This updated guide explains how to write a resume that wins interviews: clear contact details, a concise professional summary, reverse-chronological experience with quantified achievements, a skills section tailored to job keywords, and clean formatting. It advises one-page length for early-career candidates, two pages for senior roles, and cautions against including personal details or photos unless requested.

Aim of your resume

Your resume's primary objective is to get an interview, not to land the job directly. Think of it as a one-page (or two-page for extensive experience) marketing document that convinces a hiring manager or recruiter to invite you to talk.

Header: make contact effortless

Put your full name, city and state, phone number, and a professional email address at the top. Include a LinkedIn URL or a relevant portfolio link if applicable. Save file names clearly (e.g., "Jane-Doe-Resume.pdf") and send a PDF unless the employer requests a different format.

Lead with a brief summary, not a long objective

Replace vague career objectives with a 2-3 sentence professional summary that highlights your role, years of experience, and top strengths or outcomes. Early-career candidates can use a short objective focused on the role and skills they want to apply.

Experience: show results, use bullets

List work experience in reverse chronological order. For each role, include job title, employer, location, and dates.
  • Use short bullet points (1-2 lines each).
  • Start bullets with active verbs (e.g., "Led," "Improved," "Designed").
  • Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Reduced onboarding time by 30%"), and focus on outcomes rather than duties.
Keep descriptions concise so a reader can scan quickly.

Skills and keywords

Create a skills section with tools, technologies, and relevant competencies. Tailor keywords to the job posting so your resume matches what recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) look for.

Education and credentials

List your highest degree first. Include certifications and licenses that are current and relevant. If you have significant experience, place education after work experience.

Personal details and photos

Avoid including sensitive personal details such as age, marital status, religion, or a photo unless a job explicitly requests them. In many regions and industries, omitting these reduces bias and keeps the focus on qualifications.

Formatting and readability

Choose a clean, professional font (10-12 pt). Use consistent spacing, 1-inch margins where possible, and bullet points to aid scanning.

Avoid complex graphics and excessive color - these can confuse ATS parsing. Use bold or italics sparingly to call out key points.

Length guidance

Aim for one page if you have under about 10 years of experience. Two pages are acceptable for senior professionals or technical careers with extensive projects.

Final checks

Proofread for spelling and grammar. Ask a peer or mentor to review for clarity and relevance. Customize the resume for each application by prioritizing the most relevant accomplishments and keywords.

Following these steps preserves the original intent - making your resume easy to read and persuasive - while reflecting current expectations for clarity, ATS compatibility, and professional presentation.

FAQs about Tips On Writing A Resume

Should I include a photo on my resume?
Generally no. Avoid photos unless the job posting specifically requests one or you're applying in a country/industry where photos are standard. Photos can introduce bias and may interfere with ATS parsing.
How long should my resume be?
Aim for one page if you have under about 10 years of experience. Two pages are acceptable for senior roles or technical resumes with extensive projects and publications.
What file format should I use?
Send a PDF to preserve formatting unless the employer specifically asks for a Word document or an online form. Name the file clearly (e.g., "First-Last-Resume.pdf").
How do I make my resume ATS-friendly?
Use standard headings (Experience, Education, Skills), simple bullet lists, and keywords from the job description. Avoid complex tables, images, or unusual fonts that can break parsing.
Should I list every job I've had?
No. Focus on roles and accomplishments relevant to the position you seek. For shorter or unrelated jobs, group them or include a brief summary to avoid clutter.

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