Your resume is often the first impression you make with a potential employer, so make it count! Here are 75 actionable tips to create a resume that shines, organized by focus areas to help you build an impressive and impactful document.
Structure & Formatting
Keep It Simple: Use a clean, professional format with standard fonts like Arial or Calibri.
Limit Length: Aim for one page for early career resumes, two pages if you have 10+ years of experience.
Use Bullet Points: Make key information easy to scan by using concise bullet points.
Bold Section Headers: Bold or slightly larger font for headers helps navigate the resume quickly.
Avoid Fancy Fonts: Stick to simple, professional fonts to ensure readability.
Use Consistent Formatting: Align dates, roles, and company names consistently throughout.
Limit Colors: Use a minimal color scheme – one or two colors, like black and dark blue, for a professional look.
Add White Space: Leave enough white space for readability; avoid overcrowding.
Align Left: Keep your text left-aligned for easy readability.
Avoid Graphics and Pictures: Stick to text-based content to ensure compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Use Professional Margins: 1-inch margins are standard; adjust slightly if needed to fit content.
Consider a Section for Key Skills: Create a “Key Skills” section for quick readability, especially if you’re applying for a technical or specialized role.
Contact Information
Include a Professional Email: Use an email address that includes your name, not a nickname or personal handle.
LinkedIn Profile: Link to your LinkedIn profile if it’s up-to-date and complements your resume.
Phone Number: Provide a contact number you answer professionally, with a clear voicemail message.
Physical Location: List your city and state, not your full address, unless required.
Website/Portfolio: If you have a professional website or portfolio, include the link to showcase your work.
Professional Summary
Keep It Short: A brief, impactful summary should be 2-3 sentences.
Highlight Key Strengths: Focus on your skills, experience, and what you bring to the role.
Tailor It to the Job: Use keywords from the job posting to customize your summary.
Avoid Buzzwords: Stick to specific, meaningful language rather than generic terms like "hard-working."
Show Personality: Use active language to convey your enthusiasm and unique qualities.
Work Experience
Quantify Achievements: Use numbers to show impact (e.g., “Increased sales by 25% in Q4”).
Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong verb like "led," "developed," or "improved."
Highlight Results: Focus on outcomes, not just tasks. Describe how your work made a difference.
Tailor to Each Job: Adjust the experience section to emphasize the most relevant skills and roles.
Use Reverse Chronological Order: List your most recent job at the top.
Include Relevant Roles Only: Limit unrelated or short-term jobs unless they fill a gap.
Avoid Full Sentences: Bullet points should be concise and not read like full sentences.
Group Similar Roles: For similar past roles, group them under one title for clarity.
Leave Out Obvious Duties: Avoid listing tasks that are expected and focus on unique contributions.
Include Promotions: Show growth by listing promotions within a company as separate roles.
Use Industry-Specific Terms: Incorporate keywords relevant to your field for ATS optimization.
Skills Section
Categorize Skills: Break skills into technical, interpersonal, and other relevant categories.
Prioritize Relevant Skills: List skills that directly match the job description.
Avoid Outdated Tech: Include current technologies and software, omitting obsolete ones.
Be Honest: Only list skills where you’re truly proficient; avoid exaggerating abilities.
List Certifications: If relevant, list key certifications or licenses in this section.
Education
Include Highest Degree First: List your most recent degree or highest level of education at the top.
List Relevant Coursework: If applicable, add relevant coursework or honors.
Add Graduation Year (If Recent): Include the year if you graduated in the last 5-10 years.
Exclude GPA if Low: Only include your GPA if it’s above a 3.5 and relevant to the role.
Mention Honors and Awards: If you graduated with honors, include this detail for additional impact.
Include Ongoing Education: Note “in progress” or “expected graduation” for current studies.
Certifications & Professional Development
List Relevant Certifications: Prioritize industry-specific or role-related certifications.
Include Recent Training: Show your commitment to continuous learning with recent courses.
Separate Certifications from Education: If you have multiple certifications, create a distinct section.
Additional Sections (Optional)
Volunteer Experience: Include if it’s relevant or demonstrates key skills.
Professional Affiliations: Mention memberships in industry associations, especially if active.
Languages: List languages and proficiency levels if they add value to the role.
Awards & Recognitions: Show off relevant awards or honors that enhance your candidacy.
Hobbies and Interests: Only include if they relate to the job or showcase relevant skills.
Tailoring Your Resume
Use Keywords from Job Description: Match your language to the job posting for ATS and relevance.
Highlight Soft Skills If Needed: Showcase soft skills that are essential for the role.
Research Industry Trends: Mention skills that are emerging or essential in your field.
Use Job Titles Wisely: Adjust job titles if they help clarify your role but remain honest.
Proofreading & Final Review
Triple-Check for Errors: Look for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues.
Read Aloud: Reading your resume out loud can help catch awkward phrasing.
Get a Second Opinion: Have a friend or mentor review your resume for clarity.
Use Online Tools: Grammarly and Hemingway Editor can help polish your content.
Print and Review: Sometimes, seeing it on paper reveals new issues.
Verify Contact Information: Make sure your phone number and email are correct.
Check Consistency: Ensure formatting and style are uniform throughout.
Digital Readiness
Save as PDF: Send your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Name Your File Professionally: Use “FirstName_LastName_Resume” for easy identification.
Optimize for ATS: Avoid tables, graphics, and headers that can interfere with ATS scanning.
Use Standard Headings: Stick to headings like "Experience" or "Education" for ATS recognition.
Updating Your Resume Regularly
Refresh Every 6-12 Months: Update your resume even if you’re not actively job hunting.
Add New Achievements: Don’t wait; add accomplishments as they happen.
Remove Outdated Information: Remove old or irrelevant experience periodically.
Update Keywords: Adjust language based on changing trends in your industry.
Final Touches for a Lasting Impression
Make it Visually Balanced: Ensure no section appears too cluttered or overly sparse.
Highlight Core Values: Tailor language to reflect company values or mission if appropriate.
Be Confident in Your Content: Let your strengths and personality shine through.
Tailor for Readability: Keep it clear, concise, and inviting for recruiters to review.
Creating a winning resume takes time and attention to detail, but following these tips will help you stand out! Tailor your resume to the job, showcase your unique skills and achievements, and put your best foot forward.
Good luck – and happy job hunting!
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