tips to have a good resume

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.

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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• Resume and Cover Letter
• 17 Resume Tips to Get Seen...

17 Resume Tips to Get Seen and Hired Faster

13 min read · Updated on February 13, 2024

Your resume is only as good as the message it delivers

Are you struggling to write the perfect resume? If the answer is yes, you're not alone. Unless you've had a lot of experience creating resumes, chances are that you're unsure about what to include and how to create a truly compelling message that can capture an employer's interest. If so, then you could almost certainly benefit from some incredibly useful resume tips.

In this post, we'll explore 17 of the top resume tips and tricks used by many of the most accomplished resume writers in the industry. By incorporating these tips into your resume creation strategy, you should be able to craft the type of resume that can help you to win more interviews and land a fantastic job.

The basics: top 10 resume tips you need to know

We'll begin with the top 10 resume tips every job seeker needs to know to craft a compelling resume. One of the reasons that so many job seekers struggle with resume creation is that they just don't know what employers expect to see in a solid resume offering. These 10 tips can help you to ensure that your resume meets those expectations in a way that captures their attention.

1.     Gather your resume information before you begin

Our first tip may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many job seekers fail to follow it. Before you even begin to lay out your resume, start by gathering all the information you'll need to spin your resume narrative. Try to keep it as organized as possible, so that you have the facts you need readily available as you create each part of your resume.

That information includes:

All the contact details that an employer will need to reach out with an interview or job offer

A comprehensive list of your skills

Your work history, including company names, job titles, and employment dates

A list of your most notable achievements in each role

Your educational history, including certifications and continuing education

Information about any volunteer activity

Details about relevant awards

Any other relevant information that can demonstrate your qualifications

2.     Select the right format for your resume

You should also focus on picking the right format for your resume - a decision that will largely depend on your experience level and career needs. There are three formats available:

Reverse-chronological. This format option is simple to use and the most popular choice for job seekers. It simply requires you to list your employment history and education in reverse-chronological order, starting with the most recent position you've held. As for why it's so popular, the answer is simple: most employers prefer to see resumes using this format.

Functional. The functional resume format is sometimes used by job seekers who have little experience or who are trying to switch careers. It focuses most of its attention on your skills, rather than career experience. Unfortunately, many employers view it with a skeptical eye, so make sure that it's the best option for you before you use it for your resume.

Combination . The combination, or hybrid, resume offers a balanced mix of those two extremes. It focuses equally on experience and skills, while also employing the reverse chronological technique in its employment section. It can be used by career-changers, those with gaps in their work history, and veteran workers who have a great deal of experience.

Related post : The Best Resume Format to Get Hired

3.     Use a clear structure

When it comes to useful resume tips, we'd be remiss if we failed to note the importance of using a clear and easy-to read structure. To achieve that goal, you need to separate distinct types of information into their own sections, so that employers can quickly identify the information they want to see. Every great resume includes the following sections:

Contact information

Summary paragraph

Skills section

Work experience

You can also include additional optional sections like awards, volunteer work, and other relevant information. Just make sure that those sections contain details that add to your resume narrative by further highlighting your qualifications for the job you're seeking.

Related post: 11 Key Things to Put on Your Resume

4.     Include all relevant contact information

Speaking of contact information, it's important to include multiple ways for employers to reach you for interviews. So, in addition to your full name, you'll want to provide a phone number, email address, and professional social media URL (for example, LinkedIn). You may also benefit from including your professional website, if it contains examples of your work that employers need to see.

5.     Create a compelling resume headline

It's also helpful to add a headline right below your contact information. Many job seekers just list the job title that they're seeking. However, you can use this headline space to create a more compelling message that can help your resume to stand out from the competition. To do this, create a headline that includes that job title along with descriptive language that can capture the employer's attention.

For example, if you're applying for a position as an Office Manager, you can add more flavor to your headline by writing something like:

Dynamic Office Manager with 7 Years of Experience in Productivity Enhancement and Cost Management

6.     Use a resume summary instead of an objective statement

If you're used to including an objective statement on your resume, then this tip is for you: try a resume summary instead. While an objective statement can be a wonderful way to outline your career goals, it's not really something that captures an employer's imagination. After all, employers are more interested in what you can do for them.

A properly constructed resume summary paragraph can be the best way to make that case in the briefest way possible. This short, three- to five-sentence paragraph should help you to highlight your relevant experience, top skills, and quantifiable achievements, creating the job search equivalent of a salesperson's elevator pitch.

Related post : 27 Great Resume Summary Examples to Get Hired

7.     Don't forget to include soft skills

As you craft your core competencies or skills section, make sure that you include more than just the key hard skills listed in the job posting. Those job-specific skills are important and need to appear in your resume, but they typically won't be sufficient to help you differentiate yourself from rival candidates. To do that, you will also need to include relevant soft skills. In fact, those soft skills may be the thing that separates your resume from everyone else's.

Related post : Soft Skills Explained - and the Top 7 for Your Resume

8.     List relevant jobs in your professional experience section

Start with your most recent job and work your way backward. The perfect resume should detail all your relevant professional positions within the past 10 to 15 years. If you recently graduated from college, include your internships and any work experience that took place since you entered college.

For each role, list the following information:

• Company Name.

Job Title.   If your title is specific to your organization, you can include a translation of sorts in parentheses next to your official job title.

Start and End Dates.   Include the month and year for each of these dates.

Achievements.   Brainstorm a list of your accomplishments and major contributions that benefited the organization during your tenure.

9.     Focus on achievements, not responsibilities

You'll notice that we advised you to include achievements for each job listing, rather than your job duties or responsibilities. The reason for that is simple: employers know that every worker has responsibilities, so including that information on its own in your resume won't impress anyone. However, if you can include actual achievements, and quantify them with real numbers, it will help employers to understand the type of value that you can provide if they hire you.

For example, how did you help save the company money, generate revenue, improve customer satisfaction, or increase productivity? Include real numbers, along with dollar and percentage signs to highlight that value.

10.  Include the right educational details

Create a record of all your education, beginning with your most recent degree. List the institution, its location, the name of your degree, your major and minor, your graduation year, and any honors associated with the degree, such as summa or magna cum laude. Do the same for any relevant certifications you've obtained or additional training opportunities or workshops you've attended.

Five tips for writing a resume that gets seen

While the preceding ten resume tips are vital for ensuring that you create the most compelling resume possible, the following five tips can take your resume from average to exceptional if you use them correctly.

11.  Use the right keywords

Let's begin with keywords. Many employers use applicant tracking systems, or ATS, that scan your document to rank candidates. That system will look for specific keywords in your resume. If it finds those keywords, you'll have a better chance of passing the screening and moving on to the next stage of the review process. If the ATS doesn't find those keywords in your resume, your candidacy will be at an end.

So, what are keywords and what should you do with them? You can typically find the right keywords by reviewing the job posting and job description. Pay careful attention to required skills, experience, and educational credentials. The terms used to describe those required qualifications will usually be the same words and phrases that the ATS searches for.

You can create a list of those keywords and simply insert them in your resume - in the summary statement, skills list, and other sections. Always be sure to use the exact terminology you find in the job posting, to ensure that you have the right keywords in your resume.

12.  Make sure that employers can easily skim your resume

It's also vital to think about how employers review resumes. The fact is that few resumes are read from beginning to end, unless they manage to somehow capture an employer's interest in the first few seconds. Most hiring managers only skim through each resume until they find that point of interest. Knowing that, your job is to make sure that their attention is grabbed as early as possible, to entice them to spend more time on their review.

Make sure that your resume can be easily skimmed by keeping it well-organized and tightly focused on your qualifications and value as a potential employee. You should pay attention to the details - like using power verbs to start your bullet points, to ensure that the first few words in each of those achievements draws the reader in and captures their attention.

13.  Skip the fancy design elements

You'll also want to make sure that your resume uses a simple, basic design. Don't try to incorporate tables, text boxes, images, or unusual fonts. Many applicant tracking systems struggle to read those types of design elements, which means that your complex resume design may never be seen by human eyes.

Stick to simple formatting tricks like bullet points, bold or italicized text, and clear section labels.

14.  Save your resume in the right file format

One of the most important resume tips you need to learn involves the document format that you use when you save your resume. Most employers will want to see either a Word document or PDF file, so stick to one or both of those options. Most ATS can read these files. Of course, if a company requests a certain file format, you should always follow those instructions.

15.  Name your file correctly

It's also important to ensure that your file doesn't get lost when you submit it to the company. That's why it's so important to give your resume file a name that can be easily found by any prospective employer. Don't send a file named “My resume,” since that document may be difficult for hiring managers to manage. Instead, provide more details by using a file name like:

“John Doe's Office Manager Resume”

Two tips to help you avoid immediate rejection

Our last two tips are designed to help you avoid being immediately rejected by employers. Both are critically important for ensuring that you avoid making a bad impression on your readers.

16.  Proofread the document

If you want to get your resume rejected as quickly as possible, filling it with misspellings, poor punctuation, inaccurate information, and bad grammar is one of the best ways to do it. Naturally, that's the last thing you want to do when you're hoping to land an interview and job offer. Fortunately, there's a straightforward way to avoid that fate: proofread your resume. In fact, you should proofread it several times to ensure that it's as perfect as possible.

We also recommend that you take that proofreading to the next level by having someone else review it after your edits are done. Find a friend or family member with strong English skills and ask them to read it several times. Make sure that it's someone who won't be shy about critiquing your work!

17.  Update your resume and tailor it to each job

The last of our resume tips is all about freshness and proper targeting for the job you seek. As a rule, you should try to update your resume every few months, even if you're not changing jobs that often. That will allow you to update your achievements and skills in real-time, so that you don't struggle to remember your accomplishments the next time you're looking for a job.

In addition, you need to make sure that you modify your resume every time you submit it to another company, to ensure that it specifically targets the job you're seeking. Effective tailoring will require you to adjust your included keywords to match the job posting, add or omit relevant skills to ensure that you meet the job's requirements, and potentially change your headline and resume summary to align with the company's needs.

Using these resume tips can maximize your chances of job search success!

There's no one-size-fits-all strategy for landing more interviews and job offers. After all, every employer has its own unique needs, and the hiring process can vary from industry to industry. Nevertheless, learning how to employ these resume tips in your resume creation process can help to increase your odds of success and ensure that the right decision-makers see your resume.

Need help with your resume? Our TopResume professional resume writers can assist you! Get your free resume review today!

Recommended reading:

47 Accomplishment Examples for Your Resume: Expert Picks

How to Advance Your Career (plus 10 Insightful Tips)

4 Types of Sentences: Definitions, Examples and Tips

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27 Resume Tips for Landing Your Dream Job

• Resume First Impression

Resume Formatting 101

• Resume Content is King
• Extra Resume Additions
• Hope You Paid Attention
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• Final Resume Advice

You have all of the necessary job skills and experience, along with some additional qualifications that any employer would love to have at their disposal. So, why aren’t you getting the job or even a call for an interview? The problem most likely lies with your resume.

A resume check doesn’t have to be a painful task, so there’s no reason to put it off any longer. We’ve compiled 27 quick and easy resume changes, so your document will become a big win that will put you ahead of the average job candidate. Enlisting these resume tips will place you front and center in the eyes of recruiters.

Your Resume Makes the First Impression

Recruiters are busy, so it’s up to you to highlight your accomplishments to make their job easier. Because your resume provides information that will determine if an employer wants to know more about you, you must make a good first impression.

You also want to ensure your document shows how you stand out from other candidates to avoid being tossed aside like yesterday’s news without being given a second glance.

1. Maximize your contact header

Position your contact information at the top of the page with your name prominently displayed. Follow this with the job title, phone number, and email.

Optionally, you may include your city/state or social media links. Ensure that your email sounds professional, not cute or clever, to avoid winding up in the “banish-me-now” bin.

2. Skip the profile pic

Unless required, it’s best to leave the headshot to aspiring models. Photos take up space and prevent your resume from passing through ATS [1] .

Unfortunately, some potential employers fear that a picture could lead to potential discrimination claims if they don’t hire you, so they might dump these documents before reading further.

3. Your resume isn’t a history lesson

As your resume is meant to be a brief snapshot showing how you’ll be a good fit for a position, keep it to a single page. Recruiters don’t have the time to skim through tons of information when they’re looking for specific matches, so only list what’s relevant [2] . Save the storytelling details for creating a cover letter .

4. Put your best foot forward

Because recruiters often have hundreds of resumes to go through for a single position, they’re going to skim the top third of your resume before deciding if they’ll continue reading. Make sure you hook them in by first putting the most important and pertinent information.

If you’re using an objective/summary, sell yourself by  showing how  your skills and experience set you apart from other candidates. Under your most recent employment, list qualifying accomplishments related to the position you seek [3] .

Don’t confuse format with the template or outline. A  resume template  is a tool that allows you to input information to create your document in a pre-set arrangement, and a  resume outline  is a starting point that lets you get all your thoughts down in a semi-organized fashion.

Alternatively, the format is how you choose to display your data.  Resume formatting  can make the difference in whether you elicit a polished versus an unprofessional impression, so consider this factor to be just as important as the details you decide to include within the document.

5. Reverse-chronological format is your best friend

No matter the work experience you have, reverse-chronological is the preferred format. It passes more readily through ATS than others and allows recruiters to find what they’re looking for more easily.

It’s your best chance of hooking the hiring manager to read more about how you’re the best fit for the job because they’ll first see your most recent, relevant experience.

6. Choose a resume template appropriate for your field

With  Google Docs resume templates ,  Word resume templates , and more available online, choosing which one will be best for your situation can be difficult. The appearance of the template you select may not seem like a big deal to you, but to recruiters, it offers a glimpse into your work persona.

For example, you wouldn’t want to choose a modern or creative template if you’re applying for an accounting position. Instead, choose a professional or official style. However, if you’re applying for a job that embraces imagination, such as graphic designer, a creative template could fit the bill. 

Toss the guesswork aside! Click on the sample below to build your expert resume right away with our easy, adaptable templates.

7. Don’t get too cute

While your resume should show your unique style, don’t go overboard. Too much color, fancy fonts, graphics, and icons distract the reader if your document even passes through ATS. Rather, limit yourself to a single color in limited areas, such as job titles.

