Get Noticed Before the Interview Even Starts
Your resume has about six seconds to make an impression. Learn how to write one that gets you calls, not silence.
Content Strategy
Lead with impact, not duties. Craft content that shows what you've accomplished, not just what you were assigned.
Design & Format
Make it easy to skim and impossible to ignore. A clean, scannable resume gets read. A cluttered one gets closed.
Optimization
et past the bots and into human hands. Tailor your resume for ATS systems without sounding like a robot yourself.
Essential Resume Sections
1. Professional Summary "Your elevator pitch in two sentences"
This is your hook. A hiring manager should instantly understand who you are, what you've done, and why you're worth talking to.
Example:
"Results-driven Marketing Manager with 5+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams and driving 40% revenue growth. Expert in digital marketing, data analysis, and brand strategy with a track record of launching successful campaigns."
2. Professional Experience "Show what you did, not just what you were told to do"
List your experience in reverse chronological order. Lead with action verbs, quantify everything you can, and focus on results.
- Start every bullet with a strong action verb
- Include specific metrics whenever possible
- Focus on achievements, not responsibilities
- Tailor content to match the job you're applying for
3. Skills Section "Prove you can do the job before you get it"
Include both hard and soft skills relevant to your target role. Organize them by category and align them with job requirements.
Technical Skills:
Python, SQL, Tableau, Google Analytics, Adobe Creative Suite, Salesforce
Soft Skills
Leadership, Project Management, Communication, Problem Solving, Team Collaboration
4. Education & Certifications "Credentials that strengthen your case"
Include degrees, relevant coursework, and certifications that matter for the role. Skip anything that doesn't add value.
- List degrees in reverse chronological order
- Include relevant coursework if you're a recent graduate
- Highlight certifications that are industry-relevant
- Only include GPA if it's 3.5 or higher
Resume Writing Best Practices
Formatting Guidelines
- Keep it to 1-2 pages maximum
- Use consistent formatting and fonts
- Include plenty of white space
- Use bullet points for easy scanning
- Save as PDF to preserve formatting
ATS Optimization
- Use standard section headings
- Include relevant keywords from job postings
- Avoid graphics, tables, or complex formatting
- Use standard fonts like Arial or Calibri
- Include a skills section with keywords
Content Strategy
- Tailor content for each application
- Focus on achievements, not just duties
- Use numbers and metrics to quantify impact
- Start bullet points with action verbs
- Keep descriptions concise and impactful
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Including irrelevant personal information
- Using unprofessional email addresses
- Including outdated or irrelevant experience
- Having spelling or grammatical errors
- Using a one-size-fits-all approach
Resume Review Checklist
Content Review
- All contact information is current and professional
- Professional summary is compelling and specific
- Experience section uses action verbs and metrics
- Skills section matches job requirements
- No gaps in employment without explanation
- All dates are accurate and consistent
Format & Style Review
- Consistent formatting throughout
- Easy to read fonts and appropriate sizing
- Proper spacing and margins
- No spelling or grammatical errors
- Appropriate length (1-2 pages)
- Saved as PDF for consistency
Stop overthinking. Start preparing.
CareerBrief gives you everything you need to walk into your next interview ready, not rattled.