12 expert tips
Resume Tips & Best Practices
Expert advice to help you write a resume that stands out. Whether you're starting from scratch or polishing a draft, these tips will help.
Keep it to one page
As a student or recent grad, one page is the standard. Recruiters spend 6–7 seconds on an initial scan—make every line count.
Use a clean, readable format
Stick to a professional font (like the ones in our templates), clear section headers, and consistent spacing. Avoid graphics, photos, or columns that confuse ATS systems.
Tailor it for every application
Adjust your summary, skills, and bullet points to match the job description. Use keywords from the posting—many companies use ATS to filter resumes.
Lead with action verbs
Start each bullet point with a strong verb: managed, developed, analyzed, designed, led, coordinated, implemented, created.
Quantify your achievements
Use numbers wherever possible: "Increased engagement by 25%," "Managed a budget of $5,000," "Trained 15 new hires." Numbers make your impact concrete.
Include relevant coursework
If you lack work experience, list 4–6 relevant courses. This shows employers you have foundational knowledge for the role.
Add a skills section
List technical and soft skills relevant to your target role. Include tools, software, languages, and certifications.
Don't include references
"References available upon request" is outdated. Use that space for something more valuable. Employers will ask for references when they need them.
Proofread everything
Typos and grammar mistakes are the fastest way to get rejected. Read it out loud, use spell check, and have someone else review it.
Use a professional email
[email protected] looks much better than [email protected]. Create a professional email if you don't have one.
Save and send as PDF
Always submit your resume as a PDF unless the employer asks for another format. PDFs preserve formatting across all devices.
Include links when relevant
Add your LinkedIn, portfolio, GitHub, or personal website. Make sure the links work and the profiles are up to date.
Want tips specific to your major?
Every field has different resume expectations. Browse our templates to see section recommendations, sample bullets, and formatting advice tailored to your degree.
Browse templates by majorPower action verbs
Start your bullet points with these strong verbs to make your achievements stand out.
Leadership
Led, Managed, Directed, Supervised, Coordinated, Spearheaded, Mentored, Delegated
Achievement
Achieved, Exceeded, Improved, Increased, Reduced, Streamlined, Resolved, Delivered
Creation
Designed, Developed, Created, Built, Launched, Established, Implemented, Initiated
Analysis
Analyzed, Researched, Evaluated, Assessed, Investigated, Identified, Calculated, Forecasted
Communication
Presented, Authored, Edited, Negotiated, Collaborated, Advocated, Facilitated, Persuaded
Technical
Programmed, Engineered, Automated, Configured, Debugged, Optimized, Deployed, Integrated