Select a professional font for readability, such as Times New Roman or Tahoma. Use basic bullet points and avoid graphics. Although you want to stand apart from the competition, do it with your words.

8. Remember the ATS

An applicant tracking system, ATS, scans your resume for the appropriate keywords and phrases. This tool is great for potential employers in narrowing down candidates, but it can be a nightmare for applicants.

Using these resume tips will help you pass through ATS so that your resume can reach human eyes.

Resume Content Is King

What’s most important to recruiters is  what you write in your resume  and how you express yourself. Don’t get distracted from your main focus by fiddling around too much with your formatting.

Get to the point with meaningful content that will hook recruiters into wanting to skim through your entire document rather than chuck it in the circular file after reading the objective. The clearer and more relevant your content, the more likely it will be for hiring managers to give you their time.

9. Skip the objective and summary in most cases

A  resume objective  is typically placed at the top of your document below your contact information. Generally, an objective will let recruiters know of your career intentions, while a  resume summary  will give an overview of how your experience relates to the position.

In all reality, this section can become a deal-breaker before the hiring manager even moves on to your employment history if it’s generic, so it’s best not to waste your limited seconds of the recruiter’s time and get straight to the point.

However, if you’re new to the employment market or changing fields, an objective or summary can tie in your experience with the new position. Just make sure the information is clear and succinctly sums up your intent.

10. Demonstrate your impact

When listing bullet points beneath each job you’ve held, don’t simply regurgitate your job duties. Recruiters already know this information, especially if you’re applying for a similar position. It makes it look like you just tossed in filler and don’t want the job.

To truly be noticed, provide content that highlights your accomplishments. After all, you want to get hired, don’t you?

Here are a few ways you can take your resume up a notch:

• Don’t forget to include dollars and percentages to prove your impact. Numbers can be used with people supervised or collaborated with, money saved, profits, or statistics.
• Never underestimate the power of numbers.
• Again, job duties are similar across many fields and are expected. However, you want to be seen as a valuable asset and not just another employee.
• Show off your expertise to grab the hiring manager’s attention and make them want more.
• Show recruiters that you’re not just listing what you think they want to read.
• Using action verbs, include examples of hard and soft skills when writing achievements in your bullet points for the most impact [4] .

11. Choose skills selectively

Because you’ll want to limit your skills to between 6 and 10, be wise with those you choose to list in your  skills section . The majority should be hard skills, and those should be listed first.

Include both hard skills, those that show your know-how, and soft skills, the ones that you’ve developed throughout your life.

Check the job posting and description when narrowing down your possibilities to only include those most relevant to the position.

12. De-emphasize education

Your relevant job experience should be the focus of your resume. Include your education near the bottom of the document, but avoid using too much space. All that’s required is the school, city and state, and your degree.

You can include the year you finished your degree, but it’s unnecessary. While you may want to list honors if you graduated  cum laude , there’s no need to add your GPA, awards, or extracurricular activities—though you may wish to do so if you lack job experience.

13. Keywords matter

When writing your objective/summary, job description bullet points, and skills sections, be sure to use keywords and phrases. You can find these in the job posting or job description.

Include industry jargon where appropriate. As ATS rates your resume, you’ll get more points when these match up. Also, recruiters actively skim for these terms when picking candidates for interviews.

The Extra Resume Additions

Depending on your career field, level of experience, and job requirements, you may want to add extra information to your resume.

Additionally, if you have some extra space to fill, additions like a link to your professional website, or relevant activities you’ve been involved in, can provide the recruiter with more information to determine if you’re a great fit for the job.

14. What about hobbies and interests?

When considering adding a  section for hobbies and interests , think about the company for which you want to work. A traditional, more established company may not care, but modern entities may be interested in a prospective cultural fit.

Choose only those activities that help you stand out from other applicants, and avoid potentially controversial topics unless you know they align with the company’s values.

For example, applying for an accounting position and playing a musical instrument shows dedication to precision and quality output. Volunteering in a soup kitchen can be related to a human resources position because it shows your empathy and ability to work with people of different backgrounds.

15. Leverage projects and volunteer experience

Speaking of volunteer work, these activities can be useful as unpaid job experience. This can be especially helpful to include if you’re new to the job market, a student, or a recent graduate.

Volunteer experience can also fill in employment gaps or provide more information if you’re changing careers. Charitable volunteer work can give you a plus one in the eyes of recruiters as long as you can relate your achievements to the position.

Some excellent examples to include would be volunteering at a shelter, unpaid work in a professional or medical capacity, or any place where you were involved in mentoring.

16. Stay on top of certifications and licenses

Depending on the state in which you live, you might be required to have a license to work in certain positions, such as security guard, travel agent, or electrician. Certification may also give you a one-up for computer software or human resources jobs.

Keep your credentials current, including any continuing education. Consider the fees as an investment in your future.

17. Forget about your reference list

Don’t list your references on your resume, and skip the phrase “references available upon request.” This information should be kept in a separate document, ready to be provided when asked.

However, you want to avoid being labeled as Captain Obvious, so save that space for something important.

Hope You Paid Attention in English Class

While content is king, how you express yourself is what makes or breaks that content. If the recruiter finds language, grammar, or spelling issues, it’s a sure bet that your resume won’t be given a second glance.

Proofread your document, then proofread it again . Have a friend or colleague proofread it as well. If you can’t get your resume right, the document that shows the best version of  you , how will the recruiter be able to find you competent enough to perform the required job duties?

Begin your  resume design  on the right foot with one of our customizable resume templates. Click the resume below to get started now!

18. Activate your language

Avoid passive voice. Instead, use active voice and seek out relevant action verbs to create your resume.

Our  resume checker  will point out any instances of passive voice and weak verbs, helping you delineate your accomplishments in your job description points. Additionally, ATS likes action verbs since many programmed keywords will be in this form.

19. Avoid fluff and stuff

Avoiding unnecessary terms can improve the quality of your resume. Hiring managers want you to get to the point and don’t want to sift through irrelevant fluff.

In addition, the only place you should use personal pronouns is in an objective or summary if included. Don’t be the weirdo who refers to yourself in the third person [5] .

20. Check for consistency

Consistency brings your entire resume together and exudes an air of professionalism. Keep your punctuation the same within each section and from one to the next. Use the same number of bullet points under each job, if possible.

Starting each accomplishment with an action verb, use the same tense throughout your document. There’s one exception: You can use either present or past tense with your current employment; then, use past tense for previous jobs.

These small things add up, so take advantage of our  free resume checker  to ensure you maintain consistency in your resume. 

21. Don’t muddle through on your own

Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback when having someone else proofread your document. A fresh perspective will ensure you’re giving the desired impression.

Refer to your nerdy grammar friend, or turn to an outside source as well. Our  resume checker  and  resume maker  will provide you with AI-powered tips on how to improve your document to make the grade with all of the information we’ve provided.

You’re Almost Ready to Send Your Resume into the World

Although there’s quite a bit of excitement once you’ve completed the perfect resume, try to rein yourself in a bit longer. Rather than rush to hit the send button, there are a few more things you need to do for both yourself and potential recruiters.

22. Customize your resume for each job

To be honest, the resume you just created will only be sent to one potential employer. While much of your information will stay the same throughout your job search, you’ll need to tailor some of it to each job for which you apply.

If included, changes will be made to the objective/summary, job experience bullet points, skills, and hobbies/interests sections. Every employer will have very specific requirements for a job position, so you’ll need to make sure your information matches for each resume you send out using the precise keywords and phrases listed in the postings.

23. Name your resume wisely

Because you’ll want to review this document before an interview, choose a name that allows quick accessibility. The name should promote clarity, not confusion.

Use the job title, company name where you sent the document, and the date sent in a six-digit format.

For example, PAXYZ11121 could be either a production assistant or production associate, with the date being either January 11th or November 1st. Instead, use the full title or a clear abbreviation like ProductassocxyzZ110121.

24. Save your resume files as PDFs

When saving your document, don’t forget to export or save it as a PDF. This will give you insight into potential formatting errors that could occur when your resume passes through ATS.

Additionally, PDF is a more widely accepted format, enhancing readability for recruiters.

25. Consider adding your resume to LinkedIn

Uploading your resume to LinkedIn or other job sites gives you an opportunity to provide additional information since you’re not limited to one page. Recruiters may turn to social media to learn more if your resume piqued their interest. However, be sure to stay consistent with the original document, and always remain professional.

Final Resume Advice to Send You on Your Way

One and done doesn’t apply in the realm of resumes. It took some work and brainpower to get here; we get it.

However, you won’t be able to let your document sit the way it is for very long since situations can change at the drop of a hat.

26. Hold onto a master resume

Create a master resume. This won’t have to be limited to one page, and you can be more thorough on this document and be able to pull information as needed when building a resume each time you apply for a job.

As you’ll keep your contact information, employment, and education the same, you won’t have to start entirely from scratch each time. All you’ll have to do is make sure the job title and items in tip #22 align with each position.

27. Update your resume frequently

Although there’s no specific time frame, you should check over your information when anything changes or every 6 to 12 months [6] . Review your document when you have a new achievement, finish a major project, master a new skill, or complete certifications.

This way, you won’t be scrambling to remember any details if you are suddenly looking for employment, are up for a promotion, or have a job offer you can’t resist. When you open a  free account with us , you’ll have access to every resume you write and can even draw inspiration from the hundreds of  resume examples  we’ve created, making it a piece of cake to keep your resume fresh and current.

[1] Giang, V. 2013 November 7. 19 Reasons Why This Is an Excellent Resume. Business Insider.

[2] Licht, E. 2019 February 10. Expert Resume Writing Tips You Need to Know Now. Forbes.

[3] Prossack, A. 2019 January 26. 5 Tips to Write a Strong Resume. Forbes.

[4] Ryan, R. 2021 February 12. What Employers Want to See in Your Resume and Most People Aren’t Doing It. Forbes.

[5] Giang, V. 2013 November 11. 22 Resume Mistakes That Are Way Too Common. Business Insider.

[6] Backman, M. 2018 August 5. How Often Should You Update Your Resume? The Motley Fool.

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50 resume tips to up your game instantly.

Dayana Aleksandrova

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Your resume is the single most important one-page you'll ever write in your life. That includes your first book's intro and your wedding vows. You have to make sure that everything is polished to perfection and looks expertly done.

If your resume hasn't been performing too well, we'll give you the tips you can use to up your game instantly!

We get it, everyone needs a little pick-me-up. Try out resume builder and create a resume that gets you hired in minutes!

If They Can't Reach You, They Can't Offer You The Job

You’ll be surprised at how often candidates forget to put their contact information on the resume. Whether they focus too much on saving space or whether it completely skips their mind, this is a very common mistake.

Make sure to put down your exact information. After all, if the recruiter can’t reach you, you don’t get the job. Here is the contact information your resume should have:

• Your full name
• Phone number

If you've got a good personal website and a thorough LinkedIn page, add those as well.

For more tips, read How to Include Contact Information on Your Resume !

Your High School Email Won't Cut It

Another mistake many applicants make is using unprofessional information right off the bat. If you are still using your high school email, it may be inappropriate to do so. You’re not the same person now who created “ [email protected] ,” are you?

Make sure that your email is professional. If you add your Twiter handle , go for a good name like @jsmith instead of @unicornj.

Choose the Perfect Font

Size matters and style does as well. Steer clear from the quirky or unprofessional font and go for the established classics. Use these:

You need to give the hiring manager a professional document, not a comic book.

Check out Top 22 Fonts For Your Resume !

Spare the Recruiter's Eyes

Spare the recruiter's eyes. I know that you want to put every single accomplishment and job on your resume and that it’s super important to show the recruiter what you've been up to.

Don’t worry; you can do that without cramming information on your resume. Resume tips on spacing and formatting are very basic and very necessary. Make sure to go for a layout where the recruiter can quickly skim your resume and know all the necessary details.

It’s not necessary to double-space everything, as this will take up quite a bit on page. Ideally, you’d be able to do 1.5 without having to leave off information.

Need some help? Check out these resume templates .

Grab Their Attention Strategically

While you may think that EVERYTHING on your resume is important, you do have to highlight some things at the expense of others.

• Account Manager at Company X
• Managed to fulfill and exceed sales quota of $50K monthly

At first glance, the hiring manager wants to know what you do. Make it easy by putting your job title in bold . If you use bold sparingly, it can be a very effective highlighter. If you use it too much, it just loses its power.

Feel free to highlight some numerical values here and there in bold, as numbers take up less space and are easier to process because they are more visual on a resume.

Highlight the Good Stuff

Same goes for italics. You can use it strategically and mix it with bold. For example:

The second example uses too much of both, to the point where bold and italics stop catching the eye. Keep your bullet point text neutral and reserve special “effects” for your titles and companies.

Add Charts and Graphs

Charts and graphs are great visual aids. They are extremely relevant for those applying for a creative, tech or advertising job. In any case, you can use these visual stimulants to enhance your resume.

Make sure to place them strategically, in the second half of your resume, so that the recruiter sees them but isn't completely distracted from the rest.

Use an Order That Makes Sense

The recruiter is concerned with the present job you hold, not the one you did five years ago, so make her life simple. List your last career first.

Let’s look at an example:

• Intern 2010
• Publications Manager 2012
• Assistant to the CEO 2014

Yes, the recruiter may be interested to see how you got to your current position, but first, you have to peak their interest with your current or last held position.

Make Your Resume Symmetrical

Make your resume visually appealing. This will make it easier for the recruiter to process the dense information on it. How do you align your resume? Check out these examples:

Account Manager Boston, MA

Company X September 2015 - September 2016

Bank Officer Hartford, CT

Bank X October 2016 - October 2017

Now check this out:

Which of the two is easier to read? That’s right, the second version. Going through your resume and making sure that everything lines up will take an extra 5 minutes. Are you willing to spend 5 minutes making sure you get the job you want?

Need help with formatting your resume? Check out our resume builder .

Shave Off All Irrelevant Details

I was applying for a position in education and had a Harvard grad who worked at the company look at my resume. Within ten seconds of seeing it, she asked why I still had positions like “Cashier” at a bagel shop and “Front Desk Receptionist” under my experience.

I wanted to show the hiring manager that I was hard working and that I haven’t been lying around jobless. What I had done though, was overcrowd my resume with irrelevant information.

