what skills you actually practised there, which might be useful for data science, and what value you brought to the business. If you're a fresh graduate with no work experience or even an internship, you can simply skip this section.

Let's, however, go back to an "ideal" case when you have some experience in data science or data analytics. For relevant past roles, briefly describe in bullets what data-driven achievements you made and what value you brought to the business at each position. One of the first bullets has to be very impactful to convince the recruiter to keep reading. Many people make a huge mistake: they list duties and technical issues but do not highlight business-oriented achievements from previous job positions.

6. Demonstrate your ability to collaborate

It is not all about the numbers and modeling ; it's more how well one can communicate the insights with a view to helping the team and shareholders enable the company to make strategic data-driven decisions.

Instead of simply stating in your resume that you are a good team worker with proven communication skills, describe the jobs where you worked, in a probably multinational and definitely multidisciplinary environment with your colleagues, other departments, and data consumers. Focus on your part in these projects and the measurable contribution you provided.

7. Include Projects Based on your Experience & Specialization

This section is very important for junior and entry-level data scientists who most of the time have very limited or no work experience. Here the logic is very simple: the more work experience you have, the less real estate your Projects section should occupy on your resume, up to completely omitting it in case you are a senior data professional.

Whether you studied data science as an undergraduate, during your master's, or in a bootcamp, most probably you have already done one or more projects in data science or data analytics.

You may include courseworks, guided and capstone projects from bootcamp, freelancing works, contributions to GitHub open-source projects, and individual projects you completed on a topic of your choice. Unless you have projects to include, you really should do a mock one. After all, being a data scientist means being curious about data and the things you can learn from it.

8. Include Your Certifications

You can mention relevant courses and bootcamps here in case you're applying for an entry-level role. Apart from Data Science and Data Analysis certifications, be sure to add the courses covering the following areas: programming, linear algebra, probability, or statistics. If you have an official data science certification, mention it here and also consider including it in the headline of your resume next to your title. For example, IBM Certified, Data Scientist.

Data science is one area that really stays at the top of all research and applications in this fast-moving world of AI and technology. Be it a fresher who wants to break into the industry, a professional looking for a career change, or someone interested in adding some extra points to their resume, articulation of data science skills can be a big deal.

Using a strategic approach to resume building from the choice of format to tailoring job description and highlighting both technical and soft skills, chances of landing that dream job can massively increase. Not only does a well-written resume represent your qualifications, but it's also representative of problem-solving skills, collaboration abilities, and contribution to the making of data-driven decisions. Properly equipped and with a number of strategies in place, a resume can become one of the most powerful allies on your data science career journey.

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• Career Goals: Why You Need...

Career Goals: Why You Need Them with Examples

10 min read · Updated on August 15, 2024

Career goals are your roadmap to a fulfilling career and life.

Many don't consider that they began thinking about their career options as early as elementary or middle school. During these years, we're introduced to career paths and begin to consider what we might want to be when we grow up. Then, we enter high school and college , where we solidify our choices to adventure out into the working world. To do this effectively, we must develop career goals along the way. 

What are career goals?

Though some may not consciously think about their career goals, they still have them. After all, anyone who wants to land a job and make money has at least three career goals:

Keep the job

Make money through that job

Career goals support us in advancing our careers and achieving our career aspirations. They can be short or long-term and help us get to where we want to be in the future, whether that's landing a promotion, earning more money, or branching out on our own in business.  

Why are career goals important?

Imagine that you decide to go on a road trip, yet you have no idea of your destination and still haven't decided by the time you're in your vehicle and on the road.  Not knowing where you are going makes deciding how to get there very difficult. 

In this instance, you have two options: 

Keep driving, and hope you land somewhere you like 

Determine where you want to end up and then create a map, or goals, to help you get there

The notion of not knowing where you're going when taking a road trip could be fun to some. However, in terms of navigating your career, not having a destination could leave you highly frustrated and all over the map regarding career choices. Without a sense of career direction, you could end up with unfilling work, lower pay than you'd like, and a lack of professional identity. 

Career goals are the roadmap to help you get to where you want to go in your career. Not only that, they also help you get to where you want to go in your personal life. Increasing your pay or making more money, for example, is not only a professional goal but is also a personal goal that affords you the ability to do more things that you enjoy or want to do personally, like buy a home, raise a family, or travel more. 

