How to Write a Resume
That Gets Interviews
To write a resume: choose a reverse-chronological format, add your contact information, write a 2–3 sentence professional summary, list work experience with quantified achievements, add your education, and finish with a skills section matched to the job description. Keep it to 1–2 pages and tailor it for every application. This guide walks through each step in detail.
Quick Resume Tips
Keep it to 1-2 pages maximum
Use action verbs to describe achievements
Quantify results with numbers when possible
Tailor your resume for each job application
Essential Resume Sections
Every strong resume includes these key sections. Here's how to write each one effectively.
1. Contact Information
Start with your full name, phone number, professional email, and LinkedIn profile. Include your city and state, but a full address is no longer necessary. Make sure your email address sounds professional.
Pro Tips
- Use a professional email (firstname.lastname@email.com)
- Add your LinkedIn URL if it's up-to-date
- Include a portfolio link for creative roles
2. Professional Summary or Objective
Write a compelling 2-3 sentence summary that highlights your experience, key skills, and what you bring to the role. For entry-level candidates, use an objective statement focusing on your goals and enthusiasm.
Pro Tips
- Experienced professionals: Use a summary highlighting achievements
- Recent graduates: Use an objective stating career goals
- Include 1-2 key skills or specializations
- Tailor it to match the job description
3. Work Experience
List your work history in reverse chronological order. For each position, include your job title, company name, location, and dates. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements, starting each with an action verb.
Pro Tips
- Start bullets with action verbs (Led, Developed, Increased)
- Quantify achievements: "Increased sales by 25%"
- Focus on results, not just duties
- Include 3-5 bullet points per job
4. Education
Include your degree, major, university name, and graduation date. Recent graduates can add GPA (if above 3.5), relevant coursework, academic honors, and extracurricular activities.
Pro Tips
- List highest degree first
- Include GPA only if it's strong (3.5+)
- Add relevant certifications and training
- Recent grads: Include projects and coursework
5. Skills Section
Create a dedicated skills section highlighting both technical and soft skills relevant to the position. Organize skills by category for easy scanning.
Pro Tips
- Match skills to job requirements
- Include both hard and soft skills
- Be specific: "Python" not just "Programming"
- List proficiency levels for languages
Choosing the Right Resume Format
The format you choose can significantly impact how recruiters perceive your application.
Chronological
Lists work experience from most recent to oldest. The most common and preferred format by recruiters.
Experienced professionals with consistent work history
Functional
Focuses on skills and abilities rather than chronological work history.
Career changers or those with employment gaps
Combination
Blends both formats, highlighting skills while maintaining work history.
Senior professionals with diverse skills
Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid
✗Using a generic resume for all applications
✓Tailor your resume to each job by matching keywords from the job description
✗Including an unprofessional email address
✓Use a simple email format: firstname.lastname@provider.com
✗Writing paragraphs instead of bullet points
✓Use concise bullet points starting with action verbs
✗Listing job duties instead of achievements
✓Focus on results and quantify your impact with numbers
✗Having spelling and grammar errors
✓Proofread carefully and use tools like Grammarly
✗Using outdated or irrelevant information
✓Keep content recent and relevant to the target role
Power Words: Action Verbs for Your Resume
Start each bullet point with a strong action verb to make your achievements more impactful.
leadership
achievement
creation
communication
analysis
Resume Tips by Industry
Different industries have unique expectations. Here's what matters most in each field.
Technology
- List programming languages and frameworks
- Include GitHub profile link
- Highlight projects with measurable impact
- Mention agile/scrum experience
Marketing
- Quantify campaign results (ROI, conversions)
- List marketing tools (HubSpot, Google Analytics)
- Include portfolio or case studies link
- Highlight brand growth metrics
Finance
- List certifications (CFA, CPA, Series licenses)
- Include deal sizes and portfolio values
- Highlight regulatory compliance experience
- Mention financial modeling skills
Healthcare
- Include all licenses and certifications
- List EMR/EHR systems experience
- Highlight patient care outcomes
- Mention specializations and procedures
Resume Length Guidelines
How long should your resume be? It depends on your experience level.
| Experience Level | Recommended Length | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | 1 page | Focus on education, internships, projects, and transferable skills |
| Mid-Career (3-10 years) | 1-2 pages | Highlight most relevant experience and achievements |
| Senior/Executive (10+ years) | 2 pages | Focus on leadership roles and strategic impact |
| Academic/Research | 2+ pages (CV) | Include publications, grants, and research experience |
ATS Optimization Tips
Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Here's how to make sure yours gets through.
Use standard section headings
Stick to 'Experience,' 'Education,' and 'Skills' rather than creative alternatives
Avoid tables and graphics
ATS systems struggle to parse complex formatting and images
Include keywords from job description
Mirror the exact language used in the job posting
Use standard fonts
Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, and Helvetica are safest
Save as PDF or .docx
Most ATS systems can read both formats reliably
Don't put important info in headers/footers
Some ATS systems skip this content entirely
Additional Resume Sections
Beyond the basics, consider adding these sections to strengthen your resume.
Projects
Showcase personal or professional projects with measurable outcomes
Certifications
Industry certifications, licenses, and professional credentials
Volunteer Experience
Community involvement that demonstrates leadership or relevant skills
Languages
Spoken languages with proficiency levels (Native, Fluent, Conversational)
Publications
Articles, papers, or books you've authored or contributed to
Awards & Honors
Professional recognition, scholarships, or industry awards
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include a photo on my resume?
In the US, photos are generally not recommended due to anti-discrimination concerns. However, they may be expected in some European and Asian countries.
How far back should my work history go?
Generally, include the last 10-15 years of relevant experience. Older positions can be summarized briefly or omitted.
Should I include references on my resume?
No, don't include references or 'References available upon request.' Employers will ask for references separately when needed.
Is it okay to use resume templates?
Yes, templates help ensure proper formatting and can save time. Just make sure to customize the content for each application.
How do I explain employment gaps?
Be honest but brief. Focus on any skills you developed, courses taken, or volunteer work during the gap period.
Should I include my GPA?
Include GPA if you're a recent graduate (within 2-3 years) and it's above 3.5. Otherwise, omit it.