How to Write a Resume That Gets You Interviews: Expert Tips That Work

As a career advisor who has worked with clients across all stages—from those crafting their first résumé to experienced professionals aiming for dream jobs—I’m here to show you how to create a résumé that doesn’t end up in the trash

How to Make Your Resume Stand Out: Focus on Your Summary and Achievements

A resume isn’t just a list of job titles. It’s your personal marketing document.

Start with a professional summary at the top—a few punchy sentences that give a snapshot of your career, key skills, and what you’re looking for in your next role. Tailor this summary to the industry or position you’re targeting. It should be specific, clear, and convey your value.

Next, go beyond listing responsibilities. Highlight achievements and results. Mention projects you’ve led, goals you’ve met or exceeded, or processes you improved. Concrete outcomes make a big impact and set you apart from other candidates.

And remember: relevant experience doesn’t always come from paid jobs. You can include internships, volunteer work, school projects, or freelance gigs—especially if you’re early in your career.

Resume Formatting Tips: Clean Design That Looks Professional

A cluttered resume can kill your chances before the first glance.

You don’t need fancy design skills. Use simple, modern resume templates available through tools like Canva or resume builders. Keep it clean, with consistent fonts, sizes, spacing, and neutral colors.

And remember: photos are not recommended on U.S. resumes. They’re generally unnecessary and can even be a disadvantage in some hiring systems.

How to Save and Name Your Resume File the Right Way

Once you’re happy with your resume, save it as a PDF—this preserves formatting and ensures compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Give your file a clear, professional name, such as:

Jane_Smith_Resume.pdf

Avoid names like finalresume_edit2.pdf or resume2025versionLAST.pdf.

Resume Basics: What Information You Absolutely Must Include

At the top, list your:

Full name
Phone number
Proffesional email address

Make sure the email is appropriate—ideally just your name. You don’t need to include a street address or a consent clause (like in some European countries). Just ensure all contact info is accurate.

Should You Tailor Your Resume for Every Job Application?

Yes—and no.

You don’t need to start from scratch every time, but tailoring your resume for each industry or job type can make a big difference. For example, have one version for sales roles and another for marketing.

Also, include keywords from the job description—this helps your resume get past ATS filters and into human hands.

Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid in 2025

Using vague descriptions
Having an unprofessional email address
Forgetting to include contact info
Submitting Word files instead of PDFs
Making your resume too long (stick to 1–2 pages)
Using overly decorative fonts or layouts
Not customizing your resume for the job or industry

Projects you worked on

First Resume With No Experience? Here’s What to Focus On

If you’re writing your first resume, focus on:

Skills you gained in school or volunteer work
Projects you worked on
Internships or summer jobs
Any leadership roles in clubs or organizations

Use a simple format that highlights your strengths and keeps things easy to read.

Resume Formats Explained: Chronological vs Functional vs Hybrid

Which resume format is right for you?

Chronological Resume – Best if you have a strong work history
Functional Resume – Focuses on skills, great if you’re changing careers or have employment gaps.
Hybrid (Combination) Resume – Blends both styles; ideal for highlighting skills and work history.

What to Include in a Resume (Checklist)

Full Name & Contact Info
Professional Summary
Work Experience
Education
Key Skills (technical, soft, languages, tools)
Certifications or Courses
Volunteer Work or Side Projects (if relevant)

Resume Writing Summary

Keep your resume clean and professional
Use a modern resume builder or template
Tailor it to each role or industry
Focus on results and relevant skills
Save as PDF
Name the file professionally
Always proofread before sending

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Zuzanna Kowalska Career Coach & Advisor

07/14/2025