Once you know what your long-term career goals are, you can work backward by creating smaller goals – your map – to meet them.

11 examples of career goals

There are dozens of career goals you could choose to set for yourself. The career goals you select should be based on and align with your professional and personal aspirations. Below, we look at 11 common career goals of today's workforce.

1. Earn promotions

Many hope to earn promotions during their careers. Promotions allow us to advance to higher-level positions, which typically means a salary increase and additional responsibilities. 

2. Advance to a leadership position

Advancing from an individual contributor into a leadership position is a common career goal for many. Some, indeed, prefer to stay on the technical track and have no desire to become a supervisor or manager. However, for those that do, they appreciate the opportunity to support and shape an organization's strategy, goals, and more. They also have the ability to lead and motivate the teams they manage. 

3. Start your own business

Working as an employee for a company isn't for everyone. Owning your own business provides autonomy and flexibility that's important to some. Many also love the ability to build and grow a business over time. 

4. Expand your professional network

Expanding your professional network can help you land future jobs, receive referrals for your team, reach a greater audience with your expertise, and more. These are just a few of the reasons why people choose expanding their professional network as a career goal. 

5. Build a professional brand

Those with a solid professional brand and identity tend to attract more job offers, have more people who want to work for them, and have a leg up when it comes to advancing their careers. Many work towards building their professional brand online. However, building a professional presence offline through avenues like in-person networking events and professional organizations is also possible. 

6. Become a thought leader

Thought leaders are those who have acquired a level of expertise and authority in their field, making them a trusted name that other professionals and organizations turn to for guidance and insights. Thought leaders share their knowledge to motivate and inspire others. They can be found at various levels within and outside of organizations. Coaches, businesses, authors, executives, consultants, and individual contributors at the top of their game can all be thought leaders in their fields or areas of expertise.

7. Advance your training and education

The desire to get a degree or a certification is a career goal many aspire to. Some do so right out of high school. In contrast, others choose to go back for additional training at different points throughout their careers. 

And though it's a career goal in and of itself, professional development is an excellent way to advance your career and meet other career goals, like promotions and landing a leadership position. It's also an excellent way to help you acquire the skills necessary when changing careers.

8. Retire successfully

A typical career goal is to retire comfortably at the end of one's career. Successful retirement is different for everyone, though it often includes holding the jobs one desires through career advancement, having a salary that's continued to increase over time, and working for an organization that offers a retirement savings plan of some sort, like a 401(k). 

9. Attain work-life balance

Work-life balance is a common term used by employers and professionals. Many desire to work to live rather than live to work and want plenty of time to enjoy life outside of work. 

As a career goal, achieving work-life balance can look different for everyone since we all have different priorities and definitions of what balance looks like. Having a flexible schedule or remote work are a couple of ways some might achieve work-life balance. 

10. Enhance work relationships

Having healthy and productive relationships with coworkers, clients, leaders, and team members makes work more enjoyable. It also helps us do our jobs effectively, making it a valuable career goal. 

There are several ways to enhance work relationships to meet career goals. Some might want to improve their communication skills to enhance work relationships, whereas others might want to become better team players to support project goals. 

11. Change career paths

It's more common than ever for people to change careers in today's world. Some find that they don't love their work as much as they thought they would, whereas others simply want a change or to do what they consider to be more meaningful work. Regardless of the reason, changing careers is a career goal that requires thoughtfulness and a path to make the change successful. 

How to meet your career goals

Here are some tips to think about when it comes to setting and meeting your career goals:

• Set aligned short and long-term goals . Setting short-term goals that align with your long-term goals will help you more easily meet those long-term goals. 
• Use the SMART method. The SMART method is a great tool to help you set goals that you can achieve. SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. By creating specific goals that are measurable, attainable, relevant, and timebound, you're setting yourself up for success. In terms of measuring your goals, develop a set of metrics that allows you to know when you've achieved them. When it comes to the timeframe in which you plan to achieve career goals, make it a timeframe that you believe is doable. 
• Communicate your goals with others. If you don't communicate your career goals with others, achieving them will be more difficult. After all, if your employer doesn't know you'd like a promotion or to land a leadership role one day, how can they help you get there? Share your career goals with your coworkers, supervisors, clients, and network. You never know who might be able to help open up doors down the road. 
• Ask for help. One of the best ways to attain career goals is to ask for help. Seek out a mentor who can help guide you when you have questions, for example, or reach out to your network for a referral to a new job.

