How to Write a Resume That Gets Interviews

Last updated November 6, 2026

To write a resume that gets interviews, keep it to one page and lead with a short summary. List your recent jobs with clear results, not just duties. Match key words from the job post and save it as a simple, clean file.

Hiring managers often skim a resume in seconds. A clear, focused layout helps your best work stand out fast.

Key Takeaways

• Keep it to one page if you can.
• Start with a short, strong summary.
• Show results with numbers.
• Tailor it to each job post.
• Proofread twice before you send it.

On This Page

• What to Include on a Resume
• How to Write a Resume Step by Step
• Resume Sections at a Glance
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Final Checks Before You Apply
• Choose the Right Resume Format
• Write Strong Bullet Points
• Action Verbs to Use
• Tailor Your Resume for Each Job
• Beat Applicant Tracking Systems
• How to Explain Employment Gaps
• Resume Tips for First Jobs
• Add a Skills Section That Stands Out
• Keep Your Resume Updated
• Proofread Like a Pro

What to Include on a Resume

Add your name, phone, email and city at the top. A link to your online profile is a plus.

CareerOneStop, sponsored by the Department of Labor, offers free job search help.

Then add a summary, work history, skills and education.

How to Write a Resume Step by Step

1. Write a Short Summary

Use two or three lines to say who you are and what you offer.

2. List Your Work History

Start with your most recent job. Include title, company, city and dates.

3. Show Results

Use action words and numbers. Say “Cut costs by 15 percent” instead of “Handled budgets.”

4. Add Key Skills

List six to eight skills that match the job post.

5. Add Education

Include your degree, school and year. Add courses or certificates if they fit the job.

Resume Sections at a Glance

Check typical pay and skills for your field in the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Use this calculator to check your bullet point count.

• Contact details at top
• Short summary
• Results with numbers
• Skills from the job post
• Education
• Proofread twice

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not list every task you ever did. Focus on what matters for this job.

Skip photos, age and personal details. Many employers prefer resumes without them.

Avoid fancy fonts and graphics. Many companies use software that cannot read them.

Final Checks Before You Apply

Read it out loud to catch errors. Ask a friend to review it too.

Watch for fake job offers, as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) explains.

Save it as a Portable Document Format (PDF) file unless the job post asks for another format. Name the file with your full name.

Write a Matching Cover Letter

A short cover letter can set you apart. Keep it to three paragraphs.

Say why you want the job, what you offer and how to reach you.

Choose the Right Resume Format

Resumes come in a few common formats. Pick the one that best shows your strengths.

Most employers prefer the chronological format. It is easy to scan and shows your growth.

Write Strong Bullet Points

Bullet points describe what you did in each job. Strong bullets show results, not just duties.

A simple formula helps. Start with an action verb, describe the task and end with the result.

Use numbers whenever you can. They make your achievements easy to understand.

Action Verbs to Use

Strong verbs make your resume sound confident. Swap weak phrases for these.

• Leadership. Led, managed, coached, organized
• Results. Increased, reduced, improved, saved
• Creation. Built, designed, launched, created
• Communication. Presented, wrote, trained, explained
• Problem solving. Solved, fixed, streamlined, resolved

Avoid starting every bullet with the same word. Variety keeps the reader interested.

Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

One resume rarely fits every job. Small changes for each application help a lot.

Read the job post carefully. Highlight the skills and words it repeats.

Use the same key words in your summary and skills section. Make sure they match your real experience.

Move your most relevant experience higher on the page. Hiring managers often scan only the top third.

Beat Applicant Tracking Systems

Many companies use software to scan resumes. People call these programs applicant tracking systems (ATS).

They look for key words and simple formatting. A fancy layout can confuse them.

• Use a clean, simple layout.
• Choose standard section titles like Experience and Education.
• Avoid tables, text boxes and images.
• Include key words from the job post.
• Save the file in the format the employer requests.

Simple resumes work well for both software and human readers.

How to Explain Employment Gaps

Many people have gaps in their work history. Caring for family, health issues and job searches are common reasons.

Be honest but brief. A single line, such as “Family caregiver,” can explain a gap.

Mention any skills you built during that time. Volunteer work, courses and freelance projects all count.

Focus on what you can offer now. Employers care most about your current skills.

Resume Tips for First Jobs

Writing a first resume can feel hard when you have little work history. You still have plenty to share.

• School projects and group work
• Volunteer roles
• Clubs, sports and leadership positions
• Babysitting, lawn care or other side jobs
• Awards and certificates

Put education near the top if you are a student or recent graduate. Add a short summary about your goals.

Add a Skills Section That Stands Out

A skills section helps hiring managers see your strengths quickly. Mix hard and soft skills.

List only skills you can prove in an interview. Be ready to give an example of each.

Keep Your Resume Updated

Update your resume every few months, even when you are not job hunting. It is easier to remember recent wins.

Keep a simple list of achievements as they happen. Note numbers and dates.

When a new opportunity appears, you will be ready to apply quickly.

Proofread Like a Pro

Small errors can cost you an interview. Many hiring managers notice spelling and grammar mistakes right away.

• Read your resume backward, one line at a time.
• Print it and read the paper copy.
• Use a spell checker, but do not rely on it alone.
• Check that dates and job titles are consistent.
• Make sure your phone number and email are correct.

Ask someone you trust to read it with fresh eyes. They often catch mistakes you miss.

Resume Mistakes Hiring Managers Notice

Small mistakes can make a resume look rushed. Watch out for these common problems.

• Typos and spelling errors
• Long paragraphs instead of short bullet points
• An unprofessional email address
• Listing duties instead of results

Read your resume out loud before sending it. You will catch mistakes that your eyes might miss.

Make Your Resume Easy to Read

Many hiring managers scan a resume in seconds. A clean layout helps your best points stand out.

Use a simple font and consistent spacing. Keep margins wide enough so the page does not look crowded.

Put your most important experience near the top. Use bold text only for job titles and section headings.

Save It the Right Way

Save your resume as a file with your full name in the title. This makes it easy for employers to find later.

Keep a copy saved in the cloud so you can apply from any device.

Send it as a Portable Document Format (PDF) file unless the job post asks for another format.

Test Yourself

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a resume be?

One page for most people, two for long careers.

Should I include every job?

No. Focus on the last 10 to 15 years.

What file type is best?

A Portable Document Format (PDF) keeps your layout clean.

Do I need a different resume for each job?

Yes. Small changes for each post help a lot.

What is an applicant tracking system?

It is software many companies use to scan resumes for key words and simple formatting.

How do I explain a gap in my resume?

Be honest and brief. Mention any skills you built during that time.

What should I put on my first resume?

Include school projects, volunteer work, clubs, side jobs and awards.

Which resume format is best?

Most employers prefer the chronological format, which lists jobs from newest to oldest.

Wrapping Up

Update your summary and add one result with a number today. Small changes make a big difference.

Get ready for the next step with our artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot safety tips. Plan ahead with our guide to build an emergency fund.

Editor’s Note

This guide is accurate as of November 6, 2026. Resume styles vary by country and industry.

Spot an error in this article? Please contact us at support@digieh.com or read our Corrections Policy.

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