Resume Writing Guide

Your resume is the first impression you make on a potential employer, and it often has only seconds to stand out. A strong resume is clear, specific, and built around what the employer needs, not just what you have done.

Language and Impact

Be Specific and Active: Use strong verbs like Developed or Managed instead of passive descriptions.

Express, Don't Impress: Use professional, articulate language. Avoid flowery wording or jargon.

Quantify Achievements: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Weak: "Managed social media accounts."

Strong: "Grew Instagram following by 300% in 6 months, increasing engagement by 50%."

Keywords: Mirror the specific technical and soft skills found in the job description to help your resume clear automated systems.

Structure and Organization

Standard Layout: Use reverse-chronological order, listing your most recent experience first.

Strategic Headers: Group your information under clear headings like Experience, Skills, and Education.

The Introduction

Objective: Best for students or career changers to describe their goals.

Summary: Best for experienced professionals to highlight major wins.

Readability: Balance white space. Use bullet points rather than dense blocks of text.

Formatting Standards

DO

• Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri) at 10–12pt.
• Save the final version as a PDF.
• Use consistent bolding and italics for emphasis.
• Account for any gaps in work history.

DON'T

• Use personal pronouns (I, me, my).
• Include personal details like age, gender, or a photo.
• List references unless the job post specifically asks.
• Include high school info if you have higher education.

Final Review

The 7-Second Rule: Recruiters scan quickly. Put your most impressive accomplishments at the top.

Contact Info: Check that your email is professional and your phone number is correct.

Proofread: Read the document from bottom to top to catch errors your eyes might otherwise miss.

Length: Limit the document to one page if you have under 10 years of experience. Two pages are fine for senior roles, but focus on the last 10–15 years.