Tips to discuss career goals during an interview

If you've ever sat through a job interview , you're likely familiar with questions that focus on your career goals. An interviewer might ask questions like:

Where do you see yourself in five years?

What are your career goals?

What is your five-year career goal?

What is your long-term career goal?

What are your long-term career goals?

The interviewer wants to know if you've thought about the direction you'd like to see your career go, as well as how you might get there. The question also provides insights into your level of self-awareness, ability to communicate your thoughts, and more. 

Here are some tips to help you answer questions about your career goals to leave the right impression:

Focus on long-term goals. Employers often want to know your longer-term 5- or 10-year focus when they ask questions about your career goals. Therefore, emphasize those unless you're asked specifically about shorter-term goals. 

Connect your goals to the company or position you're applying to. During an interview, your responses should all be relevant to the open position you're interviewing for, and your career goals are no exception. How do your long-term career goals relate to the position you're interviewing for and support the employer or company? 

Provide information on what you've done so far or plan to do to achieve your goal. As you share your career goals, you always want to follow them up with what you've done so far to achieve those goals, as well as your plans moving forward to reach them. This is where you can emphasize some of your shorter-term goals that align with achieving your longer-term goals. 

These tips also align with discussing your career goals with your current employer during performance reviews and other professional development conversations with a couple of nuances. You'll, of course, want to connect your goals with your current position and company vs. your prospective position and employer. It's also appropriate to focus on both short and long-term goals equally vs. emphasizing long-term goals over short-term goals.

Career goals = your roadmap to success

To reiterate, career goals are essential to help you get to where you want to go in your career and personal life. Use the tips above to help you set, achieve, and discuss your career goals. And, if your career goals change over time, that's okay! Just be sure to update your short-term goals to continue meeting any long-term goals you set for yourself. 

Is your current resume written in a way that will help you reach your career goals? Consider submitting it for a free resume review , and let our experts provide you with specific tips to help you reach the goal of landing your next interview!

Recommended reading:

Everything You Need to Know About Lying on Your Resume

Strategic Job Search Planning: Land Your Dream Job

5 Types of Questions: Definitions and Examples

Related Articles:

7 Best Problem-Solving Skills for Your Resume + Examples

Guide to Writing a Great Resume with No Work Experience

Higher Order Thinking Explained

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Account Executive Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Account Executive Resume Templates and Examples (Download in App)

Most popular account executive resumes.

• Account Manager
• Sales Manager
• Senior Account Manager
• Resume Text Examples
• How To Write a Account Executive Resume
• Account Executive Assistant
• Business Account Executive
• Senior Account Executive
• Enterprise Account Executive

Account Manager Resume Example

9 Sales Manager Resume Examples

Senior Account Manager Resume Example

Account Executive Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

• Account Executive Assistant Resume Example
• Business Account Executive Resume Example
• Senior Account Executive Resume Example
• Enterprise Account Executive Resume Example

Jasmine Brown (123) 456-7890 [email protected] San Diego, CA 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

An assistant account executive with three years of experience, specializing in client relations, sales reporting, and pipeline development. Adept at coordinating with account executives and managers to drive new business development.

Professional Experience

Assistant Account Executive , Roark HR Solutions, San Diego, CA | July 2022 – present

• Support a team of five account executives in managing, developing, and growing a portfolio of 20 major accounts valued at $100,000 to $350,000
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to execute influencer marketing campaigns, perform research on target demographics, and refine content strategy
• Communicate effectively with client stakeholders and external partners to support account growth and achieve long-term business objectives

Assistant Account Executive , Norman Web Design, San Diego, CA | June 2021 – July 2022

• Provided support to account executives in building and maintaining client relationships for accounts valued at up to $200,000
• Analyzed sales performance and delivered recommendations to increase account growth through value-added services
• Business development
• Account management
• Consultative selling
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Client relations

Certifications

• Strategic Account Management, SAMA | 2021

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of San Diego, San Diego, CA | 2021

In this example, the candidate makes up for their limited work history by highlighting the experiences they gained working with account executives to manage client relationships. These bullet points show that the applicant has the qualifications to transition from an assistant role to an account executive position.

