Resumes that get interviews — clear, short, and focused

Hiring managers often scan a resume in seconds. That means your resume must show value fast. Start with a clear header, a sharp summary, and your top achievements up front. No long paragraphs — use bullets that a recruiter can skim in 10–15 seconds.

Structure matters. Use sections in this order: Contact, Professional Summary (or Objective if you’re switching fields), Key Skills, Work Experience, Education, and any Certifications. Keep dates and job titles aligned so the eye follows your career path without effort.

Numbers sell. Replace vague lines like "handled sales" with "increased monthly sales by 22% and onboarded 30 new clients in 12 months." Action verbs plus metrics tell a hiring manager what you actually did, not what you think you did.

Design for clarity, not creativity. Use one simple font (11–12 pt), consistent margins, and bullet points. If you have less than 10 years of experience, stick to one page. For technical or senior roles, two pages are fine, but avoid filler. Every line must help you land the interview.

Quick resume checklist

• Contact: name, phone, professional email, city (no full address needed)
• Summary: 2–3 short lines focused on the role you want
• Skills: list 6–10 relevant keywords from the job ad
• Experience: bullets with action + result (use numbers)
• Proofread: read aloud and use another pair of eyes

Beat the ATS. Many companies use applicant tracking systems that scan resumes for keywords. Mirror the job description—use the exact words for skills and tools when they match your experience. Keep headings standard (Work Experience, Education). Avoid images, tables, and odd fonts. Save as PDF unless the employer asks for a .docx.

How to tailor your resume fast

Pick three must-have skills from the job post and put them in your summary and skills section. Swap out less relevant bullets to highlight matching achievements. For example, if the role needs "customer success," reorder your bullets to show client retention and satisfaction metrics first.

Common mistakes to avoid: long job descriptions that repeat duty lists, vague words like "responsible for," spelling errors, and irrelevant hobbies. Also don’t use an unprofessional email or outdated job titles that confuse the reader.

Final quick wins: name your file like "Jane-Doe-Resume.pdf," tailor the summary for each job, and ask one person to proof it. Spend time on the first 10–12 lines—if they read those and say "yes," you’re in a good spot for the interview.