How to Write a Résumé That Gets Interviews

Recruiters and employers value honesty, clarity, and relevance. Avoid exaggerations or overused buzzwords that sound generic or inflated. Think of your résumé as a professional conversation starter—it should reflect how you would describe your experience in an interview: confident, clear, and genuine.

Most employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan and sort résumés. To pass the first filter: 

• Use clean, readable formatting 
• Choose standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica (10–12 pt) 
• Avoid text boxes, headers/footers, and emojis 
• Use bullet points to organize your accomplishments 
• Save as a .docx or PDF, depending on the employer’s instructions 

A simple, professional layout will ensure your résumé is readable by both people and software. 

Be specific about your technical skills, tools, and certifications, but don’t assume everyone knows your acronyms. Spell them out at least once and explain specialized terminology—especially if you’re switching industries or roles.

Start with your most recent position and work backwards. For each role, include:

• Job title 
• Company name 
• Dates of employment 
• A concise list of achievements and responsibilities

Don’t leave unexplained gaps. Briefly mention time off for travel, caregiving, or upskilling. Employers value transparency. 

Your résumé should be 1–2 pages, depending on your experience. Prioritize:

• The last 10–15 years of work 
• Roles most relevant to the job you’re applying for 
• Quantifiable achievements (e.g., “Increased customer retention by 22% in 12 months”) 

Hiring managers typically spend less than 10 seconds on an initial scan—make every word count.

There’s no one-size-fits-all résumé. Choose the layout that suits your career stage and goals: 

• Chronological – Best for clear career progression 
• Hybrid/Combination – Blends both approaches for mid-career professionals 
• Functional – Highlights skills over roles (great for career changers) 

Download Sample Résumés PDF for each format.

Typos, grammar issues, or formatting inconsistencies can hurt your chances. Use spell check, but don’t rely on it alone.

• Review your résumé aloud 
• Ask a friend, mentor, or recruiter to review it 
• Take a break and re-read with fresh eyes 

This final step often reveals small but important improvements.

A well-written cover letter can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview. Here’s how to make it work for you: 

• Customize each one for the specific job 
• Expand on your top qualifications and interest in the role 
• Use a professional tone while letting your personality come through 
• Explain why you’re a strong fit—not just what you’ve done 

A great cover letter connects the dots between your résumé and the job posting.

AI résumé builders and tools can save time and help you structure your content—but they shouldn’t replace your voice.

Use AI to:

• Generate résumé drafts 
• Reword experience using stronger action verbs 
• Ensure ATS compatibility 

Always edit and personalize AI-generated content before submitting. Hiring managers can spot generic résumés. Use AI as a tool, not a substitute for your unique value. 

Want to explore tools and tips for using AI in your job search?