Resume Writing Guides
Practical, no-fluff guides to writing a resume: what goes in each section, which format to choose and how to get past applicant tracking systems.
Where to start
If you are writing a resume from scratch, read the step-by-step guide first: it covers every section in order. If you already have a resume, the format guide helps you decide whether its structure is right for your situation, and the ATS guide makes sure online application systems read it correctly. Each guide links to examples for your job, so you can see the advice applied.
How to Write a Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide
What to put in each section, how to write bullet points that show results, how long it should be and how to tailor it to every job.
Key takeaways
- Lead with a three-line summary that names your role, your strongest proof and the job you want.
- Write bullets as action, task and result, with a number wherever you honestly can.
- Keep one master resume and spend ten minutes tailoring a copy to every job ad.
Resume Format: Chronological, Functional or Hybrid?
The three resume formats compared, which one to choose for your situation, plus layout, length, font and file-type rules.
Key takeaways
- Reverse-chronological is the right default for almost everyone with a steady work history.
- Career changers do best with a hybrid format: a short skills section, then a normal timeline.
- Use a single column, standard headings and a PDF unless the employer asks for Word.
How to Make an ATS-Friendly Resume
What applicant tracking systems actually do with your resume, the myths to ignore, and a checklist to make sure yours is read correctly.
Key takeaways
- Most applicant tracking systems store and search resumes rather than auto-rejecting them.
- Parsing failures come from columns, tables, text boxes and text inside images.
- Use the job ad's own wording for skills you genuinely have, in your summary, bullets and skills list.