A resume is your primary marketing document in a job search. In 2026, around 70% of large companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes before a human ever sees them.
13 steps across 2 sections
1. Steps Process
- Choose the right format — Use a reverse-chronological format (most common and ATS-friendly). Functional or combination formats work for career changers.
- Write a strong summary — Open with 2-3 sentences highlighting your experience level, key skills, and what you bring to the role.
- Tailor to each job — Read the job description carefully and mirror relevant keywords in your resume. ATS systems match keywords from the posting.
- List experience with impact — For each role, use bullet points starting with action verbs. Focus on results, not responsibilities (e.g., "Grew regional sales by 22% ($1.1M)" not "Responsible for sa...
- Quantify achievements — Include numbers wherever possible: revenue generated, costs saved, team size managed, percentages improved.
- Include relevant skills — List both hard skills (software, certifications) and soft skills relevant to the role.
- Keep formatting clean — Avoid tables, columns, icons, or graphics that confuse ATS systems. Use standard fonts like Arial or Calibri.
- Proofread and name the file properly — Use a clear file name like "FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf" instead of "resume.pdf."
2. Key Tips
- Keep your resume to 1-2 pages maximum, covering 10-15 years of work history
- Start every bullet point with an action verb (led, built, increased, designed, implemented)
- Highlight AI skills if applicable — 41% of tech job postings now list AI as a required skill
- Use consistent formatting throughout (font size, bullet style, date format)
- Save as PDF unless the employer specifically requests a different format
Common Mistakes
- Using a one-size-fits-all resume for every application
- Listing job duties instead of achievements and results
- Including an objective statement instead of a professional summary
- Using fancy designs, tables, or graphics that break ATS parsing
- Leaving gaps unexplained or including irrelevant experience
Pro Tips
- Update your resume every few months with new skills, projects, and achievemen...
- Use the exact phrases from the job description when describing matching exper...
- For each bullet point, ask: "So what?" If the answer is not obvious, add the ...
- Run your resume through a free ATS checker to see how it scores before submit...
- Keep a master resume with all experience, then create tailored versions for e...