A well-structured résumé demonstrates your qualifications, professionalism, and attention to detail. To stand out, you must craft a strong document that highlights relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments.

ATS & Human Review

While many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter résumés, not every employer uses AI to screen applicants. Many recruiters still read every application.

Layout

• Use a simple, single-column layout with clear section headings.

• Avoid photos, tables, graphics, fancy layouts, or unusual design elements that can interfere with ATS scanning.

Fonts

• Use standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (11–12 pt).

• Maintain consistent spacing.

• Avoid colored fonts.

Length

• Most students should keep their résumé to one page.

• Use two pages only if you have extensive, relevant experience.

Grammar & Tone

• Eliminate spelling and punctuation errors.

• Avoid first-person pronouns.

• Use consistent verb tense throughout your résumé.

File Details

• Save your résumé as a PDF or DOCX unless another format is requested.

• Use a professional file name such as FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf.

☑️ Tailor Every Resume

Adjust your skills and bullet points for every job application.

Review the job description, identify important keywords, and incorporate them naturally throughout your résumé to align with the employer's requirements.

☑️ Leverage AI Responsibly

AI can be an excellent co-pilot for polishing your résumé, such as turning job duties into achievement-focused bullet points.

However, don't let AI write your résumé for you. Always verify its suggestions, as AI can generate experiences or skills you don't actually have.

☑️ Dates & Recency

Include the month and year for every job and education entry.

Missing dates may result in removal from the candidate pool.

For mid-to-senior professionals, the traditional recommendation to focus on the most recent 10–15 years of relevant experience still applies while helping reduce potential age bias.

☑️ New Focus: Skills-First Resumes

Today's employers are placing greater emphasis on verified skills than simply reviewing job titles.

Modern résumé formats often include a Core Competencies or Technical Skills section above the work history to quickly demonstrate the skills employers are seeking.

☑️ Contact Information

Keep this section professional and concise.

Include:

• Full professional name

• City and state

• Professional email address

• LinkedIn profile or professional portfolio (when appropriate)

Remove:

• Photos

• Nicknames

• Excessive personal information

☑️ Professional Summary

Your professional summary captures attention and sets the tone for your résumé.

Keep it to 2–3 sentences that summarize your experience, strengths, and qualifications while tailoring it to the specific position you're applying for.

☑️ Skills & Keywords

Include both:

• Hard Skills: Technical abilities such as software proficiency, equipment, or languages.

• Soft Skills: Interpersonal abilities such as communication, leadership, and teamwork.

Every skill you list should also be demonstrated somewhere in your work experience or projects.

☑️ Education & Certifications

Include:

• Institution

• Degree or certificate earned

• Graduation (or expected graduation) date, including Month/Year

• Relevant coursework (when appropriate)

• Industry-recognized certifications

☑️ Work Experience & Projects

This section demonstrates how you've applied your skills in real-world settings.

Focus on accomplishments and outcomes rather than simply listing job duties.

Ask yourself:

• What role did I have?

• What were my most important tasks?

• What business problem did I solve?

• What modern tools, AI, or technical workflows did I use?

• How many people did I work with or serve?

For each experience:

• Include your job title, employer, location, and employment dates (Month/Year).

• Begin each bullet with a strong action verb.

• Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.

• Consider using the CAR (Challenge → Action → Result) or SOAR (Situation → Objective → Action → Result) framework to write stronger accomplishment statements.

📄 Access our resume checklist to evaluate your resume today

Once you've created your résumé, take time to customize it for every application.

Read the job description carefully and highlight important keywords, required skills, and qualifications. Use those keywords naturally throughout your résumé where they accurately reflect your experience.

Pro Tip: Employers often list their highest priorities at the beginning of the job description. Pay close attention to those requirements and make sure they are reflected throughout your résumé. Mirror the employer's priorities by placing your most relevant qualifications near the top of your résumé.

Next, the summary section will be at the top of your resume, so it is one of the first things a hiring manager sees. If you have one, use it to showcase your most relevant skills and accomplishments based on the keywords you highlighted in your resume. 

• Ditch the Clutter: No graphics, text boxes, skill bars, or headshots. They break AI/ATS parameters. Stay with a clean, single-column layout. 

• Show Digital Literacy: Even for non-technical roles, specifically name the software, CRM, or digital tools you used to achieve your results.

• Avoid Buzzwords: Replace empty phrases like “hardworking team player” or “dynamic communicator” with actual data in your bullet points that proves it. 

• References Requested Later: It is not necessary to say “References available upon request” on your resume. Keep a separate document with current references ready for when the employer asks.

• Proofread Several Times: Review the document multiple times to ensure it is factually accurate and in your own voice. Ask someone else to proofread your resume if possible. They may catch things that you didn’t.

• Scannability: Your document should be concise and easily scannable in 10 seconds!