A resume is more than just a list of jobs—it’s your personal marketing document. It needs to tell a compelling story of who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and why you’re the best candidate for the role. Follow these best practices to create a resume that gets noticed and remembered.
1. Start with a Clean, Professional Format
- Choose a simple layout. Use clean lines, clear headings, and consistent spacing. Avoid overly elaborate graphics or fonts.
- Limit to one or two pages. For most professionals, a one-page resume suffices; two pages are acceptable for extensive experience.
- Use a readable font. Stick with classics like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman at 10–12 pt.
Resource: Try resume templates on Canva or Microsoft Word’s built‑in resume themes for a polished look.
2. Craft a Compelling Professional Summary
- Keep it concise. A 2–3 sentence snapshot at the top highlights your key strengths and career goals.
- Show your unique value. Focus on what sets you apart—specialized skills, industry expertise, or top achievements.
- Tailor to the role. Mirror keywords and priorities from the job description.
Example:
Professional Summary
Results‑driven marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience in digital campaigns and lead generation. Proven track record of increasing conversion rates by 30% through data‑driven strategies. Seeking to leverage expertise in SEO and content marketing to drive growth at [Company Name].
3. Emphasize Achievements, Not Just Duties
- Use quantifiable metrics. “Increased social media engagement by 45% in six months” tells a stronger story than “Managed social media accounts.”
- Lead with action verbs. Start bullet points with words like “Developed,” “Optimized,” “Spearheaded,” or “Streamlined.”
- Prioritize relevance. List achievements most closely aligned with the target role first.
4. Tailor Every Section for ATS and Hiring Managers
- Incorporate keywords. Scan the job posting for skills and competencies, and weave them naturally into your resume.
- Use standard headings. “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” etc., so Applicant Tracking Systems can parse your content correctly.
- Avoid images or complex tables. These can confuse automated systems.
Resource: Run your resume through an ATS checker like Jobscan to score compatibility with specific job postings.
5. Showcase Relevant Skills
- Create a concise skills section. Group related skills (e.g., “Digital Marketing: SEO, SEM, Google Analytics; Design: Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch”).
- Balance hard and soft skills. Include technical abilities alongside competencies like communication, leadership, and problem‑solving.
- Be honest and current. Only list skills you can confidently demonstrate.
6. Include Education and Certifications Strategically
- List highest degree first. Include institution, degree, graduation year (omit if more than 10–15 years ago to reduce age bias).
- Highlight relevant certifications. For example, “Google Ads Certified,” “Project Management Professional (PMP),” or industry‑specific credentials.
- Show ongoing learning. List online courses or workshops (e.g., Coursera, LinkedIn Learning) that demonstrate continuous growth.
7. Proofread Rigorously
- Eliminate typos and errors. Even small mistakes can signal a lack of attention to detail.
- Read aloud and reverse‑read. Reading backwards or out loud can help catch issues you might skim over.
- Use tools. Grammarly or the Hemingway Editor can help polish grammar and clarity.
8. Optimize File Type and Naming
- Save as PDF. This preserves formatting across devices and platforms—unless the job posting specifically asks for a Word document.
- Use a clear filename. “FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf” is professional and easy for recruiters to manage.
9. Add Optional Sections to Stand Out
- Projects or Portfolio. If you’ve completed notable projects, include a brief “Key Projects” section with links.
- Volunteer Experience. Demonstrates leadership, teamwork, and community commitment.
- Publications or Presentations. Particularly relevant in academic, research, or technical fields.
10. Keep It Updated and Adaptable
- Review and refresh. Update your resume after major achievements or every 3–6 months.
- Maintain a master document. Keep a comprehensive version with all experiences, then tailor down for each specific role.
Ready to ensure your resume makes the best possible impression?
Take advantage of our free resume assessment service. Our experts will review your resume—format, content, and ATS compatibility—and provide personalized feedback to help you land more interviews.