How To Write a Strong Resume: A Step By Step Guide
Nov 14, 2025
10
Structure and Format
The strongest resumes use a simple, predictable structure. It helps both hiring managers and ATS systems read the document without friction.
Recommended structure:
• Header
• Professional Summary
• Work Experience
• Education
• Skills
• Optional additions: Certifications, Projects, Languages, Volunteer Work
Use one column. Avoid tables, heavy design, and complex formatting.
Length: one page for most candidates; up to two pages for senior roles.
Header should include:
• Name
• Location (city, country or region)
• Email
• Phone number with international code
• LinkedIn or portfolio link
Do not include personal details such as a photo, full address, birth date, or marital status.
Professional Summary
The summary is a short analytical snapshot of experience. It should be factual, concise, and aligned with targeted roles.
Recommended structure:
• Role and seniority
• Key areas of expertise
• Measurable strengths or achievements
• Type of roles currently targeted
Example style:
Specialist with experience in international environments, talent processes, and data driven decision making. Skilled in improving workflows, working across distributed teams, and building scalable systems. Interested in roles that involve structured problem solving and operational ownership.
Avoid generic statements, clichés, or personal aspirations.
The summary must reflect professional value, not personality traits.
Work Experience
This is the core section. The goal is to show impact, not just responsibilities.
For each role, include:
• Job title
• Company type or domain (optional and generic)
• Location or remote
• Start and end dates
• 4 to 7 bullet points focused on measurable results
Each bullet point should follow a clear logic:
• Action
• Method
• Result
Instead of describing tasks, describe outcomes.
Weak example:
Responsible for recruiting.
Strong example:
Reduced hiring cycle time by optimizing communication flow between stakeholders, improving efficiency and candidate throughput.
Bullet points should be concise, factual, and based on quantifiable improvements whenever possible. Avoid subjective language, unnecessary adjectives, or storytelling.
Additional Sections, Skills, and Final Checks
Education
Include degree, field of study, and years. Additional courses matter only if relevant.
Skills
List up to 10–15 skills. Include technical tools, systems, and competencies that can be verified. Do not list soft skills.
Certifications / Projects / Languages
Add only if they strengthen the application. Language levels should use CEFR standards (for example: B2, C1).
Final quality review checklist:
• Consistent formatting
• Clear structure
• No grammatical errors
• All links are functional
• Bullet points show measurable impact
• Summary matches the type of role being targeted
• Document exported to PDF with a standard file name
