career advice.

Customize your resume for each application by highlighting skills and experiences that match the job description. Use keywords from the job posting to increase your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Pick a resume format that suits your career stage: chronological for a traditional format, functional for emphasizing skills, or hybrid for a balance of both. Make sure the layout is clean and easy to read.

Write a compelling resume summary or objective that highlights your key skills, experiences, and career goals. Keep it brief but impactful, giving employers a clear sense of what you offer.

Showcase your accomplishments with quantifiable results. Instead of listing job responsibilities, highlight what you achieved, using numbers where possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 20%" or "Managed a budget of $50,000").

Start bullet points with strong action verbs like "developed," "led," "achieved," "designed," or "implemented" to convey a sense of impact and initiative in your previous roles.

Your resume should ideally be one page, especially if you have fewer than 10 years of experience. If necessary, two pages can be acceptable for more experienced candidates, but every word should count.

Include a section for skills that are relevant to the job, such as technical skills, software proficiency, or languages. Make sure these skills match what the employer is looking for.

Use specific keywords from the job posting throughout your resume. Many employers use ATS software to screen resumes, so matching keywords will improve your chances of getting noticed.

List your educational background, relevant certifications, and any ongoing learning experiences that are pertinent to the job. Highlight honors or distinctions if applicable.

Ensure your resume is error-free. Typos and grammatical mistakes can create a negative impression, so double-check your resume or have someone else review it before sending it out.

If applicable, provide a link to an online portfolio showcasing your work (e.g., writing samples, design projects, or code) to give employers a better sense of your capabilities.

Include up-to-date contact details, such as your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Ensure your email address looks professional.