A clean template, ready to fill.

Before you fill it in

How to write a resume that gets read

A clean template takes care of the layout. What gets you interviews is what you put in it. These are the habits that make a resume easy for recruiters, and for the software that screens it first.

1. 01

   Keep it to one page if you can

   With under about ten years of experience, one page is enough. Recruiters skim, so cut anything that doesn't support the job you're applying for. Even senior resumes rarely need more than two pages.

2. 02

   Open with a short, targeted summary

   Two or three lines that say what you do, your strongest skill and the kind of role you want. Rewrite it for each type of job instead of using one generic paragraph.

3. 03

   Write results, not duties

   Start each bullet with an action verb and end with an outcome, with a number when you have one. "Cut invoice errors by 30% by rebuilding the approval process" beats "Responsible for invoices".

4. 04

   Use the job description's words

   Applicant tracking systems and recruiters look for the skills and job titles in the posting. When they truly match your experience, use the same wording the employer uses.

5. 05

   Keep the formatting simple

   Standard headings like Experience, Education and Skills, one column, and no text in tables, text boxes or images. Simple layouts are read correctly by people and screening software alike.

6. 06

   Tailor it for every application

   Move the most relevant experience to the top and adjust the summary and skills for each job. Ten tailored applications usually beat fifty identical ones.