Yaling Zhang (123) 456-7890 [email protected] San Francisco, CA 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

A business account executive with six years of experience specializing in consultative selling, account management, and pipeline development. A proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams and clients to drive new business development.

Account Executive , Cadence Technologies, San Francisco, CA | October 2020 – present

• Identify and nurture new business opportunities for a premiere technology company, coordinate early-stage funnel development, serve as the point of contact for clients, and contribute to over $1.2 million in annual recurring revenue
• Exceed quotas by 25% to 35% year over year by building long-term client relationships and collaborating effectively with internal and external cross-functional teams
• Attend meetings with account managers and clients to assess business needs and identify opportunities for value-added services

Account Executive , Arkline Tech Co., San Francisco, CA | June 2018 – October 2020

• Coordinated with account managers and sales executives to evaluate existing sales processes and identify improvements to support business development efforts for an account portfolio totaling over $900,000
• Liaised with client stakeholders, served as the point of contact for customer issues, and achieved a 92% client retention rate
• Strategic Account Management, SAMA | 2018

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA | 2018

This account manager resume example is effective because it uses numbers and metrics to paint a compelling picture of the candidate’s sales experience. The bullet points also draw attention to the applicant’s cross-functional leadership expertise, which helps to emphasize their versatility as a sales professional.

John Bergsen (123) 456-7890 [email protected] New York, NY 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

A senior account executive with seven years of experience driving new business development for financial services companies. A strong history of defining high-impact sales strategies to grow existing accounts and build long-term relationships with clients.

Senior Account Executive , Highland Financial, New York, NY | March 2021 – present

• Oversee 30 client accounts valued at $1.5 million to $3 million in collaboration with account managers, nurture relationships, and support account growth
• Serve as the point of contact for clients, recommend comprehensive financial solutions based on individual needs, and achieve a 94% retention rate
• Manage all aspects of the sales cycle, conduct prospecting and lead generation activities, and effectively target key decision-makers

Account Executive , Helios Finance Solutions, New York, NY | June 2017 – March 2021

• Educated potential clients on the benefits of finance and investment products, interfaced with prospects throughout the sales cycle, and nurtured long-term business relationships to generate over $600,000 in new business
• Conducted sales reporting and analyzed market indicators to define data-driven sales strategies, which contributed to a 17% increase in growth across 19 accounts
• Strategic selling
• Data-driven decision making
• Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP), AIBM | 2017

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of Syracuse, New York, NY | 2017

In this account executive resume, the candidate focuses on highlighting their ability to nurture and maintain high-value client relationships. The bullet points send a clear message that the applicant has a proven track record of success generating new business and achieving exceptional client retention rates.

Meera Patel (123) 456-7890 [email protected] Seattle, WA 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

An enterprise account executive with nine years of experience specializing in marketing strategy, business development, and sales analytics. A proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance revenue growth. Adept at building and nurturing strategic partnerships centered on trust and integrity.

Enterprise Account Executive , Roland Payroll Solutions, Seattle, WA | February 2019 – present

• Define high-impact sales and marketing strategies for a payroll management software company, oversee all aspects of the sales cycle, and build and grow a pipeline of 40 contracts generating $17 million in annual recurring revenue
• Manage a team of 12 account executives to identify opportunities to drive revenue growth for existing accounts and exceed annual quotas by 20% to 30% year over year
• Develop a comprehensive prospecting plan to target midsize companies, resulting in $2.7 million in new business in 2023

Enterprise Executive , Specter HR Management Inc., Seattle, WA | June 2015 – February 2019

• Served as the point of contact for a portfolio of 20 client accounts valued at $4.2 million and educated key decision-makers on the benefits of HR management solutions
• Nurtured key account relationships, identified ideal products based on individual client needs, and generated a 14% increase in account growth
• Sales strategy
• Relationship building
• Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP), AIBM | 2015

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Marketing University of Washington, Seattle, WA | 2015

This account executive resume is effective because it demonstrates the candidate’s capabilities as a sales strategist and leader. An ability to manage personnel and client relationships effectively is incredibly valuable for this type of role. The numbers incorporated in the bullet points make this all the more impressive, given the size of the account portfolio.

