How to Write the Perfect Resume

Are you in the process of putting together or updating your resume? If so, you’re probably feeling a little overwhelmed with all the conflicting advice out there on what to include and what to leave out. Don’t worry, PEG has you covered.

Below are some tried-and-true dos and don’ts for crafting the perfect resume. From formatting to language choice, we’ll give you all the tips you need to make your resume stand out from the competition.

Let’s get started!

Resume Dos

1. Always use proper grammar and spell check before sending out your resume.

Typos and grammatical errors can leave a bad impression and may disqualify you from the get-go.

       2. Always use a professional email address.

       An unprofessional email can make you seem less serious about your application.

       3. Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for.

        Incorporate key phrases from the job posting and customize your resume to highlight the most relevant experiences and skills.

        4. Keep the format, font, and design simple.

         Use a clean, professional layout with size 10-12 text in a legible font like Arial or Times New Roman. Avoid using too many design elements, as these can be distracting and may not translate well across different devices or applicant tracking systems​ (zety)​  (BetterUp).

        5. Include essential contact information.

        At the top of your resume, include your name, phone number, professional email address, LinkedIn URL, and your city and state. Avoid including your full home address as it’s generally unnecessary and could lead to bias​ (Poised Coaching).

        6. Make your resume 1-2 pages long.

        Include the last 10-15 years of experience. This helps maintain focus and ensures your resume is concise and relevant​ (BetterUp).

         7. Use a reverse-chronological format.

         Start with your most recent job at the top and list the rest in descending order. This format is familiar to most hiring managers and effectively showcases your most recent experience first​ (https://www.maxecv.com/).

         8. Be specific with employment dates and accomplishments.

         Include both the month and year for each position and quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, “Increased sales by 20%” is more impactful than simply stating “Increased sales”​ (ZipJob)​ (Poised Coaching).

          9. Start each bullet point with a strong action verb.

          Use power words like “Led,” “Managed,” or “Developed,” and quantify your achievements where possible. This emphasizes your impact in previous roles​ (ZipJob).

          10. Include 3-5 bullet points for each position.

          Focus on achievements and responsibilities that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.

         11. Ensure job dates are accurate and consistent.

          Inaccurate dates or discrepancies can raise red flags for potential employers.

         12. Address any employment gaps honestly.

         Gaps in employment are not as stigmatized as they once were, especially post-pandemic. If you have a significant gap, briefly explain it in your cover letter or be prepared to discuss it during an interview​ (https://www.maxecv.com/)​ (ZipJob).

Resume Don’ts

1. Don’t make your resume too long.

       Aim for a one-page resume unless you have extensive experience to document. Keeping it short ensures that you include only the most important details​        (BetterUp).

       2. Don’t use fancy fonts or graphics.

       Stick to professional design. Avoid overly creative templates as they can be hard to read and may not pass through recruiting technology. (BetterUp)​ (https://www.maxecv.com/).

        3. Don’t include irrelevant personal information.

        Avoid listing hobbies or interests that don’t relate to the job, and exclude personal details such as your full address, age, or marital status, which could lead to bias​ (Poised Coaching).

         4. Don’t lie or exaggerate your experience.

         Always be honest about your skills and work history. Misleading information can be easily uncovered during reference checks​ (ZipJob)​ (https://www.maxecv.com/).

         5. Don’t focus on what you want from the job.

         Your resume should highlight what you can offer the employer, not what you hope to gain from the position​ (ZipJob).

By following these updated dos and don’ts, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a resume that stands out to hiring managers and helps you land that perfect job.