Resume Writing Tips

Hiring managers skim first, read later. Use these resume writing tips to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and earn a real review.

Lead With a Focused Summary

Open with 3–4 punchy lines: role, years of experience, niche skills, and one standout result. Example: “Operations lead with 7+ years in SaaS support; automated ticket routing to cut response time by 38%.”

Optimize for ATS (Without Sounding Robotic)

Review the job post and mirror critical keywords in your summary, skills, and experience sections. Use the exact phrasing for core tools (e.g., “Microsoft Power Automate,” not just “automation”). Save as PDF unless the employer requests Word.

Show Impact, Not Tasks

Replace duties with outcomes. Start bullets with action verbs and quantify results:

• “Built onboarding playbook that reduced ramp time from 6 to 3 weeks.”

• “Consolidated vendor contracts, saving $120K annually.”

Make It Scannable

Use a clean, single-column layout, 10–12 pt font, and consistent spacing. Bold job titles, not full sentences. Keep to one page if under 10 years’ experience; two pages is acceptable for senior roles with measurable impact.

Tailor for Each Role

Reorder bullets so the most relevant achievements appear first. Drop unrelated items. If changing careers, use a “Relevant Projects” section to bridge experience and include skills like data analysis, workflow design, customer success, or AI-assisted automation when they match the posting.

Highlight Skills That Matter

Group hard skills (CRM, SQL, Excel, Power BI, Zapier/Make, UiPath/Power Automate) and soft skills (stakeholder management, process improvement). Avoid generic lists; tie skills to achievements in your bullets.

Education, Certifications, and Extras

List the highest credential first. Add certifications (e.g., Lean Six Sigma, CAPM, AI/automation badges). Include languages and volunteer leadership if they demonstrate responsibility or domain credibility.

Final Polish

Proofread aloud, run a spell check, and ask a peer for a 30-second skim test: can they name your role, top skills, and two business outcomes? If not, tighten the summary and elevate impact bullets.

Bottom line: clear, quantified, keyword-aligned resumes get interviews. Build it once, tailor it fast, and measure your response rate to keep improving.