How To Write a Resume
Last updated: March 31, 2026
Key Facts
- Recruiters spend an average of 6–7 seconds scanning a resume before deciding to read further
- Using numbers and metrics (e.g., increased sales by 30%) makes your resume 40% more likely to get noticed
- Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for keywords before a human sees your resume
- A one-page resume is standard for most professionals; two pages are acceptable for senior roles
- Tailoring your resume to each job posting significantly increases your chances of getting an interview
Step 1: Choose the Right Format
The reverse chronological format is the most widely accepted and ATS-friendly. It lists your most recent experience first. Use a functional format only if you're changing careers or have significant gaps. A combination format highlights both skills and experience.
Step 2: Write Your Header
Include your full name (larger font), phone number, professional email address, city and state (full address is no longer necessary), and LinkedIn profile URL. Do not include a photo, date of birth, or marital status.
Step 3: Craft a Professional Summary
Write 2–3 sentences summarizing your experience, top skills, and what you bring to the role. This replaces the outdated "objective statement." Example: "Marketing manager with 5 years of experience driving B2B growth. Led campaigns that generated $2.4M in pipeline revenue. Skilled in SEO, content strategy, and marketing automation."
Step 4: List Work Experience
For each role, include: job title, company name, dates of employment, and 3–5 bullet points. Each bullet should start with an action verb and include a measurable result when possible.
- Weak: "Responsible for managing social media accounts"
- Strong: "Grew Instagram following from 5K to 50K in 8 months, increasing engagement rate by 180%"
Step 5: Add Education and Skills
List your highest degree first with institution name and graduation year. Add a skills section with 8–12 relevant hard and soft skills. For technical roles, include specific technologies, tools, and certifications.
Step 6: Optimize for ATS
Use standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills). Include keywords from the job posting. Avoid tables, columns, headers/footers, and graphics that ATS software cannot parse. Save as PDF unless the posting specifies otherwise.
Related Questions
How long should a resume be?
One page is standard for most professionals with under 10 years of experience. Two pages are acceptable for senior-level candidates, executives, or academics. Regardless of length, every line should add value — filler content hurts more than it helps.
Should I include a photo on my resume?
In the United States and UK, do not include a photo — it can lead to unconscious bias and some ATS systems reject resumes with images. However, photos are expected on resumes in some countries like Germany, France, and parts of Asia.
What is an ATS and why does it matter?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that scans and filters resumes before a human sees them. About 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before reaching a recruiter. To pass ATS, use standard section headings, include keywords from the job posting, avoid graphics and tables, and use a simple, clean format.
Sources
- Wikipedia — Résumé CC-BY-SA-4.0
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Career Outlook public_domain