One of the best resume tips you can get is to keep everything relevant. How do you make your resume relevant?

• Only list jobs that have a connection with the one you are applying for
• List your most recent jobs (last 5 - 10 years)
• Instead of listing empty positions, list relevant achievements and hobbies

Show Your Coolest Hobbies

While some think that adding hobbies and interests on a resume is a waste of space, showing what you do in your free time can actually help your candidacy. Companies want their employees to reflect their values and culture. They even hire HR to help do that.

Show that you’re a good fit for the job. Think of it like dating - you look someone who cares about the same things you do. Otherwise, what would you talk about? It would be a date from hell.

That being said, not all hobbies and interests can be useful. If you enjoy competitively eating hot dogs, kudos to you, but unless you’re applying in the advertising division of a hotdog company, chances are that this interest will not be useful.

Learn How and Why Put Hobbies on a Resume (20+ Real Examples) !

Categorize the Information Neatly

One of the most straightforward resume tips, creating sections on the page can be tremendously helpful. The recruiter should be able to identify the sections of your resume within a split second so that they can process all necessary details.

A big mess of experience followed by education, hobbies, and accomplishments can drive a hiring manager crazy. Let’s look at two examples.

• Personal Banker Bank X
• Accountant Company Y
• Student of Economics University X
• Winner of Mathematics Association Award
• Passionate about Macroeconomics

This is a terrible, cluttered example. Now let’s look at how it should be:

The two paragraphs say the exact same thing, but it looks completely different. Allow yourself a little extra space on your resume and divide the information into categories. Make it neat and easy to understand.

Have a look at these successful resume templates for extra help.

Keep Experience Descriptions Short

You can go for 6 bullet points per job if you have a lot of achievements. If it was a brief job or you don't have anything exciting to show, 3 is fine.

Show Off Your Web Design Skills

When it comes to resume tips that take you to the next level, social media is often overlooked. Recruiters already know you’re using it, so do it to your advantage.

List your website or blog. It always looks great if you were able to create a site for yourself, regardless of whether it’s a simple WordPress site or something interactive and elaborate.

Some decide to create a site devoted to their professional portfolio where the recruiter can click on menus and watch videos and photos supporting their resume. That’s a good idea, but it’s too much work initially. You have to capture the hiring manager’s attention with your resume and use this as a second step.

A personal website means you care a lot about your career, and that you're willing to put the extra time and effort into making a great impression.

Customize & Polish Your LinkedIn Page

Make sure you've got an “Expert” profile on LinkedIn. This is your online resume and should have the following:

• Professional and friendly-looking photo
• Complete work history (relevant positions only)
• Volunteer work
• Courses taken
• Causes you care about
• Certifications
• Published work
• Endorsements

Once you have all this down, add your LinkedIn address on your resume in the contact section. Change your LinkedIn URL to your first and last name. This is easy to customize

Remember That Experience Counts More Than Education

It’s important to list your experience as well as education and awards, but you have to strategically pick their order. You should only add your last relevant degree, 2 maximum. No one cares about your BA with a PHD, or a HS with a MA.

If you’re a seasoned professional (10 years of experience), put your experience first. If you are still in school or graduated recently, put your education first.

We know you worked hard at school. Learn how to leverage your education with our How to List Education on a Resume (10+ Examples and Tips) guide!

Sneak in the Recruiter's Favorite Words

Often people feel lost when writing a resume. In fact, all you need to do is look at the job description and select the keywords that best align with your experience. After all, it's usually the hiring manager who writes the ad.

For example, if the job description calls for someone “people oriented,” “patient” and “analytical,” in your experience section you can mention that you:

• Lead a team of five at your past company
• Mentored others and conducted crash courses under pressure
• Analyzed spending budgets and internal company divisions

The keyword selection is one of the best resume tips you can get. The hiring manager wants to find a great candidate as much as you want to find a job, so help each other and make the match more obvious.

You can use keywords from the job ad when you speak about your hobbies and interests as well; it’s not just limited to your professional experience. The more of these phrases you mention, the better.

Brag About Your Trophies

This goes along with the previous set of resume tips on keywords. Find out what the job requires you to do and show that

1) you know how to do it and

2) you've done it well already

It will come in handy to incorporate some of the skills required in your awards section to show that you've been recognized for your efforts in that sphere already.

for example, let's say the job calls for someone who can

• Process data critically
• Think outside the box
• Interview and hire new members to the team

You can mention that in your previous position you:

• Analyzed essential data
• Promoted to team leader for finding a creative solution to a company issue
• Mentored a team and screened new employees to join the team

Show the Company You Care About the Same Things it Does

Like-minded people attract like-minded people. This very much applies to companies. It’s important for employers to foster company culture that is tight-knit and specific to the organization.

This is why you have to show how you fit in. Don’t go banging your head against the wall; this is actually very easy. Go check out the company website. It always has a section dedicated to “mission” and “values.”

See what the company cares about and figure out whether you’re a good match. If you are, let them know it.

Let's say the company values:

• Treating the client as a part of the family
• Caring about the environment

you can mention that you

• Respect honesty above all else
• Enjoy fostering close relationships with clients, as it makes business more personal
• Recycle and participate in 5K races dedicated to environmental issues

See? You’re the perfect candidate. All you've got to do is research . That’s worth spending a few extra minutes on, would you agree?

Need help with your resume? Check out our resume builder

Are You a Published Author?

Whether you’re applying for a writing position or a finance job, it’s valueable to mention your published articles or other types of written or creative works. If you've been published in The New Yorker , definitely mention it.

Even if you aren’t quite there yet and have been published on a smaller business site relevant to the job you are applying for, don’t be shy and share that accomplishment.

For students, mentioning that you wrote a senior thesis is always a good idea. Recruiters have gone to college and know how excruciating this process is, so if anything, they’ll sympathize with you.

Be Consistent Throughout Your Entire Application

More often than not, you will be sending in both a resume and a cover letter. Sometimes, depending on the industry, you might have to show a portfolio and publications.

Make sure that all of these documents align with each other and with the job and company.

Show you're a 100% match for the job. Check out How and Why To Tailor Your Resume to the Job (10+ Examples) !

For example, it would look bad if you are applying to be a teacher and your resume states all of your experience, but in your cover letter you talk about your determination and motivation from that one time you worked in sales. There’s no connection.

It also would make zero sense if you're a writer who specializes in fiction and wants to work for a comic book company while sending in a body of published work on biographies of celebrities you've written.

If you are applying to be a comic book writer, send in a polished resume, a cover letter talking about how you're as productive as Spiderman, a body of published stories in comic books and a portfolio of superhero sketches. Now that's solid.

Let Your Promotions Speak

It’s always good to know that you’re hiring someone who’s been promoted and recognized for their skills. Don’t be shy and tell the recruiter about your past promotions.

Did you get promoted within the first six month of your last job? Great. Put that on your resume. Did you receive a promotion after heading a team project? Excellent, mention that too.

Make Your Experience Pop With Action Words

You have to be mindful of how much space each description is taking on your resume. Cut the fluff and go for strong action words instead.

• I was in charge of an expansion project that brought in $50K
• Spearheaded an expansion project that brought in $50K

See what’s wrong with the first one? “I was in charge of” is using five words when you can just say a single strong one - spearheaded. It sounds better, and it creates a visual picture of your accomplishment.

Drop the dictionary. We've got 100+ Action Words to Use on Your Resume (And Get the Job !

Explain any Gaps in Your Resume

It’s not uncommon to have gaps on your resume. People have increasingly begun traveling for extended periods of time between jobs in order to figure out where they want to head professionally or to just take a break.

Instead of hiding it, mention briefly that you traveled and the interval that took place: "Traveling the world September 2015 - March 2016." You better have a good story from the trip prepared because the recruiter will definitely want to know more about it. It’s intriguing.

Mix in Some Numbers

Numbers are easy to process and can help put value on your accomplishments and experience. Plus, they plan and simple break down the monotony of word-only sentences on your resume. Use numbers as much as possible, provided that it is appropriate.

• Reached and exceeded sales quota for the quarter
• Reached and exceeded $300K sales quota for the first quarter of 2015

Now we’ve actually put value on your achievements. These are some useful resume tips to incorporate.

Lead in With a Strong Intro

A resume summary will give the recruiter an idea of who you are and what you care about quickly .

You resume summary may look like this:

Self-starter with 5 years of experience in Sales and Advertising. Seeking to leverage my mentoring skills as a Corporate Trainer at Company X. Has an MA in Finance and is the founder of the Young Adult Investment Group.

I have experience in Sales and Advertising and I am looking to work as a Corporate Trainer at Company X. I've studied Finance which I believe is relevant.

The first example quickly gives an idea of who you are to the recruiter while the second is too generic. You can tailor depending on the industry and the position to make it relatable. Keep it short and to the point.

Learn the 5 Steps To A Killer Resume Summary + Real Examples !

Are You a Recent Grad? Add a Resume Objective

A resume objective can be very helpful. There is a difference between an objective and a summary. The objective aims to tell the recruiter less about your previous endeavors and more about what you want to do now.

This is very useful for students or professionals who have not yet acquired much experience. It would look like this: "Seeking to leverage my 5 years of sales experience and train a team within Company X."

Be a Social Media Rockstar

Chances are that the recruiter will Google you if they are interested in bringing you in for an interview. This is where things get tricky. Some say that it’s best to delete your Facebook and Twitter if you are applying for a very important position or even for college.

Our experts at VelvetJobs would disagree. In fact, you have to be present on social media in today’s world.

Just make sure that your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and whatever else outlets you use make you look great and professional or make them completely private. How do you do that?

• Share trendy news articles from verified sources
• Follow and quote entrepreneurs relevant to the industry
• Follow the company on social media and engage with their content
• Make sure that there is nothing controversial posted on your account
• Make sure that your photos are presentable, but don’t go crazy about making them look ultra professional
• Demonstrate your best hobbies
• Share your accomplishments

You have to make social media work for you, not against you. Follow these rules, and you’ll be all set.

Tweet Intelligently

You have to show the hiring manager that you keep up with trends regardless of what industry you’re aiming towards. Put your Twitter handle on. This social media platform is now more relevant than ever.

It’s not enough to just have an account. Make sure to follow influencers and share relevant information, quotes and photos. You get bonus points if you follow and engage with the company’s content. The recruiter will notice.

Scrub Your Facebook Clean

Don't shy away from social media, upgrade it. The recruiter is very likely to check out your Facebook. While it's a good idea to keep everything on your wall and in albums private, you can let a few strategic things remain public.

For example, if you are applying to work at a sports gear company, make those scenic photos of you hiking public so that the recruiter can see you're a good fit. Same goes for any relevant content you share.

Curate Your Instagram for Social Media Industries

While Instagram is often perceived as a glorified photo album where people show off their trips and meals, use it to your advantage. Post content that directly applied to the company.

Being good with social media is always helpful regardless of whether you work for a clothing brand or a bakery. Make your Instagram public and add some good content. This will be more applicable to some industries like photography, social media, and marketing rather than finance, for example.

While it's not mandatory to build and maintain a good Instagram for all industries, it could really come in handy.

Ask LinkedIn Friends For References

Gone are the days when candidates submitted separate sheets of references that the recruiter could call up to hear some praise. Instead of coaching your previous boss on what to say and submitting extra paper that will go into the shredder, ask for LinkedIn recommendations.

It only takes a minute and looks clean and genuine. Comments about your work from former colleagues and bosses is a great addition to your experience section. Be sure that the hiring manager will look at your LinkedIn and proudly feature those.

Are You on YouTube?

Adding a small YouTube link to your resume can do wonders. While the recruiter can surely judge you based on your professional experience, hobbies, and education, the fact remains that they haven't called you in person yet.

Give the hiring manager a better idea of your personality via YouTube. If you've got relevant and skilfully done content where you speak, add that link to your resume.

Consider Adding Social Media in the Contact Section

If you've got all of the social media mentioned above, it's best to add a social media corner on your resume. Put together your Twitter and Instagram handle, YouTube name and custom LinkedIn address.

This can be especially helpful for marketing, writing, and creative jobs. If you're applying at a startup, this will be very handy. Hiring managers want to see your online presence. Polish it and then share it.

Read Your Resume Out Loud

Proofreading is one of the unsaid resume tips, but let’s spend a moment on it. It looks absolutely awful and unprofessional to receive a resume that’s riddled with typos. Make sure that everything is spelled out correctly.

You can run your resume text through Microsoft Word’s editor or Grammarly for help with punctuation and spelling. Demonstrate to the recruiter that you've put care and time into your resume and make sure it’s all correct.

Reading out loud is always an incredibly useful practice because that way you can easily notice words that sound odd or places where you've missed a comma.

Connect With the Recruiter on LinkedIn

Find out who the recruiter is and connect with them on LinkedIn. Don’t be shy - this shows that you really want the job. Go ahead and see what content they post. Read their articles and mention something from them in passing at the interview. This is a great way to bond.

Have a Look at What the Recruiter Shares on Twitter

Taking it up a notch, check out the recruiter’s Twitter account and see what they care about. I stalked some recruiters Facebook / LinkedIn, saw they were into fantasy literature.

A word of caution is not to get too personal. If the recruiter shared a photo of their family, do not comment on that. Be friendly, but keep it professional.

Let's say you discover that your recruiter is passionate about Star Wars. During the interview, mention how you dress as Chewbacca every Halloween.

Follow Up with a Note

While some may think that “thank you” notes are a thing of the past, it still looks great to show your appreciation of the recruiter’s time. Either go for a hand-written note or an email. Do that a day or two after the interview.

Add Any Extra Certificates

It’s good to demonstrate that you've studied whatever it is industry you are applying for. If you've received certificates from extra professional training and development, that shows commitment to improve on your end, and you should definitely mention it on your resume.

Here are some useful certificates to have on your resume:

• 3D Printing for Business Leaders
• Project Management Professional
• Information Technology Infrastructure Library
• Big Data Analytics
• Language Courses (Mandarin, Spanish, Russian, Arabic)
• Certified Scrum Master
• Six Sigma Green Belt
• The Open Group Architecture Framework
• Sales training and certification (HubSpot Academy is a good source)

Now, where and how do you include your certifications on the resume? Check this example out:

Add your certification right after your education section. You can also move it down below the SKILLS section if your skills are more relevant to the job than the certification. Prioritize based on relevance.

