Resume Tips That Actually Work
Skip the generic advice. These are the specific, actionable tips that help real job seekers land interviews. Based on recruiter feedback and ATS research.
Formatting Tips
Your resume's format affects both ATS parsing and human readability. Get these basics right before worrying about content.
Use a single-column layout
Two-column layouts confuse ATS parsers. Stick to a clean, single-column format that reads top-to-bottom, left-to-right.
Choose readable fonts
Arial, Calibri, Garamond, or Times New Roman at 10-12pt. Avoid decorative fonts that don't render well in all systems.
Use consistent spacing
0.5-1 inch margins, consistent spacing between sections. White space makes your resume easier to scan.
Skip the photo
In the US, photos can trigger bias. Most ATS systems can't process images anyway, wasting valuable space.
Writing Powerful Bullet Points
Every bullet point should start with an action verb and include measurable results. Here's how to transform weak bullets into interview-getters.
Responsible for managing a team
Led team of 8 engineers, delivering 3 major product launches on time
Quantify team size and show concrete outcomes
Helped improve sales
Increased quarterly sales by 34% ($2.1M) through targeted email campaigns
Add specific numbers and the method used
Worked on customer service
Resolved 50+ customer issues weekly with 98% satisfaction rating
Show volume and quality metrics
Used Excel for data analysis
Built automated Excel dashboards that reduced reporting time by 6 hours/week
Show impact, not just tool usage
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Try AI Writing FreeATS Optimization Tips
Most employers screen applications in an Applicant Tracking System before a recruiter reads them. These tips help your resume parse cleanly and rank well when recruiters search.
Use exact keywords from the job posting
ATS systems match keywords literally. If the job says 'project management', use that exact phrase, not 'managed projects'.
Include both acronyms and full terms
Write 'Search Engine Optimization (SEO)' so you match searches for either term.
Use standard section headers
Stick to 'Experience', 'Education', 'Skills' - not creative alternatives like 'Where I've Made Impact'.
Save as .docx or text-based PDF
Word documents parse most reliably. If using PDF, ensure it's created from text, not scanned or designed in Canva.
Avoid headers and footers
Many ATS systems skip header/footer content entirely. Keep your contact info in the main body.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even strong candidates sabotage their resumes with these preventable errors. Check yours against this list.
Deep Dive Guides
Want more detail? These guides cover specific topics in depth.
The Complete ATS Resume Guide
How applicant tracking systems read your resume and the formatting, keyword and testing steps that keep it readable.
Writing200+ Resume Action Verbs
Action verbs organized by skill type, with an example bullet for each.
StrategyHeadline, Summary and Objective Examples
A headline formula, when to use a summary or an objective, and before-and-after examples.
StrategyHow to Write a Resume
Section by section, with formatting, length and a 15-minute way to tailor it to each job.
Frequently Asked Questions
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