Most resumes fail for one simple reason.
They are written like personal biographies instead of decision making tools.
Recruiters do not read resumes carefully. They scan them fast, often in under ten seconds. Your resume needs to be clear, structured, and easy to trust at a glance.
This guide shows you how to write a resume that actually gets interviews, without filler, exaggeration, or outdated advice.
What recruiters actually look for
When someone reviews your resume, they are silently asking three questions:
- Can this person do the job?
- Is their experience relevant to this role?
- Can I understand this resume quickly?
Your resume does not need to impress. It needs to communicate clearly.
Keep your resume to one page
For most roles, especially junior to mid level positions, one page is ideal.
A shorter resume:
- Is easier to scan
- Forces you to prioritise what matters
- Signals clarity and confidence
If your resume spills onto two pages, it usually means:
- Too much detail
- Weak bullet points
- Repeated information
Trim ruthlessly.
Start with a clear header
Your header should immediately answer: who is this person and what do they do?
Include:
- Your full name
- A clear job title or professional headline
- Location (city and country is enough)
- Email and phone number
- Website or LinkedIn if relevant
Avoid full addresses, birth dates, or photos unless required by your country.
Write a short profile summary
Your summary is not your life story.
It should be three to four lines that explain:
- What you do
- What you are good at
- What kind of role you are seeking
A simple structure works best:
- Your profession or role
- Your key skills or strengths
- A clear outcome or focus
Avoid vague statements like “hard working” or “team player” unless you back them up later.
Experience matters more than job titles
This is the most important section of your resume.
For each role, use this format:
- Job title | Company | Dates
- 2 to 4 bullet points explaining what you did and why it mattered
Good bullet points:
- Start with action verbs
- Focus on results, not duties
- Mention tools, systems, or methods used
- Include numbers where possible
Weak example:
- Responsible for managing social media
Strong example:
- Managed company social media accounts, increasing engagement by 35 percent over six months
Keep education simple and relevant
List:
- Your qualification
- Institution name
- Dates attended or graduation year
If you are early in your career, education can appear above experience.
If you have years of experience, education usually comes after.
Only include grades or coursework if they are genuinely relevant.
Skills should be scannable
Avoid long paragraphs of skills.
Group them clearly, for example:
- Technical skills
- Tools or software
- Soft skills
Focus on skills that match the role. A shorter, targeted list is more effective than a long generic one.
Extras are optional, not required
Extras can include:
- Certifications
- Languages
- Volunteer work
- Side projects
Include them only if they strengthen your application. If they do not add value, leave them out.
Choose a clean layout
A good resume layout:
- Uses clear headings
- Has consistent spacing
- Avoids clutter
- Works well when exported to PDF
Modern, simple layouts are preferred by most recruiters and applicant tracking systems.
Avoid heavy graphics, icons, or unusual fonts.
Export your resume properly
Always send your resume as a PDF unless a job posting specifically asks for Word.
PDF files:
- Preserve layout
- Look consistent on all devices
- Appear more professional
Word files are useful if an employer asks for edits or uses internal templates.
Common resume mistakes to avoid
These issues cause resumes to be skipped instantly:
- Spelling or grammar errors
- Walls of text
- Vague descriptions
- Too many fonts or colours
- Including irrelevant personal details
- Listing responsibilities instead of results
Proofread carefully and read your resume out loud before sending it.
Pair your resume with a cover letter
A strong resume explains what you have done.
A cover letter explains why you are a good fit.
Used together, they create a much stronger application.
Build your resume quickly
If you want a clean resume without worrying about formatting, you can use our Resume / CV Builder.
It lets you:
- Choose from multiple layouts
- Edit sections freely
- Preview your resume live
- Export to PDF or Word
- Keep everything private in your browser
Use our Resume / CV Builder:
Create your resume now
Final tip
A good resume does not try to impress everyone.
It speaks clearly to the right role.
Keep it simple, honest, and easy to scan, and you will dramatically increase your chances of getting interviews.