Mention Volunteer Work

Your volunteer work counts. It’s good to show that you do things outside of the office and that you support a cause. Mention it on your resume.

Some examples can be:

• Volunteer work at a homeless shelter
• After-school tutoring
• Reading to hospital patients
• Animal shelter assistant

Explain Gaps Through Volunteer Work

Did you take six months to work at a local shelter quitting your job? Feel free to include that job under experience instead of "volunteering." If you took the activity as a full-time gig, you should represent it as such.

Often travel and volunteer work can intertwine. It's important to present it right instead of putting it in a corner way down on your resume and looking like your skipped a year of work because something was wrong.

How do you format volunteer work on your resume? Use the same format as the Experience section but make it as concise as possible and organize in reverse-chronology.

for example:

Volunteer Work

Tutor, The Smith School August 2015 - Present

Assistant to the Nurses, Paradise Retirement Home August 2013 - July 2015

Animal Shelter Care Giver, Puppy Land September 2010 - June 2013

Prove You're a Leader

Proving yourself as a mentor and leader is invaluable for any industry. Every company needs strong people to propel it forward. While relevant hobbies and interests are important, the most important would be those that demonstrate your leadership skills.

Include Athletic Achievements

Why athletic, you ask? Because it's shows qualities people respect such as determination for achievement and hard work. Many companies organize 5K runs, hikes, and charity sports games to bring people together around athletics as well.

Applying in Europe? Include a Photo

While most companies do not require resume photos and advise against them, others do want to put a face to the name. If the company says that it’s ok to put a photo, do it. Especially when applying to companies in some countries in Europe, a photo is often expected.

Having a face attached to a resume is important. Without a photo, you're just another blank piece of paper. With a photo, you're a real person! Another way to sneak a photo into your resume indirectly is by including your social media links to public profiles such as LinkedIn.

Keep Your Photo Professional

The photo should make you look friendly, serious and professional, but not too uptight. Some good tips are to:

• Have your hair groomed well
• Wear professional attire
• Go for colors like black or navy blue; green and yellow if you’re applying for a creative position
• Take the photo against a neutral background
• Wear subtle jewelry and little makeup for women

Remember, you're looking for a job, not a date! Leave out your sexy selfie, and go for something more serious

Impress With a Fancy Title

While accomplishments will not remain unnoticed, it's best to have them pop at the very top of the resume. For example, if you speak four languages and work as a writer, open up with:

Quad-lingual Author, Pulitzer Winner

Sure, it may sound like bragging, but there's nothing wrong with that. If you've earned it, flaunt it. Let the recruiter know right from the start that you're worth their six seconds.

Add a Pop of Color

Don't be afraid to add some shading, color or blocks in your resume. You have to make sure the recruiter can SKIM the information quickly. Adding a box and changing the color tone is a great strategy. Stick to grey and black for printed copies and feel free to add pastel colors for the resume you submit digitally.

For example:

• Novel Write at Publishing House
• Editor at Comic Book Studios
• Managing Editor at Unionville Country Paper

This is a simple and elegant solution to making a long resume easier to digest.

Don't Make up Words

While you should make sure to use strong action words and industry-recognized terms, do not make up your own words. While you may talk about "Instagramming" and "killing it" in the marketing industry, the recruiter may not appreciate that.

Stay away from super specific terms or phrases that were often thrown around at your old company. Don't make up words wither. "Calculatiousness" does not mean anything.

Keep the Recruiter on the Page

While it's a good idea to list your social media channels, remember that this is a supplement. Your main goal is to keep the recruiter reading.

Don't say things like "for more information check my YouTube channel." The recruiter barely has a few seconds to skim your resume, not to mention load your video or photo platform and spend additional time.

Include all the vital information on the one-page resume you're submitting. Don't make the recruiter dig and research.

A Polishing Touch

Most applicants send in plain white resumes. If you want to up your game, considering using nicer paper. While white is the standard, a thicker and less see-through sheet may work in your favor.

Think of your resume as a business card - it has to be simple , to the point and classy. If you're sending your resume digitally, consider using a shade of grey darker than the standard white.

Don't go for a stark contrast but do try to stand out from the competition.

Now that you've incorporated all the tips, watch your resume go from its C-game into the A-game.

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How to Write a Resume That Stands Out

You finally found it! The perfect job for you. Now, all you have to do to get the process started is to submit your resume. The problem is that hundreds of your peers are probably thinking exactly the same thing. How do you stand out?

You finally found it! The perfect job for you. Now, all you have to do to get the process started is to submit your resume. The problem is that hundreds or even thousands of your peers are probably thinking exactly the same thing about exactly the same job. So how do you create a one-page document that will make you and your accomplishments stand out from the crowd?

Your resume is a key part of the job application process: it is the first document that an employer reviews to determine whether they will interview and eventually employ you. Remember that employers often have very limited time to perform this duty. Crafting a strong resume really matters!

Resumes communicate who you are and what you have accomplished. They may be the only document an employer sees to evaluate your record before making a decision to move forward with your application, or they may be used in conjunction with resources like LinkedIn or professional networking profiles and/or a cover letter. A resume that “stands out” in a positive way is one that has been written thoughtfully, clearly and concisely, effectively communicating your abilities and strengths in a very brief space.

Six basic tips will help you build an outstanding professional resume. Note that resumes may vary by professional field (e.g. engineering vs. non-engineering), by location or by other factors such as professional degree. These tips are designed around some of the most common sections and most useful points for resumes across different types.

Tip 1: How to Write an Education Section that Stands Out

The education section demonstrates that you have the academic qualifications for the position. The key questions you should ask yourself while writing this section is, “Have I clearly communicated the strongest and most relevant aspects of my educational experience?” The next question is, “Is this section organized in a way that is easily readable by the employer?”

The education section is important for all applicants but may be weighted differently depending on how long it has been since you graduated from a degree program. For instance, an employer may have a different level of interest in the educational history of a college senior, compared to someone who has been professionally working for several years after college. Understanding this fact may influence where you choose to place this section on your resume.

In general, you should include all of the higher education that you may have had, including undergraduate, graduate, or professional schooling.  You may also consider including online courses, certificates, and completed programs through companies like Coursera. Most people list their experiences in an order called reverse chronological, meaning that they list the most recent experience first, and work backwards down the page.

For each listed school, provide the full name of the school or online program, the years of your attendance, your major or majors, if applicable, as well as a minor if applicable. Include the type of degree received (e.g. a Bachelor of Arts or Master of Science) and the year of graduation. If you are graduating soon, include the month and year of graduation so employers know when you will be available to work. If you have studied abroad, include the institution, program of study, and any relevant coursework.

You may want to include which semesters you qualified for special academic recognition, if any.  Other special awards, scholarships, or competitive grants can also be listed in this section. If you have non-academic awards, such as for sports or community service, you may choose to create a separate section of your resume for honors and awards.

Tip 2: How to Make the Experience Section Stand Out

Along with education, your experience is one of the most important ways to show that you are qualified for a position. Use this section to clearly convey your strongest professional experiences, whether paid or unpaid. Be sure to give detailed aspects of your roles and responsibilities for each listed position. Emphasize any relationships or similarities between your past experiences and the job you want. You should also include the start and end dates of your involvement with each organization, and any key accomplishments from the role. Don’t forget to include where the company is located, including city and state/province, or even country if different from your home country.

Ask yourself: while involved with the company, did I win any awards, get any special recognition, make new discoveries, start a new program? If so, what happened and what were the results? Quantify your experiences when you can! As the expression goes, “Show don’t tell.” In other words, you can more effectively convey a point by giving concrete examples, rather than through vague descriptions. Consider the following examples.

Instead of:

Improved worker productivity significantly, leading to recognition from upper management.

(A resume reader may ask: What does ‘improved’ mean? What does recognition mean? How much have you improved it by?)

Improved quarter returns by 25%, exceeding projections and leading to the Top Manager Award, given to only one manager in the company per year.

When it comes to language, be honest about your job functions while thinking of professional ways to present your experiences.

Sometimes people fall into a trap of thinking that their job or internship experience won’t sound impressive enough to list. The job may have felt like “sitting at a desk, answering the phone.” True, but you may have been performing other responsibilities or developing useful job-related skills without realizing that you were!

When you were at a desk, were you at the FRONT desk? Were you the only person or the main person in this position? Were you overseeing anything while you were sitting there? Were you the sole person responsible for any tasks? Did you have to learn how to deal calmly and confidently with any customer issues? Did people occasionally ask you to take on additional responsibilities, even for a short time?

It is fair to say that a person sitting at a front desk, may have been MANAGING the front desk, or even managing the desk when the person’s boss was away. Time during which an individual is placed in charge of a business or an office, even if for a limited time, can convey responsibility to a prospective employer.

Look at your accomplishment bullet and ask yourself:

• What did I do in the job?
• Using what?
• To what extent or impact?

Sometimes you may need to pare down your list in order to avoid making your resume too lengthy. Try to select the accomplishments based partly on how impressive they are and partly on how well they relate to the position you want. To describe your experience, always use more than one sentence or bullet. That said, word economy in your bulleted descriptions is also important. Try to keep each bulleted description or sentence to one or two lines at most. You can often rephrase a description, eliminating words while keeping the meaning. The more information you can present clearly and concisely within the short resume format, the more the employer will understand what you can do for them.

Remember that by providing relevant details in each statement of your experience, you will give the employer enough information to evaluate you and also provide them with ideas of what they might want to discuss with you in an interview.

Tip 3: How to Create a Leadership and Activities Section that Stands Out

For many people, especially students and recent graduates, a Leadership & Activities section can be a fantastic differentiator for your resume. If you have not been in the workforce for long, or if you have only worked summers and part-time, then you may not have much relevant content to add to your Experience section. A strong Leadership & Activities section can help you fill that gap while also telling an employer something about you as a person.

When creating the section, you should first consider what student organizations and activities you would want to include. Then, you should consider what you would want to write about each one. In general, this section is much like the Experience section, except that it is about what you have done in a personal, rather than professional, setting.

Of course, because student organizations and activities are personal, you should be careful about which ones you choose to list; they should be appropriate to a professional setting. For example, you should probably not choose to share that you were chosen “Top Drinker” of your college’s “Beer Keg of the Day” club. On the other hand, if you volunteered at a food bank, wrote for a school publication, or had a membership in an honor society, those accomplishments would be worth sharing.

Most importantly, you should include student organizations and activities where you have made significant contributions or held leadership positions. Just as you did in the Experience section, you should think about what you did in the organization, any responsibilities you had, any skills you used, and any knowledge you gained. If you made improvements to the student organization or activity, definitely include concrete examples. Make sure to consider if any of your experiences with student organizations and activities could be related to the position you are applying for. Could any of the skills you have learned be useful in the job?

Because student organizations and activities can offer students leadership opportunities and experiences that are often limited to experienced professionals in companies, this section is your chance to show not only that you are qualified for the position but that you have even greater potential. Make the most of this opportunity to show the employer what you can do!

Tip 4: How to Highlight Your Skills

Another important component of what defines an attractive candidate in the modern economy is their skill set. Because employers want people who can quickly start being productive, they care about what skills a job prospect has, particularly in certain technical fields. In most cases, skills are incorporated into the Experience section, if you acquired skills as part of your internship or job, and in the Education section, if you obtained the skills through coursework, research, or projects. Sometimes people with additional skills, such as technical skills, foreign language, or certifications obtained outside of university, will place them into a separate section at the end of the resume. Whichever format you choose, you still need to emphasize the skills you have, so that an employer can easily see how you can help them.

You should ask yourself a few important questions. What skills do I have? What skills are my target employers looking for? Are my skills hard skills (i.e. technical, like computer programming) or soft skills, such as the ability to listen?

Make a list! Separate the skills into hard skills and soft skills. What skills are most in demand (on both lists) for the position you are interested in (One good way to decide this is to look at job listings for many similar positions and note how often a particular skill is listed.)? How can you highlight your proficiency in these skills?

Lead with your strongest skills and/or the ones that seem the most marketable. Let’s say you know the programming language Python. How well do you know it? How many years have you used it? Do you have any specialized knowledge and ability that may set you apart from a competing applicant? Do you have demonstrations of your work anywhere for a prospective employer to see?

Here’s an example of a skills entry that might be included into the Experience section:

Programming: 8 years of experience with Python and similar scripting languages, wrote MyFirstPythonProject software available on GitHub

Useful tip: Artists may have portfolios for their artistic work. Examples of appropriate work, such as for coding, may not be a bad idea to have available in addition to a resume!

Even if your field is not technical, you may still have important hard skills. Do you have experience with popular office software, such as Excel, PowerPoint, or Access? Do you know any foreign languages, even at a basic level? Think about not only what might be required in the day-to-day performance of the job, but what other skills could potentially be useful to the employer.

You will want to include all the relevant skills to demonstrate your qualifications, without including too much less-relevant information which could distract from your message. Think carefully about which skills you want to include, and which could be left out. Remember to choose your words economically to maximize content in a minimum of space. With a little effort, your skills details can transform your resume from a simple list of accomplishments to a document that gets an employer thinking about all the great ways you could contribute!

Tip 5: Formatting and Making the Resume Look Professional

Believe it or not, the appearance and organization of a resume can greatly affect the response. The first hurdle for any resume is to get the employer to read it. An attractively presented, concise resume is easy for a recruiter to pick up. On the other hand, if a resume is 5 pages, written in 6-point font, a prospective employer may not think that it is worth the time to find a magnifying glass and read it. In most cases, a resume should not exceed one page (sometimes two pages, mostly for more experienced candidates, or in scientific and technical fields where publication lists can be lengthy), which has a few key sections that are separated from one another or clearly delineated.

Here are some suggestions to make the format stand out positively:

• Use 10-12-point font or larger. (10 point may even sometimes be too small, and the choice can depend on the chosen font.) Your audience should easily be able to read the size of the writing. Often prospective employers may not have perfect vision, so readability may create problems if the text is too small.
• Use a clean, professional-looking font. Don’t use fonts that are overly artistic and hinder the ability for the reader to understand them. Some find fonts like Times New Roman most clearly readable; others find competing fonts better. The font is just an aspect of the writing; don’t let it overpower the words themselves.
• Use respectable margins. Don’t try to deviate too much from 0.5 margins at either side. Also, don’t make the margins too large, beyond 0.75 or 1 unit on either side. Around 1 unit on the top and bottom should be acceptable.
• Use adequate spacing.
• Abbreviate months of employment.
• Include proper contact information. Most people include full name, address, email address and at least one phone number at the top of the document.