How To Write an Account Executive Resume

To write a great account executive resume, market yourself effectively to potential employers by illustrating your most compelling sales achievements. Incorporate eye-catching numbers and monetary figures to establish a sense of scope for your contributions. Brand yourself as a creative marketing and sales strategist using tangible examples.

Also, emphasize how you’ve successfully nurtured and maintained relationships in your previous roles, as account executives typically serve as the point of contact for clients. In this guide, we’ll provide expert tips to close the deal on your next big job opportunity.

1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications

Think of your opening summary as a value proposition for the hiring manager. Your objective is to immediately present yourself as a qualified candidate who can generate results for the organization. Highlight your years of experience and three to four skill sets that match the job description. Use the remainder of the paragraph to showcase your unique talents as an account executive.

For example, you might draw attention to your expertise in driving new business development or identifying opportunities to grow existing accounts. Nurturing strategic partnerships and client relationships is another key responsibility of an account executive, so it’s important to illustrate this aspect of your experience directly in the summary.

Profile Example #1

A results-driven account executive with six years of experience specializing in consultative selling, account management, and pipeline development. A proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams and clients to drive new business development.

Profile Example #2

A senior account executive with nine years of experience specializing in marketing strategy, business development, and sales analytics. A proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance revenue growth. Adept at building and nurturing strategic partnerships centered on trust and integrity.

2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section

The professional experience section serves as the foundation of your account executive resume. Paint a clear and engaging picture of your strongest achievements as a sales professional. Featuring hard numbers, monetary figures, and data is a must. Without this information, the hiring manager will have no way of understanding the full impact of your career accomplishments.

As you develop your bullet points, focus on establishing appropriate context for how you generated account revenue and new business. What strategies did you use to close deals? How did you nurture and maintain client relationships within your industry? These insights will help convey the nuances of your sales expertise.

Professional Experience Example #1

Account Executive, Highland Financial, New York, NY  | March 2021 – present

• Oversee 30 client accounts valued at $1.5 million to $3 million in collaboration with  account managers, nurture relationships, and support account growth

Professional Experience Example #2

Account Executive, Cadence Technologies, San Francisco, CA | October 2020 – present

3. Include relevant education and certifications

Bachelor’s degrees in sales and marketing are typically preferred for account executive positions. Certifications are not always required, but they won’t hurt your chances of landing the interview. Having a Strategic Account Management or Certified Business Development Professional credential can be particularly valuable for these types of positions.

• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Sales and Marketing
• University of Washington, Seattle, WA | 2016
• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]

4. List pertinent key skills

To pass initial screenings with applicant tracking systems (ATS), you need to incorporate specific keywords that align with the job description. These types of roles often involve a mix of sales and marketing skills, so it’s important to feature both to brand yourself as a versatile candidate. Below is a list of key terms you may encounter during the job search process:

How To Pick The Best Account Executive Resume Template

When selecting a template for your account executive resume, prioritize structure and readability over visual appeal. Bulky graphics and distracting colors can often draw attention away from your qualifications and achievements. Opt for a traditional top-down approach that allows the reader to review each section of your resume individually rather than placing them side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions: Account Executive Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for account executive resumes -.

Diversifying your usage of action verbs can be challenging when crafting your account executive resume. Often you’ll use the same three or four verbs throughout your bullet points. Although varying your word choice takes more time, it also helps to enhance the reading experience for the hiring manager. Review our list of action verbs to craft the professional experience section of your account executive resume:

How do you align your resume with an account executive job description? -

Aligning your account manager resume with the job description is essential for generating interviews in today’s competitive job market. As you review the job description, pay close attention to the keywords and industry experience that employers seek. Instead of only listing key terms, demonstrate these skill sets using examples from your professional experience.

For instance, if a company is looking for a candidate who excels in new business development, define how you identified unique ways to grow an account portfolio. If the posting mentions Salesforce, show the hiring manager how you utilized CRM tools to infuse your account strategies with sales analytics.

What is the best account executive resume format? -

The reverse chronological format is best suited for account executive resumes. This approach ensures that your most recent and relevant experience is featured at the top of your document. Combination and functional resumes tend to prioritize skills and certifications, which are far less impactful than your sales achievements.

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Once you’ve completed your account executive resume, consider pairing it with a stand-out cover letter that is fully customized for the organization you’re targeting. Read our account manager and sales manager cover letter guides to learn more.

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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