Tips

Resume writing tips.

Practical advice to help you write a clear, effective resume.

Write a strong resume summary

Start with a two to three sentence summary that describes your experience, skills, and what you bring to the role. Keep it specific — avoid generic phrases like "hard-working professional."

  • Mention your years of experience and field.
  • Include one or two measurable achievements.
  • Tailor the summary to each job you apply for.

Use keywords from the job description

Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Including relevant keywords from the job posting helps your resume get past the initial scan.

  • Read the job posting and highlight repeated terms.
  • Mirror those terms naturally in your experience and skills.
  • Avoid stuffing keywords — keep it readable.

Keep your formatting consistent

A clean, consistent format makes your resume easier to read and looks more professional. Stick to one font family, use clear section headings, and align your content.

  • Use bold for job titles, not for entire sentences.
  • Keep font sizes between 10pt and 12pt for body text.
  • Leave consistent spacing between sections.

Quantify your achievements

Numbers catch a recruiter's eye. Instead of saying you "improved sales," say you "increased sales by 18% in six months." Concrete results stand out.

  • Use percentages, dollar amounts, or timeframes.
  • Start bullet points with action verbs.
  • Focus on outcomes, not just responsibilities.

Tailor your resume for each application

A generic resume sent to every job is less effective than a targeted one. Adjust your summary, skills, and experience to match what each employer is looking for.

  • Reorder skills to match the job requirements.
  • Emphasize the most relevant experience first.
  • Remove irrelevant details that don't support your application.
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