Tip 6: Revision and Review 

One of the most important steps to writing a good resume is having others you trust look it over. A small spelling or grammar error on a resume could cause problems by making it seem like you lack attention to detail.

You can start with standard spelling and grammar checking programs. However, while these programs are very helpful, they are not enough by themselves. For example, the programs may not flag errors with homophones (e.g. hair and hare). They also have difficulty with uncommon, technical, or foreign words that may not be in their dictionaries. In addition, they are not looking for formatting inconsistencies or at the overall appearance of the resume. While computer programs can help with many issues, there is still no substitute for the human eye.

Start by printing a copy of your resume and looking for errors and inconsistencies yourself. Then, present copies to others along with a description of the job or educational opportunity that you are applying for. When presenting your resume to others, consider at least two kinds of people: a peer, and an experienced professional or teacher. Each may identify different issues with the resume.

Ask the reviewers to provide two types of notes: technical revisions and feedback on the writing, organization and effectiveness of the resume.

Once you get feedback, discuss it with them for a few minutes. Remember, don’t take constructive criticism personally! They are trying to help you, and their points of view may be similar to that of the employer. Your goal is to create a resume that most people will appreciate.

Once you obtain proper feedback, you can work on improving your resume. Try to incorporate your reviewers’ suggestions. Their ideas may even make you think of other ways to improve your resume! Most importantly, always remember that once you have made your revisions, review your resume again before you send it out!

The stronger your resume, the better your chance of getting an interview and landing a meaningful job. Just by following these simple tips, you will be well on your way to resume success, creating a clear, detailed, and concise document designed to impress employers. So, get writing and get yourself noticed!

A good resume can help you land an interview, but even minor errors can take you out of the running.  Schedule an appointment with a counselor  to ensure it will be effective.

Quick Resume Tips:

• Use the position description to decide what to include.
• Pick a standard and consistent format.
• Describe your experiences with specificity and strong action verbs.
• Record accomplishments and contributions, not just responsibilities.
• Revise carefully!
• Don’t include personal information about your age, religion, health or marital status.
• Photos are generally not preferred for U.S. resumes.
• Typically, you will not be expected to share past salary information on a resume.
• Employers assume that “references will be available upon request,” so you don’t need to include them on your resume unless asked.
• Employers may use keyword scanning on resumes, so know what words are relevant to the industry and position and ensure they appear in your resume.

5 Winning Resume Strategies For Executives

Crafting a resume that stands out is crucial when you are a senior professional, aiming to secure top executive roles.

The stakes are higher, and the competition is fierce, making it imperative to present a polished, impactful resume.

Here are five essential strategies to help you create a compelling resume that captures the attention of hiring managers and gets your foot in the door of the best companies.

Quantify your achievements

As an executive, you will be judged by the tangible results you deliver. Therefore, it's vital to quantify achievements wherever possible in your resume.

Instead of saying "led a team to success," specify how success was measured. For instance, "led a team of 20, increasing annual sales by 30%." This approach provides concrete evidence of capabilities and accomplishments, making the resume more compelling.

Metrics such as revenue growth, cost savings, market share gains, and efficiency improvements should all be highlighted.

Quantifying achievements not only validates skills but also demonstrates a clear track record of delivering results, which is exactly what hiring managers are looking for in their next executive.

Additionally, using percentages, monetary values, and timeframes can give a clearer picture of your impact, making your resume more persuasive.

Highlight your leadership skills

Leadership is a critical quality for any executive role. Demonstrating this on a resume involves more than listing previous job titles. It’s about showcasing specific instances where leadership was effectively applied.

For example, discuss how strategic initiatives were implemented, how teams were motivated to exceed goals, or how crises were managed. Mention any mentoring or coaching roles too, as these underscore the ability to develop talent within the organization.

Highlighting these skills can help differentiate candidates who merely managed from those who truly led.

Demonstrating a history of effective leadership can persuade hiring managers of your potential to inspire and guide their team toward achieving company objectives.

You could also include anecdotes that illustrate your leadership style and its impact on team performance and morale.

The stakes are high, so it's imperative you present an impactful executive resume.

Use a professional format

A professional format ensures that a resume is easy to read and highlights the most important information. For executives, a clean, structured format with clear headings and plenty of white space is ideal.

Use a consistent font and size and avoid overly elaborate designs that can distract from the content.

Sections should include an executive summary, core skills, professional experience, and education. Each section should be clearly labeled and logically ordered.

You should also ensure that your contact information is prominently displayed and that your LinkedIn profile is updated to reflect your resume.

Professional formatting not only makes your resume aesthetically pleasing but also demonstrates attention to detail and a commitment to professionalism. It's the first impression a potential employer will have, so making it count is crucial.

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Integrate personal branding

Personal branding is about presenting a cohesive narrative that encapsulates professional identity and unique value proposition.

This can be achieved by developing a strong executive summary that sets the tone for the rest of the resume. The summary should succinctly describe key strengths, areas of expertise, and career achievements.

Throughout the resume, ensure that the language used reflects personal brand attributes, such as being results-driven, innovative, or a visionary leader.

Aligning your resume content with your personal brand helps to create a memorable impression. It ensures that all the elements of the resume work together to tell a consistent and compelling story about who you are as a candidate and what you bring to the table.

You should also tailor your personal branding to align with the culture and values of the organizations you are targeting.

Show the financial and business impact you make

Hiring managers for executive positions are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate a significant positive impact on the company's bottom line. So it's essential to showcase how previous roles have contributed to financial and business growth.

Highlighting achievements such as increasing revenues, reducing costs, expanding market share, or improving operational efficiencies can be very persuasive.

Specific examples, such as "implemented a new marketing strategy that increased annual revenue by $5 million," provide concrete evidence of business acumen and strategic thinking.

This not only proves the candidate's ability to drive business success but also reassures potential employers of their capability to replicate these results within their organization.

Including these detailed examples helps paint a vivid picture of your capabilities and success stories.

A well-crafted resume serves as a powerful tool in the competitive landscape of executive job hunting, opening doors to new and exciting career opportunities.

Tailoring each section to align with the targeted roles and industries further enhances the chances of securing a prestigious position.

By implementing these five strategies, you can craft an executive resume that not only stands out but also convincingly demonstrates your suitability for your next top-tier role.

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Best Skills for a Resume [Tips with Examples]

When seeking jobs, I've noticed how crucial it is to highlight your strengths in the skills section of your resume. Many people overlook this or aren't sure which skills are appropriate for the job they're applying for. This can make or break your chances of landing an interview. So, what are the best skills for a resume?

In this guide, I'll walk you through an often overlooked aspect of drafting a resume: showcasing your skill set effectively and aligning it with the role you're aiming for. Drawing on years of experience from both sides of the hiring table, I'll share insights on the best skills to include and practical tips to help you craft a standout resume that secures that coveted interview.

Best Hard Skills for a Resume

Hard skills are those specific, teachable abilities that you can easily define and measure. Think of them as the technical know-how you’ve gained through school, training programs, and hands-on work. These are the skills that can be tested, like knowing how to use certain software, perform complex calculations, or operate machinery. When you list these skills on your resume, you’re showing potential employers that you have the concrete capabilities required to do the job.

1.Data Analysis

Details: The ability to collect, process, and analyze data to derive meaningful insights.

Advantages: Helps in making informed business decisions, identifying trends, and improving processes.

Suitable Positions: Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Market Researcher.

2.Programming

Details: Proficiency in coding languages such as Python, Java, or C++ to develop software and applications.

Advantages: Essential for software development, troubleshooting, and optimizing code performance.

Suitable Positions: Software Developer, Web Developer, Systems Engineer.

3.Design Skills

Details: Expertise in graphic design, UI/UX design, and using design software like Adobe Creative Suite.

Advantages: Enhances the visual appeal of products, websites, and marketing materials.

Suitable Positions: Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer, Art Director.

4.Financial Modeling

Details: Creating numerical representations of business operations for analysis and forecasting.

Advantages: Aids in financial planning, valuation, and investment decisions.

Suitable positions: Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Accountant, Business Consultant

5.Project Management

Details: Ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget.

Advantages: Improves efficiency, ensures project success, and enhances team collaboration.

Suitable Positions: Project Manager, Operations Manager, Product Manager.

6.Cloud Computing

Details: Knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

Advantages: Facilitates scalable and flexible IT infrastructure management.

Suitable positions: Cloud Architect, DevOps Engineer, Systems Administrator, IT Manager

7.Database Management

Details: Proficiency in SQL and database systems like Oracle, MySQL, or MongoDB.

Advantages: Enables efficient data storage, retrieval, and management.

Suitable positions: Database Administrator, Data Engineer, Backend Developer, IT Consultant

8.Foreign Languages

Details: Fluency in one or more foreign languages.

Advantages: Enhances communication in a globalized market, supports international business operations.

Suitable Positions: Translator, International Sales Representative, Diplomat.

9.Machine Learning

Details: Knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and model training for AI development.

Advantages: Drives innovation in technology, automates processes, and enhances decision-making.

Suitable Positions: Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Specialist.

10.Cybersecurity

Details: Skills in protecting systems, networks, and data from cyber threats.

Advantages: Ensures data integrity, prevents breaches, and maintains organizational security.

Suitable Positions: Cybersecurity Analyst, IT Security Manager, Network Administrator.

Best Soft Skills for a Resume

Soft skills, on the other hand, are more about how you interact with others and manage your own behavior. These are traits like being a good communicator, working well in a team, or having the ability to think creatively. Unlike hard skills, they’re not as easy to measure, but they’re just as important. Soft skills are what help you work effectively with colleagues, handle stress, and navigate the day-to-day challenges of a workplace. Including these on your resume highlights that you’re not just technically proficient but also a well-rounded individual who can thrive in any work environment.

1.Communication

Details: Ability to convey information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Advantages: Enhances team collaboration, client relationships, and overall workplace efficiency.

Suitable positions: Public Relations Specialist, Sales Representative, Customer Service Representative, Manager

Details: Capacity to work effectively with others towards a common goal.

Advantages: Improves productivity, fosters a positive work environment, and enhances problem-solving.

Suitable positions: Team Leader, Project Coordinator, Human Resources Specialist, Collaborative Researcher

3.Adaptability

Details: Ability to adjust to new conditions, challenges, or environments quickly and effectively.

Advantages: Enables resilience in fast-paced or changing industries, improves problem-solving.

Suitable positions: Startup Employee, Consultant, Freelancer, Change Management Specialist

4.Critical Thinking

Details: Ability to analyze information objectively and make reasoned judgments.

Advantages: Enhances decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic planning.

Suitable positions: Business Analyst, Lawyer, Researcher, Executive

5.Creativity

Details: Ability to think originally and develop innovative ideas or solutions.

Advantages: Drives innovation, problem-solving, and competitive advantage.

Suitable positions: Marketing Strategist, Product Designer, Entrepreneur, Artist

6.Leadership

Details: Ability to guide, motivate, and influence others towards achieving goals.

Advantages: Improves team performance, drives organizational success, and fosters employee development.

Suitable positions: Manager, Team Lead, Executive, Entrepreneur

7.Time Management

Details: Ability to organize tasks and work efficiently to meet deadlines.

Advantages: Increases productivity, reduces stress, and improves work-life balance.

Suitable positions: Project Manager, Administrative Assistant, Freelancer, Event Planner

8.Adaptability

Details: Ability to adjust to new conditions and handle change effectively.

Advantages: Enhances resilience, supports continuous learning and growth.

Suitable Positions: Startup Employee, Project Manager, Consultant.

9.Problem-Solving

Details: Ability to identify issues, develop solutions, and implement effective resolutions.

Advantages: Enhances efficiency, drives innovation, and improves customer satisfaction.

Suitable positions: Engineer, IT Specialist, Business Consultant, Customer Service Manager

10.Attention to Detail

Details: Ability to achieve thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing tasks.

Advantages: Improves quality of work, reduces errors, and enhances overall performance.

Suitable positions: Quality Assurance Specialist, Editor, Accountant, Research Analyst

How to List Skills for a Resume? 5 Steps!

Listing down skills in your resume is mandatory, but what job seekers often forget is listing the right skills for the job, the overall presentation of the resume, and its clarity. So in this section, we will be covering how to research top skills for a particular role and how to list these skills on your resume.

Step 1: Research the Company - AIPal

When creating your resume, the first question that should come to mind is, "What skills should I include on my resume?". It's crucial to research the company you're applying to. Learn about their values, culture, and mission statement. This helps you tailor your resume to their specific needs and interests. For example, if you're applying for a job as an accountant, computer engineer, or credit manager, pay attention to the keywords in the job description and qualifications.

Extract these keywords using tools like AIPal, a user-friendly Chrome extension. This tool not only helps with various tasks but also excels in keyword extraction for your resume. By aligning your resume with the keywords employers are searching for, you significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.

To identify the right skills, job seekers can simply use AIPal,

Let's assume the position you are wishing to apply for has a job post on LinkedIn.

Step 1: Simply copy the entire job post and open the AIPal Chrome extension.

Step 2: Make sure you are in AIPal chat mode by clicking on the "Chat" tab.

Step 3: With a simple prompt, you can ask AIPal to extract all the top soft and hard skills the employer is looking for. Here is a prompt example that could help you extract keywords:

Prompt: Here is a job post for a [Job Title]. Extract and create separate lists of hard skills and soft skills keywords mentioned in this job post.

Step 4: Copy this list of keywords and keep them safe. We will be using these keywords in the next steps to create the skill list for your resume.

To keep your list of keywords organized, use WPS Spreadsheet, a free spreadsheet software. This will help you efficiently manage and integrate the keywords into your resume.

By using AIPal, you'll save time and ensure you don't miss any crucial details. This AI-powered approach helps you tailor your resume more effectively to each specific job application.

Step 2: Choose a Template

Now that you have a clear understanding of what the employer is looking for, it’s time to choose the right resume template. I highly recommend WPS Office for this purpose. Their extensive selection of professionally designed templates offers a variety of styles to suit different needs. Additionally, with WPS Writer's built-in word processing capabilities, you can easily edit and format your resume, ensuring it looks polished and professional.

