A resume is a targeted, scannable summary of why you’re a fit for one specific role — not a complete history of everything you’ve done. Recruiters spend seconds on each one, so every line has to earn its place. Here’s how to write a resume that gets you the interview.
The standard structure
- Header — name, phone, email, city, and a link (LinkedIn or portfolio).
- Summary (optional) — two lines on who you are and what you bring, tailored to the role.
- Experience — most recent first, with achievements (not just duties).
- Education — degree, institution, year.
- Skills — relevant, specific ones (tools, languages, certifications).
Lead with achievements, not duties
This is what separates strong resumes from weak ones. Don’t list what you were responsible for — show what you achieved, with numbers.
Weak: “Responsible for managing social media.” Strong: “Grew Instagram following 40% in six months through a weekly content plan.”
Start each bullet with a strong action verb (led, built, cut, launched, increased) and include a result wherever you can.
Tailor it to the job
A generic resume sent everywhere beats nothing — but barely. Mirror the language of the job description, and put the most relevant experience first. If you could send the exact same resume to a competitor, it’s not tailored enough.
Keep it tight
One page for most people, two if you’re senior. Cut old, irrelevant roles and filler. The word counter helps you gauge length, and when a bullet is wordy, the paraphraser tightens it without losing the achievement.
Match the tone, in any language
Applying in a second language? Draft in your strongest one and translate as a starting point, then refine. The paraphraser on Formal mode keeps the register professional.
Proofread relentlessly
A single typo can sink a resume — it signals carelessness on the one document meant to be your best work. Run the grammar checker, check consistency (tenses, punctuation, date formats), and have someone else read it. See our proofreading checklist.
Pair it with a strong cover letter
The resume shows what you did; the cover letter argues why it matters for this role. Together they make the case.
Tight, tailored, achievement-led, and error-free — that’s a resume that gets read and gets you in the room.
AI-powered — please review results before use.