Guide for Job Seekers

Creating a standout resume is both an art and a science. With so much advice available, it can be hard to know what truly matters. To make it easier, I’ve divided the best resume tips into categories. Whether you're just starting out or revamping an experienced professional’s resume, these tips will help you craft a winning document that gets noticed.

Resume Writing Tips: Formatting

1. Keep Your Resume ATS-Compliant

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. To ensure your resume isn’t filtered out, tailor it to the job and use appropriate keywords. Always stick to a clean and structured format that ATS can easily read.

2. Choose a Resume Format That Works for You

Select one of the three primary resume formats:

Reverse-Chronological Resume (most common and versatile)

Combination Resume (highlights skills and experience equally)

Functional Resume (focuses on skills, ideal for career changers)

Pro Tip: Ensure your most relevant information appears at the top for maximum visibility.

3. Select an Attractive and Readable Font

Professional fonts like Verdana, Arial, and Times New Roman enhance readability. Avoid decorative fonts that might distract the reader.

4. Set Your Font Size to 10–12 Points

The font size should make your resume easy to read without overwhelming the page. Stick to 10-12 points for the body and slightly larger sizes for headings.

5. Make Strategic Use of Bold, Caps, and Italics

Highlight key details consistently but sparingly. For example, use bold for section headers and italics for job titles or achievements.

6. Give Your Sections Simple Subheadings

Use clear headings like:

• Resume Profile
• Experience
• Education
• Skills

This organization makes it easier for ATS and hiring managers to navigate your resume.

7. Frame Your Resume Content Using the Correct Margin Size

Maintain margins of at least 0.5 inches to avoid a cramped appearance while keeping the document professional.

8. Align Your Content to the Left

Research shows recruiters follow an F-shaped reading pattern. Aligning your content to the left ensures easy skimming.

9. Balance Text and White Space

A clean resume balances text with adequate white space, creating an aesthetically pleasing and readable format.

10. Don’t Worry About Making Your Resume One Page

For experienced professionals, two pages are perfectly acceptable. Prioritize relevant information to ensure quality over brevity.

11. Use a Professionally Designed Template

Modern templates not only save time but also ensure your resume stands out visually. Choose a template that’s both stylish and ATS-friendly.

Contact Information Resume Tips

12. Use a Professional Email Address

Your email address can make or break your first impression. Avoid unprofessional handles; instead, use your name with reputable providers like Gmail or Outlook.

13. Ensure Contact Information Is Up-To-Date

Double-check your phone number and email address for accuracy. Consider omitting your full address if applying out of state to avoid location bias.

14. Include URLs to Social Media Profiles and Websites

Add links to your LinkedIn profile, portfolio, or personal blog to showcase additional skills. Ensure all URLs are live and professional.

15. Personalize Your Approach When Possible

If possible, send your resume to a specific hiring manager. Establish contact on LinkedIn or through referrals to make your application more personal.

Resume Tips: Summary and Objective

16. Make Good Use of the Top Third of Your Resume

Focus your best achievements and key skills in the top third of your resume, where recruiters’ attention is naturally drawn.

17. Include a Resume Summary or Objective

Craft a concise summary or objective tailored to the role. Highlight who you are, your value, and your career aspirations in three sentences.

Work Experience and Skills Resume Tips

18. Only Add Jobs You’ve Had in the Past 10–15 Years

Include recent and relevant work experience. Going back more than 10–15 years can clutter your resume and dilute its impact.

19. Highlight Relevant Experience

Focus on jobs and responsibilities that align with the role you're applying for. Tailor your experience section to include key achievements and relevant tasks.

20. Use Keywords from the Job Description

Carefully read the job description and incorporate keywords throughout your resume. This ensures compatibility with ATS and grabs recruiters' attention.

21. Quantify Achievements

Use numbers and data to showcase the impact of your work. For example, "Increased sales by 25% in six months" is more compelling than "Responsible for increasing sales."

22. Add Action Verbs

Replace weak phrases like "responsible for" with powerful action verbs like "orchestrated," "achieved," or "implemented."

Tips for Candidates Without Experience

23. Highlight Transferable Skills

Focus on skills gained from school, volunteer work, or internships that apply to the job. These can include communication, teamwork, or technical proficiencies.

24. Emphasize Education

If you lack work experience, move the education section to the top of your resume. Include relevant coursework, projects, and honours.

25. Include Non-Traditional Work Experience

Volunteer work, freelance projects, or personal endeavours can demonstrate your abilities. Frame these experiences in a professional context to highlight their relevance.

26. Showcase Passion and Enthusiasm

Employers value motivated and enthusiastic candidates. Use your summary or objective to convey your excitement about the role and the company.