Let's take a look at how we can access WPS Office resume templates:

Step 1: Launch WPS Office on your system, and click on the "New" tab on the left side pane.

Step 2: Next, click on the "All" tab and use the search bar to search for resume templates.

Step 3: With plenty of options to choose from, click on the resume template that appeals to you the most and fulfills your purpose.

Step 4: Preview the resume template, look at the different sections it accommodates, and then click on "Download" to start editing and creating your own resume.

WPS Office offers a wide range of customizable templates. A well-chosen template can give your resume a professional look and help you stand out from the crowd. Users can also utilize the Resume Master within WPS Templates to create a new resume from scratch, customizing the sections they wish to add or remove according to their requirements.

Step 3: Self-assessment

This step is crucial for identifying your most relevant skills. Here's how to conduct a thorough self-assessment:

1.Make a comprehensive list of all your skills:

First of all, make a list of all the skills you possess. These can be:

Hard skills

Soft skills

Technical abilities

Certifications

You are the best judge of your own abilities, so ensure that your skills genuinely reflect your strengths. Avoid listing skills you are unsure about, as this could lead to embarrassment during interviews or on the job. Only include skills you are highly confident in.

2.Compare your list with the job description:

Next, compare your list of skills with the keywords extracted using AIPal. If you’ve saved this list in a spreadsheet tool like WPS Spreadsheet, this process will be much smoother. You can easily highlight the job-required skills that directly align with your own expertise.

3.Identify the most relevant skills:

Focus on the skills that have a direct impact on the job you're applying for. Narrow down your list to the top five skills that will make you stand out as the best candidate for the role. Prioritize quality over quantity; a well-curated list of highly relevant skills is more valuable than a lengthy list of unrelated abilities.

Step 4: Organize Skills on Your Resume

Once you have identified the relevant skills, organize them in a proper format on your resume. Here are some tips:

Edit the skills section to highlight the most relevant skills.

Use keywords from the job description to make your resume stand out.

Add brief and specific descriptions of your experiences that demonstrate these skills.

Consider using images or icons to make your resume visually appealing.

Step 5: Review and Revise

Finally, review and revise your resume to ensure it is clear and error-free. Carefully proofread to avoid any mistakes, and make use of WPS AI’s spell check feature to ensure your resume is flawless. If you’re applying for different positions, customize your resume for each application by emphasizing the skills most relevant to each specific job.

Your resume is a dynamic document that should be updated as your career progresses. Regularly revising and improving it is important. Highlighting relevant skills is key to landing an interview for the job you're applying for, and customizing your resume shows your enthusiasm for the position. By following this step-by-step guide on what skills to put on your CV, you'll be better equipped to create a targeted and effective resume. If you need a refresher on any of the steps, just revisit this tutorial.

Examples for Popular Positions

Let's take a look at some example skill sets for popular positions, along with explanations of why these skills are relevant for each role:

1.Example #1: Marketing Manager

2.Example #2: Software Developer

3.Example #3: Project Manager

4.Example #4: Customer Service Representative

5.Example #5: Data Analyst

6.Example #6: Financial Analyst

7.Example #7: Graphic Designer

Using WPS AI to Perfect your Resume

When it comes to crafting your resume, WPS AI is unmatched with its advanced features. It offers an extensive selection of templates, a Resume Master tool, and an AI assistant that provides valuable insights into various job roles. For me, WPS AI is a true game-changer in resume creation. Its powerful language capabilities and innovative tools make it an exceptional choice for anyone looking to make a standout impression in the job market.

1.Give Some Templates:

WPS AI is a fantastic overall AI assistant; you can even ask it to provide a template specific to your job role. With a simple prompt, WPS AI can generate a resume template tailored to your job specifications, which you can easily edit or format for your needs.

2.Check the Grammar and Syntax:

WPS AI can also help you polish your resume by checking for grammar, punctuation, and syntax errors. Ensuring your resume is clear and error-free enhances its readability and makes a great impression on potential employers.

3.Learn About Job Descriptions

Use WPS AI to get detailed information about job descriptions. Simply prompt it with "Write a job description about a data analyst", and WPS AI will provide insights on qualifications, job roles, benefits, and more. You can also adjust the prompt to get specific skills required to plan your career effectively.

1. How many skills should I include on my resume?

When deciding how many skills to include on your resume, consider hard and soft skills relevant to your industry and the job you're applying for. Generally, it's advisable to list up to 10 skills in your skills section. Additionally, you can incorporate other relevant skills throughout your resume, such as in the summary and experience sections, to provide a comprehensive view of your qualifications. This approach ensures your resume remains focused and effectively demonstrates your suitability for the role.

2. What are some good skills for a resume if I have no experience?

If you lack work experience, you can still build a compelling resume by emphasizing your skills. Include key skills such as:

Innovative Thinking: Demonstrates creativity and the ability to generate new ideas.

Team Leadership: Exhibits capability to motivate and manage others effectively.

Detail-oriented: Shows meticulousness and a focus on high-quality work.

Effective Communication: Clearly conveys information and interacts well with others.

Ability to Learn Quickly: Quickly acquires new knowledge and adapts to new challenges.

Public Speaking: Confidently presents ideas and communicates in front of groups.

Time Management: Effectively schedules and prioritizes tasks to ensure deadlines are met.

These skills, along with your educational background and involvement in extracurricular or volunteer activities, can effectively showcase your capabilities and potential to employers.

3. Should I prioritize hard skills or soft skills on my resume?

Both hard and soft skills are essential for a strong resume. Tailor your resume to the specific job by highlighting the most relevant skills for effectiveness. Focus on your hard skills in the technical skills section and provide examples of their application in your work experience. In the qualifications or summary section, underscore your soft skills and demonstrate their impact on your previous successes. A balanced presentation of both skill types will showcase your qualifications effectively and align your resume with the job requirements and employer expectations.

Showcase Your Skills for Success

In today’s job market, having the right skills is crucial—often even more so than a degree. Unfortunately, many job seekers overlook this key aspect—What are the best skills for a resume. Resumes need to be updated regularly and customized for each job role. And at the same time, the presentation of your resume is just as important as the content. This is where WPS Office shines, offering professional templates and a Resume Master feature that creates perfectly formatted resumes with just your input and template choice. No more formatting headaches—just polished, impressive resumes. Ready to craft a standout resume? Download WPS Office today and let your skills shine!

• 1. How to Use Student Tools in WPS Writer – Necessary Skills for College Students
• 2. How to Use Easy Excel Formulas within WPS Office (Practical Excel Skills)
• 3. How to Create an ATS Resume with 90+ Score [Tips with Examples]
• 4. Resume Objective Examples and Writing Tips 2024
• 5. Mastering Excel Text Functions: Enhancing Spreadsheet Skills
• 6. How to Include Microsoft Office Suite Skills on a Resume (A Comprehensive Guide)

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.

How To Write a Resume for Your First Job

Imagine yourself stumbling across your dream job listing. You’re reading through the responsibilities and job tasks and you find yourself getting more and more excited as the list goes on. Then, it’s time to apply. But you have no real-world job experience. You’re just a student! How will you ever write a resume for your first job when you haven’t had one yet?

Knowing how to write a resume for your first job does not come naturally. In fact, it feels like a daunting task. If you have little applicable experience yet, or you’re just entering the workforce, how can you prove you’re the right fit for the position? 

Resumes are an excellent way to tout your knowledge, training and (if applicable) skills in the field. You can create an attractive resume highlighting your candidacy without any direct experience or prior work history.

We’ll show you how to write a resume for your first job so you can kick off your work experience with preparedness and confidence.

• Do you need a resume?
• What should you put on a resume?

Crafting a resume with no experience

Finalizing your first job resume, quick guide: write your first resume in 6 steps, do you need a resume for your first job.

While a resume may not be required to apply for your first job, it is highly recommended that you do so, and it will undoubtedly set you apart from the other applicants. A resume reflects your professionalism and commitment to the job application process. It showcases your knowledge, skills, training and prior experience in an easy-to-digest and relatively standard format, making it easy for potential employers to decipher between candidates to choose the best person for the job.

Even for entry-level positions, when many applicants don’t have a prior work history, sharing a resume will give you a competitive edge when written persuasively.

The role of a resume in job applications

A resume plays an important role when applying for jobs. It serves as an introduction to potential employers and those in the company who will decide whether or not to move forward with your application. It also provides a summary of what you bring to the table for those who will be interviewing you during the application process.

The resume is essential for showcasing your skills. A well-crafted and persuasive resume can highlight your achievements and knowledge, even if you have limited work experience in the field you’re applying to. Because your resume is the first contact point between you and a potential employer, it’s crucial to understand how to write a resume for your first job – and how to write it well.

What should you put on a resume for your first job?

There are a few things every resume must include – and those are some of the most essential details.

Contact information

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include the most important part of your resume – sharing your contact information. Start by listing your full name, phone number, email address and a link to your LinkedIn profile. Without your contact information, potential employers will have a hard time contacting you, which can prevent you from getting an interview.

Why share a link to your LinkedIn profile ? LinkedIn is now an essential part of the job search market. It serves as a shareable resume in addition to showcasing your network. Employers can see if you have any professionals in common from work or personal life, which may help build your credibility as a candidate.

Be sure to act professionally on LinkedIn. Share relevant news and insights to highlight your interest and knowledge of an industry, but be wary of getting too personal or engaging in inappropriate dialogue. Behave on LinkedIn as you would in an office setting with colleagues.

Educational background and achievements

Start by listing your educational information, such as schools attended, graduation dates and relevant academic achievements or awards. Include your major and minor, field of study and GPA. If you were enrolled in courses, projects or study abroad programs relevant to the job, include details to show your knowledge and interests.

Skills section

While you likely have some combination of hard and soft skills, a skills section will showcase the hard skills you’ve learned to prepare you for the job. Soft skills are best to be included in the bullet points to describe your accomplishments in your experience section.

• Hard skills include specific technical skills you’ve learned along the way. For example, computer proficiency, language skills, lab skills or specific training or certifications.
• Soft skills , or human skills, include job aspects that apply to many (if not all) job roles. These include communication, teamwork and problem-solving. If you’re particularly adept in any of these, showcase them and be prepared to share real examples of these skills in action.

Extracurricular activities and volunteer work

Employers look for candidates who go the extra mile to be involved in extracurricular activities. This demonstrates your commitment to becoming a well-rounded human being. Highlight clubs, sports or volunteer activities that you were involved in, especially emphasizing leadership roles or particular responsibilities you had in these activities. This extracurricular activity showcases your ability to multi-task, prioritize time and develop skills and interests.

Example Resume & Writing Guide

See a real-life example of a strong resume, including tips for gathering your own persuasive experience and skills using our Resume Writing Guide !

As a young adult or new graduate, you may wonder how to write a resume for your first job with no real-world experience. Don’t fear – there have been many in your shoes before you!

What does a resume look like for a first job?

Your resume should be straightforward with a clean and concise design. It should be easy to read with a simple flow highlighting information from most important to nice-to-have details. Do not go overboard with design details, fonts or graphics. 

Furman recommends that you use Microsoft Word to build your resume as it can be easier to make changes to a Word document than it is to change a template. However, you can use free resume builder tools online to build your resume in standard formats.

• Myperfectresume.com
• Resumenerd.com

Using strong action words and job-specific keywords in your resume for your first job will significantly impact you. Describe experiences and achievements using strong action verbs, such as:

• Collaborated
• Volunteered

What to put on a resume with no experience?

You can learn how to write a resume for your first job that impresses potential employers, even without relevant work experience, by emphasizing relevant coursework. Doing this demonstrates skills learned in a classroom or group project setting. Highlight personal or academic projects showcasing your abilities, such as experiences where you took the lead as a group or team leader.

Before submitting your first job resume, review and edit the document for mistakes or improvements.

Proofreading and editing

Attention to detail is critical to potential employers. Check your resume for typos and grammatical errors. Mistakes on your resume may eliminate you as a candidate, especially if grammatical adeptness or attention to detail is essential to the job.

Similarly, ensure a consistent design throughout your resume. Stick to one format, using one legible font and minimal design details. A professional resume appearance can set you apart from other applicants’ resumes that may appear messy or disorganized.

Seeking feedback

Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from friends, mentors or even career services at schools or community centers. A peer review from your fellow students, teachers or mentors can provide invaluable input on skills you may be forgetting, plus the extra set of eyes can help detect errors and typos.

Career services at your school or library also serve as an excellent third-party validation and review resource. Furman’s Malone Center for Career Engagement offers in-depth career preparation services for students, such as resume and cover letter assistance , career fairs and networking , personalized advice from advisors and interview prep – just to name a few.

Webinar: Polishing Your Resume & Preparing Your Pitch

Watch the free Polishing Your Resume & Preparing Your Pitch webinar for an in-depth look at creating your resume and preparing a pitch to potential employers straight from a Furman career advisor.

Now, do you feel ready and excited to write a resume for your first job? We hope you jotted down notes specific to your experience as you read through the post, but in case you didn’t, writing your resume can be simplified to these simple steps.

• Start with your contact information , including full name, phone number and email address. Consider adding a link to your LinkedIn profile.
• List your education experience , including relevant projects, courses and extracurricular activities.
• List both hard skills and soft skills relevant to the job.
• Explain your roles and responsibilities in your projects and extracurricular activities, especially those where you acted in a leadership capacity, using strong action verbs.
• Proofread and gather feedback.

If this is your first time writing a resume for your first job, approach the process with confidence and positivity. Your attitude will shine through the resume, so stay positive!

The perspectives and thoughts shared in the Furman Blog belong solely to the author and may not align with the official stance or policies of Furman University. All referenced sources were accurate as of the date of publication.

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Creating a standout resume might seem daunting, but it’s your key to landing that dream job. Your resume is more than just a list of jobs; it’s your personal marketing tool that highlights your skills, experiences, and achievements in a way that attracts potential employers. Nowadays it’s everyone’s concern how to make a resume that is ATS friendly and reflects your skills and knowledge.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to build a resume that gets noticed by hiring managers and recruiters. We’ll cover resume templates , effective resume formats , and tips for writing powerful resume bullet points. Building your resume is crucial for different job applications, how to highlight your professional experience and the best ways to list your education and certifications.

Table of Content

What is a Resume

Why a resume is important.

Before, moving on to how to write a resume even if you’re a fresher and have no experience, let us understand what is resume and why it is important.

A resume is a concise document that summarizes your skills , experiences , and achievements to showcase your qualifications for a job. Understanding resume writing how to is essential for creating a compelling resume that stands out. When learning how a resume is written, it’s important to focus on formatting, clarity, and relevance. Effective resume writing involves choosing the right structure, highlighting your most significant accomplishments , and tailoring the content to the job you’re applying for. By mastering how to write a resume, you can create a powerful tool that captures the attention of potential employers and helps you advance in your career.

If you want paychecks, you’ve to sell yourself first and a resume is that one tool or document that lists out your features and USPs that will help you to sell yourself in the job market. Within one or two pages, a resume convinces recruiters if they want to call you for a job interview or not. (That much power your resume holds)

So, if you want to bag your first interview or want to interview at your dream company or for a dream job role , it’s very important for you to write a strong and power-packed resume with correct keywords and relevant skills that will persuade recruiters to hit “I want to interview you” button. 

How to Make a Resume (Full Guide)

Choose your desired resume format.

• Reverse chronological resume format
• Functional or Skilled Focused resume format
• Hybrid Format
• Dos and Don’ts of Resume Layout 
• What resume format is best for ATS

Most people have two options when it comes to getting an interview call – A++ top-tier level resume or an “I know someone here” referral. No matter which group you belong to, it’s important to up your resume game and understands the strategies that are used to land an interview from your dream company within a week, if not days. Before you dive into the resume-building process, you have to decide on the right resume format that will take you up the ladder. If you’ve already decided to write your resume on a text editor like MS Word, it’s highly recommended you should keep your HANDS OFF from them. 

Formatting your resume on a basic text editor will not waste your time but also your effort. We recommend that you should use a resume builder tool like GeeksforGeeks Online Resume Builde r – Free. Our resume builder is fast, simple, and free to use. Moving onto resume formats that you can use to format your resume. 

There are three types of resume formats: reverse chronological, functional or skills-based, and hybrid. You should choose the format that suits the type of job you are applying for and your level of experience.

Types of Resume Formats

1) Reverse chronological Resume Format – This highlights your career advancement and emphasizes the relevant job experience. It’s an absolute fan favorite of recruiters. However, it doesn’t show your skills much so if you’re someone with highly relevant job experience, you can opt for this resume format.

Reverse chronological Resume Format

2) Functional/skills-based Resume Format – Are you a fresher with no job experience? Opt for a functional or skill-based resume format if you have skills to brag about but no relevant work experience. 

Functional/skills-based Resume Format

3) Hybrid Resume Format – Now, this resume format is preferred by most recruiters and loved by job seekers with diverse skillsets and job experience. It combines the best elements of both reverse chronological and functional resume format and provides space for the right keyword. 

If you’re wondering which resume format is best for ATS, go for the reverse chronological resume format. When it comes to resume layout, you need to mind these tips while formatting your resumes:

• Page Count: Keep your resume to one page. Max 2 if you’ve 7+ of experience and it’s relevant to your job role. Recruiters get 1000+ resumes every day and it gets tough to go through resumes with more than 2 pages. 
• Heading Tag: If you’re choosing an H1 tag or an H2 tag to write your headlines in your resume, then ensure that all headlines have the same tag.
• White space: Keep enough white space in your resume. Negative space is needed to make your resume look professional.
• PDF or Word: Download your resume as a PDF document as it can be read by most ATS. If the job description mentions that you need to send the doc file as a .doc, then send your resume like that as old ATS can’t read PDF files.

 Add your contact information

The most important and overlooked section of your resume is the contact information section which is right under your name. Even if you write everything correctly but haven’t provided your contact details, HRs can’t reach out to you even if they want to contact you. Ensure that everything on your contact information is up to date and triple-check the details if needed. 

Things that you should include are: 

• First Name / Last Name – Mention the name that is provided on your social security card or if you’re in India, it should match the name that’s provided on your PAN card or Aadhaar card.
• Phone Number – Only provide the phone number that is reachable.
• Email Address – Don’t provide an unprotected email address. Your email address should be like this: “[email protected]”. Avoid providing email addresses like [email protected], [email protected]
• Location – Your residential address should be the same as the one where you stay or relocated.
• Social Media URLs – If you’re a software developer, mention your Github profile. If you’re a designer, then Behance profile and if you’re a writer, provide your personal blog that showcases your abilities. Don’t forget to include your LinkedIn account as most recruiters go through LinkedIn to see your online presence. 

Write a Resume Headline that Can Stand You Out From the Crowd

A resume headline is a short, one-line statement that conveys who you are as a candidate. It is important to write a headline that grabs the recruiter’s attention and encourages them to read your qualifications in more depth. Your resume headline is often the first thing recruiters read so impress them within seconds by writing a short and concise headline. Keep it relevant to your job skills and make sure that you put the right keywords that are relevant to the job posting .

Some resume headlines examples for you to check out:

• Goal-Oriented Senior Accountant with 6+ Years of Accounting Experience in XYZ Company.
• Successful Manager of Dozens of Online Marketing Campaigns
• Award-Winning Video Editor Skilled in Web Design and Video Editing
• Detail-Oriented History Student with Curatorial Experience

Include a professional summary

The first impression is your last impression. This phrase stands true to date. An effective resume introduction can make or break you no matter what type of job you’re applying for. Your summary or objective can give the opportunity to impress the recruiter so carefully write your resume summary/objective. Don’t know where to write a resume summary or objective? We got you covered.

A resume summary is a 2-3 sentence summary of your working experience. Unless you’re a recent college grad or changing careers, you should use a resume summary in almost any scenario.

On the other hand, a resume objective implies the goal of your resume. It conveys why you want to work in that particular field and the motivation behind it. When writing a resume summary, include an objective of 2-3 lines. If you’re changing your career or have no significant work experience, make sure to write a resume objective.

Add your work experience

• If you’re a fresher, keep the education section at the top, and if you’re an experienced person or did work in FAANG companies or big coming, then put work experience at the top.
• If you’re a backend intern, make sure you’re writing the designation as a software engineering intern. 
• Make sure you’re covering up your tasks in 2-3 points.

Now we’re down to the most important part of the resume – work experience . If an add sells a product with just a few words, your resume does the same with you by selling you on the basis of your past work experience and achievements. Learning to write this section is a bit tough but once you master writing the perfect work experience section, 80% work is done here and after this you will know how to write and resume. So, let’s see how to list your work experience: Your work experience should be written in reverse chronological order as ATS can scan reverse chronological resume format easily.

It should be something like this:

Job title | Company Name | Date of employment 

Accomplishments & Achievements

• Job title: Keep it on top of your resume so that recruiters can easily see what position you’re applying for.
• Company name: Mention the company you are working in or working for.
• Date of employment: Mention the timeframe of your employment in all the companies you worked for. Ensure that format is like this – dd/mm/yyyy. It is important to mention as ATS parses it only then.
• Accomplishments and achievements: This is where you mention your core achievements that will in turn bag you – your dream job. List your achievements or responsibilities according to your job role.
• If you’re a fresher, keep the education section at the top and if you’re an intern or worked in FAANG companies or big companies, then make sure to put the work experience section at the top.
• If you’re a backend intern, instead of writing your job title as “Backend Intern”, write it as a “Software Engineering Intern”. You should always write the job title mentioned in the job description.
• Don’t write 10-15 points covering your job responsibilities. Recruiters don’t have the time to go through all of the responsibilities. Keep it to 2-3 points max.
• Mention achievements in terms of how exactly you helped the company grow, reach quarterly quotas, and so on. Numbers play a big role when it comes to convincing your future employers what exactly you achieved.

Mention your Soft and Hard Skills

Now that you mastered writing your work experience section, it’s time to dive into your skills section. There’re 2 types of skills:

• Soft Skills: These are your personal skills like social skills, communication skills, personal traits, career attributes, leadership, critical thinking, and management.
• Hard/Technical Skills: Hard Skills are measurable skills that you can measure like how proficient you’re in that particular skill. The use of technical skills frequently requires specialized tools and the technologies needed to use them.

A good resume should cover both. However, it’s highly advisable that you should mention those skills in which you’re fluent and not just at a beginner level. To know more about how to list your key technical skills, read our article 7 Key Technical Skills to List on Your Resume in 2022 .

Once you list your hard skills with your experience level, double-check your skills section and remove any skill you feel you’re not confident in and don’t LIE even if your life depends on it. Lying about skills can get you in serious trouble later on and can get you blacklisted too.

Include your education

The next section is all about your educational background, achievements, and projects. We’ll keep it short and concise for you. List your educational background in this way:

• Program Name. E.g.: “MBA in Marketing”
• University Name. E.g.: “Mumbai University”
• Years Attended. E.g.: “06/2019-05/2021”
• (Optional) CGPA. E.g.: “CGPA: 8”
• (Optional) Academic achievements. If you have written any interesting papers or excelled in any courses, do describe them.

Let’s move on to some tips that will help you perfect your educational background, achievement, and project section:

• Only keep the last 2 educational qualifications or examinations you’ve given.
• Only add those projects which are relevant to your job opening – projects which have more number of features.
• Projects to list- API-based projects, Portfolio-based projects, and Full-stack projects.
• Add as many numbers as you can while listing achievements – add your highest ranking in CP or the highest number of problems you solved on GeeksforGeeks or XYZ. 
• Don’t add intra-college achievements as it put forth a negative impression on recruiters.
• Don’t add “President of the xxx club” if you’re applying for tech roles. 

Mention Other Sections (Optional)

All the sections we’ve covered are must-haves but there are a few more sections that are optional and don’t hold much significance. These are like booster sections that can give you an extra wow effect.

The following sections can be added to your resume:

• Languages – If you’re multilingual and can be handy with different languages, do mention that in your resume. However, avoid mentioning language that you’re not proficient in as it can get you in trouble later on if you’re not able to help your colleagues when they require your help with the said language.
• Hobbies and Interests – Have extra space in your resume? Add up your hobbies and interests. It shows how you’re as an individual.
• Volunteering Experiences – Some studies show that volunteering has a greater impact on hiring. It shows that you’re an empathetic person by nature and can be loyal to the company. 
• Courses, Certifications, and Awards – Do you have any certifications or awards that can show you off and is relevant to the job position you applied for? Note them down in the resume as it shows your expertise in the said field.

Customize Your Resume According to the Job Posting

We’re almost at the end of the article. It’s time to format your resume in such a way that ATS can scan your resume smoothly. To understand the term ATS better , you should know ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System . It is software used to manage the entire application process for employers. This system compiles, scans, and ranks all of the applications.

According to a survey done, 98% of Fortune companies are using ATS to scan their resumes. ATS segments resume into various sections: Work Experience , Education, Skills , etc. Next, it looks for precise keywords and qualifications to see if you fit the job description. So it’s important to tailor your resume as per the job description and for how to resume writing. Resumes that don’t comply with the basic requirements are automatically discarded. A job candidate’s resume is ranked based on its relevance (the best resume appears at the top of the recruiter’s pipeline).

Proofread Your Resume With Correct Formatting

Now that you’re done with your resume writing task, it’s time to do the most important task – Proofread your resume. Here’s the checklist we’ve for you:

• Resume fonts – Stick to Ubuntu, Roboto, Overpass, or traditional fonts like Helvetica, Garamond, or Georgia. Your font should be 10-11 and don’t ever go with Comic Sans (only if you want to look like a joker)
• Check tenses – Describe the current work you are doing in the present tense, and use the past tense to describe jobs from the past.
• Resume action words – Use resume action words like “Chaired”, “Controlled”, “Executed”

Also Read: Free Online Resume Builder By GeeksforGeeks – Create Your Resume Now! 10 steps to write an Effective Resume Resume Building – Resources and Tips

In conclusion, learning how to write a resume resume is a crucial step in advancing your career and landing your desired job. Start by selecting a clean and professional format , then focus on highlighting your key skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Tailor each section to the job you’re applying for, ensuring that your qualifications align with the employer’s needs. Building your resume is very beneficial for you so remember to use clear and concise language, and proofread your resume to eliminate any errors. By following these steps, you can create a resume that effectively showcases your strengths and sets you apart from other candidates, increasing your chances of success in the job market.

How to Build a Resume – FAQs

How can i write resume.

You can write your resume by following the methods given above or you can also use any resume templates that will help you a lot.

How to Resume Writing?

Resume writing can be done by some of the points given below: Choose the Right Format Start with a Strong Header Craft a Compelling Summary or Objective Detail Your Work Experience

How can I write a simple resume?

To write a simple resume, use a clean format with clear headings. Include your contact information, a brief summary, your work experience, education, and relevant skills. Keep it concise and focused on your most important qualifications.

How to write a resume for a job?

To write a resume for a job, tailor it to the specific position by highlighting relevant experience and skills. Start with your contact details, followed by a strong summary, detailed work history, education, and a skills section. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements where possible.

What are the 7 basic steps to writing a resume?

Here are the basic steps: Choose the Right Format Start with a Strong Header Write a Compelling Summary Detail Your Work Experience Highlight Your Skills Include Your Education Proofread and Edit

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How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets You a Job Interview

Learn to avoid the biggest mistake job seekers make and write a cover letter that truly makes an impact.

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Most job seekers don’t know how to write a proper cover letter. They believe a cover letter is just a “here is my resume” note. This is a wasted opportunity!

In this article, you’ll discover the secret to writing a professional cover letter that’s truly effective. It’s not hard to do and will give you a significant edge over the competition. We’ll walk you through the process in a few straightforward steps and provide examples to help you along the way.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive in and create a cover letter that opens doors to your next opportunity.

What is a cover letter and do you really need one?

A cover letter is a short document (around 300 words) that accompanies your resume. Your cover letter should not simply repeat what your resume says . Instead, it should complement your resume, highlight your personality, and potentially address any weaknesses that could otherwise prevent you from getting an interview.

But do you really need a cover letter in 2024? The short answer is YES.

“Over 80% of hiring managers read a cover letter and 60% of applications require one as part of the application,” says career coach Madelyn Mackie . “Even hiring managers and recruiters who say they never read cover letters may find themselves drawn in by a particularly compelling letter.”

In fact, Jobscan analyzed nearly 1 million job applications and found that including a cover letter with your resume makes you  1.9 times more likely  to be invited for an interview compared to those who left out a cover letter.

What’s the biggest cover letter mistake?

The biggest mistake job seekers make when writing their cover letter is to focus only on themselves .

“It’s not about you,” says career coach Susan Schwartz . “It’s about what you can do for them. Talking to them about what they care about—not about what you want—is what’s going to make them want to read your letter. And to hire you!”

According to Schwartz, this is the best way to write a cover letter:

Paragraph 1. A single sentence (maximum two) stating the PROBLEM that the company faces. What is the issue/need/opportunity that this role will address?

Paragraph 2. what solution do you offer how are you the answer to their need again, keep it to a sentence or two., paragraph 3. explanation: what experience do you have that supports your assertion that you can help this paragraph can be 3-4 sentences, but keep it short., paragraph 4. call to action: suggest next steps. not “thank you” but let’s plan to discuss this next week..

Since hiring managers often spend less than 20 seconds on an application, your cover letter needs to grab their attention and get them to look at your resume. By highlighting how your experience matches the job, you make it easier for them to see you as a great fit for the role.

Now let’s examine each of these steps in more detail.

How to write a strong cover letter step-by-step

Now that you know the basics of what to include in your cover letter, let’s go through the process from start to finish to see how you can write a cover letter that will make you stand out from the rest of the candidates.

1. Do your research

Before writing your cover letter, research the company to understand its current challenges and goals. Visit the company website, read their latest news and press releases, and follow their social media channels.

Don’t skip this step! It’s crucial for writing a cover letter that truly resonates with a potential employer and sets you apart from other candidates.

After you’ve researched the company, carefully read the job description. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What specific problems or challenges is this role designed to address?
• How do my skills and experiences align with the job requirements?
• Am I a good fit for the role?
• What unique value can I bring to the company in this role?
• Are there any keywords or phrases that I should incorporate into my cover letter?

After researching the company and the role, you’re ready to start writing your cover letter.

2. Write your opening paragraphs

Many job seekers make the mistake of being too wordy in their cover letters. You’re not writing a novel. Use short words in short sentences. Remember, a hiring manager is going to quickly scan your application, so you need to get right to the point.

Here are some examples of how to start a cover letter:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’ve noticed that NexGen is working hard to stand out in a crowded digital market, and keeping your brand top-of-mind for customers can be tough.

That’s where I come in—I specialize in creating engaging content and smart SEO strategies that boost online presence and drive customer engagement.

I understand that Weissman is seeking to maintain its innovative edge in the dancewear industry while consistently meeting sales and margin targets.

I am confident that my experience and passion for design can help Weissman continue to create stunning, market-leading dancewear.

I understand that Timmons Company needs motivated individuals to manage sales territories and boost product visibility in retail grocery stores around Quincy, IL.

I am excited to bring my self-motivation and sales-oriented mindset to your team, ensuring your products not only maintain their shelf presence but also thrive.

3. Prove you can do the job

Now you need to provide evidence that you’re the right person for the job. The best way to do this is to highlight your relevant experience and achievements. Here are some things you should focus on:

• Specific Accomplishments : Share examples of your successes, such as increasing sales, leading projects, or improving processes.
• Relevant Skills : Highlight the skills that match the job requirements, like planning, organizing, technical proficiencies, or specific industry experience.
• Problem-Solving : Discuss times when you successfully tackled challenges, such as resolving issues, managing conflicts, or implementing solutions.
• Industry Knowledge : Demonstrate your understanding of the field and awareness of current trends and standards.
• Team Collaboration : Mention how you’ve effectively worked in teams, mentored others, or collaborated across departments.

Remember to keep it concise. Your letter isn’t meant to tell your whole story; it’s about making a compelling case that you understand the key aspects of the job.

Your goal is to leave the reader eager to learn more about you. Here are some examples:

“Over the past five years, I’ve led digital marketing campaigns that ramped up organic traffic by 40% and bumped up conversion rates by 25%. I’ve worked with diverse teams to create compelling content that resonates with audiences and used data analytics to refine strategies for maximum impact. My experience with social media management and email marketing also ensures a holistic approach to your digital marketing needs.”

“With over ten years in apparel design, specializing in activewear and dancewear, I have a proven track record of developing designs that resonate with customers and drive sales. My expertise includes conducting global trend research, selecting inspiring materials, and leading teams to transform creative concepts into market-ready products. I am proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and have experience with CLO3D, ensuring that my designs are both innovative and technically sound. My leadership skills have been honed by mentoring junior designers and managing cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative and efficient design process.”

“With several years of experience in CPG retail sales and merchandising, I have successfully managed sales territories, maintained product placements, and executed promotional strategies. My ability to plan and organize, combined with proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with iPads, positions me well to contribute effectively to your sales team. I am adept at thinking on my feet and delivering results in dynamic environments, ensuring that products are always tagged, rotated, and optimally displayed.”

4. Conclude with a call to action

When wrapping up your cover letter, it’s crucial to include a strong call to action in your closing paragraph. This isn’t just about expressing gratitude—it’s about setting the stage for the next steps in the hiring process.

Instead of a simple “thank you,” aim to propose a specific plan, such as scheduling a meeting or a call to discuss how you can contribute to the company.

Here are some examples of how to end a cover letter :

“Let’s discuss how I can help NexGen Creative Agency achieve its sales goals next week. Please let me know your availability for a meeting.”

“How about we chat next week about how I can help Weissman shine even brighter? Let me know when you’re free.”

“Let’s plan to discuss how my self-motivation and sales-oriented mindset can boost product visibility for Timmons Company next week. Please let me know your availability for a meeting.”

There is no need to add anything more. Time is valuable, so hiring managers won’t spend it on a cover letter that isn’t concise and to the point.

Expert tips for writing a cover letter

We’ve gone over the basics of how to write a good cover letter. Here are some expert tips for formatting and how to make your cover letter even better.

Format your contact information correctly

Before diving into the content of your cover letter, it’s important to format the contact details and header correctly. You’ll need to include your name, full address, phone number, and email address.

Here’s an example:

Personalize your greeting

To whom should you address your cover letter to? “For maximum impact, see if you can find the hiring manager or recruiter for the role, and send your letter to them,” says career coach Susan Schwarz . “Addressing your letter to a specific person will significantly increase the likelihood of someone reading it.”

Check the company’s website or LinkedIn profile to find the name of the hiring manager. However, if you can’t find a specific name, “Dear Hiring Manager” will suffice.

To end a cover letter, you can use “best regards” or “kind regards” followed by your full name.

Show your personality

While it’s important to maintain a professional tone in your cover letter, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. But remember, you don’t want to overdo it—keep it concise and relevant .

Here are some ways to show your personality in your cover letter:

• Briefly mention a specific project or experience you enjoyed.
• Highlight a distinctive skill or trait that sets you apart.
• Talk about how your values align with the company’s mission or culture.
• Describe a unique volunteer experience.

Emphasize your adaptability

According to LinkedIn , the top “skill of the moment” is adaptability . This means being open to new ideas, ready to pivot when needed, and always looking for ways to improve. In a world where the only constant is change, being adaptable can set you apart.

Here’s an example of how to incorporate adaptability into your cover letter:

“In my previous role as a CPG retail sales merchandiser, I consistently demonstrated my ability to adjust to changing market conditions, customer preferences, and sales strategies. This adaptability allowed me to increase sales by 25% in a highly competitive market.”

Show enthusiasm

Research shows that 40% of employers would not hire a candidate if they lacked enthusiasm. Remember, you’re much more attractive to employers when you’re on fire .

Here’s an example of how to show enthusiasm for the company you’re applying to:

“I’ve long admired Weissman’s commitment to the dance community and the artistry of your costumes. Your dedication to empowering performances and celebrating creativity is inspiring, and I’m excited about the opportunity to join your passionate team.”

Balance professionalism with friendliness

Try to strike a balance between a professional and friendly tone. Don’t use overly formal language, but make sure your writing is polished and error-free. Use humor sparingly, as it can be easily misinterpreted.

This approach helps you come across as both competent and personable, making you an ideal candidate.

Cover letter do’s and don’ts

• Do personalize . Address your cover letter to a specific person whenever possible.
• Do be concise . Keep your cover letter to one page.
• Do show enthusiasm . Mention specific reasons why you want to work there.
• Do include measurable accomplishments . These are achievements that can be quantified , such as increasing sales by a percentage.
• Do show your personality . Share brief anecdotes or unique experiences relevant to the job.
• Do be professional yet friendly . Avoid overly formal language.
• Do proofread your cover letter. A single mistake can damage your chances of getting an interview.
• Do include a call to action. Suggest scheduling a meeting or a call.
• Don’t be too formal . Strike a balance between professionalism and friendliness.
• Don’t overuse humor . Humor can be easily misinterpreted or come off as unprofessional.
• Don’t repeat your resume . Your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it.
• Don’t include irrelevant information. Focus only on what’s most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Don’t use clichés . Phrases like “I am a hard worker” or “I think outside the box” are overused and add little value.
• Don’t make excuses . Avoid explaining gaps in employment or other potential negatives.
• Don’t forget to tailor each letter . Customizing each cover letter will help it pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Cover letter examples

Here are a few cover letter examples that show how to highlight your skills, show your personality, and match your experiences with the job.

Cover letter example for someone with no work experience

Starting your career can be challenging, especially when you don’t have much experience to showcase. But don’t worry—a well-written cover letter can highlight your strengths and potential.

• Addresses the company’s needs : The letter begins by acknowledging the challenges the company faces, demonstrating an understanding of the industry and the company’s needs.
• Offers a solution : The candidate clearly states how they can provide value by offering a fresh perspective and innovative ideas.
• Highlights relevant experience : Even with limited work experience, the letter mentions a successful internship project that aligns with the job’s requirements.
• Shows enthusiasm and passion : The mention of a passion for sustainability and eagerness to contribute to the company’s efforts showcases the candidate’s genuine interest.
• Proposes next steps : The call to action is clear and professional, suggesting a meeting to discuss how the candidate can contribute, which shows initiative and confidence.

Cover letter example for someone changing careers

Changing careers can be a bold and exciting move, especially when you have a strong foundation of transferable skills. The following example of a cover letter demonstrates how to effectively highlight your previous experience and enthusiasm for a new industry.

• Engaging opening : Starts with a bold question that captures attention and sets the tone for the rest of the letter.
• Clear value proposition : Quickly establishes how the candidate’s project management skills can benefit the finance industry.
• Relevant experience : Highlights a specific project that showcases the candidate’s ability to improve efficiency and manage complex tasks.
• Expresses enthusiasm : Shows genuine excitement about the career change and the specific company.
• Call to action : Concludes with a clear and confident call to action, suggesting a meeting to discuss how the candidate can contribute to the company’s success.

Cover letter example for someone re-entering the workforce

Re-entering the workforce after a significant break can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your resilience and the valuable skills you’ve developed during your time away.

The following cover letter example demonstrates how to effectively address employment gaps while highlighting your strengths and enthusiasm for the role.

• Strong opening statement : The cover letter begins with a compelling statement about the importance of adaptability and innovation, setting a positive and forward-thinking tone.
• Addresses employment gap : It acknowledges the employment gap upfront, providing context without dwelling on it, which demonstrates honesty and transparency.
• Highlights relevant experience : The letter emphasizes past accomplishments and specific projects, showcasing the candidate’s skills and ability to deliver results.
• Shows enthusiasm for the role : The candidate expresses excitement about re-entering the workforce and aligns their values with the company’s mission.
• Proposes next steps : It ends with a clear call to action, suggesting a meeting to discuss how the candidate can contribute to the company’s success.

Generate a perfectly crafted cover letter in seconds

If you’re still having trouble writing your cover letter, try Jobscan’s AI cover letter generator . It analyzes both your resume and the job ad to create a completely original cover letter customized for the job you’re applying for.

To learn more about how the cover letter generator works, watch this brief video:

You can try Jobscan’s cover letter generator for free below:

Key takeaways

Follow these key takeaways to write a compelling cover letter that sets you apart from other candidates and opens doors to new career opportunities.

• Write with the employer’s needs in mind. Explain how you can address their specific challenges and contribute to their goals.
• Keep it brief . Use short sentences and paragraphs to make it easy for hiring managers to scan quickly.
• Address your letter to a specific person . If you can’t find a name, “Dear Hiring Manager” will suffice.
• Showcase your relevant experience. Use specific examples to demonstrate your abilities.
• Inject your personality. Share brief anecdotes or unique experiences relevant to the job.
• End with a strong call to action . Suggest a meeting or a call to discuss how you can contribute to the company’s success.
• Proofread your letter. A single error can torpedo your chances at getting an interview.
• Show enthusiasm. Showing excitement and a willingness to learn can make you a more attractive candidate.

A cover letter should be one page long, consisting of three to four paragraphs. The total word count should be around 250-400 words.

When you don’t have a specific name, you can use “Dear Hiring Manager.” Avoid using “To Whom It May Concern,” as it is considered old-fashioned.

When emailing a cover letter, use a clear subject line like “Application for Content Developer – [Your Name].” Paste your cover letter into the email body. Attach your resume.

Yes, a cover letter is necessary because good first impressions are important. By highlighting your qualifications and showing enthusiasm for the role, you can gain an advantage over someone who doesn’t send one.

Employers look for personalization in a cover letter, showing that it’s tailored to the specific job and company. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job requirements. Include specific achievements that demonstrate your capabilities and contributions.

Yes. Providing specific examples of your achievements helps demonstrate your skills and qualifications, making your application more compelling to employers.

A cover letter starts with your contact information, first and last name, the date, and the employer’s details. Begin with an introduction about your suitability for the role. Include a brief section highlighting relevant experience and skills with examples. Conclude by asking for an interview.

The primary goals of a simple cover letter are to make a good impression, get someone to read your resume, and offer you a job interview. It also shows you have good communication skills, which are highly valuable in today’s workforce.

The opening sentence should state the problem the company faces or pose a thought-provoking question to grab the hiring manager’s attention.

Robert Henderson, CPRW, is a career advice writer and a resume expert at Jobscan.

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