60+ Best Resume Tips for 2026

Looking for ways you can make your resume better?

Check out our list of resume tips to learn what you can do to grab the attention of recruiters, hiring managers, and applicant tracking systems (ATS).

We'll cover:

Ready to start building your resume? Resume Now's AI Resume Builder provides organized templates, guidance, and AI-assisted content so you can create a unique resume in minutes.

General Resume-Writing Tips

Limit Your Resume to 1–2 Pages for Most Industries

Don't overburden your resume with unnecessary details.

Instead, be concise. Most hiring managers spend only a few seconds on an initial resume scan, which isn't much time to catch their attention.

For most industries, a one- to two-page resume length is ideal. By keeping it short, you prioritize the most relevant information and present a clean, easy-to-read document.

Customize Your Resume for Each Job Application

No two jobs are exactly alike, even if they share a title. That's why you should tailor your resume for each position you apply for.

The specifics of the job are important. Read the job description carefully to see what's required and tweak your resume accordingly. Doing so will show the employer that you've researched the role and are aligned with their values.

Include Keywords From the Job Description to Bypass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many companies use applicant tracking systems to filter out resumes before they even reach a human reviewer.

These systems scan for keywords from the job description to weed out unqualified applicants. If you include the keywords in your resume, you'll have a better shot at moving forward.

Keep Tone Active & Consistent

Use action verbs in your resume whenever possible to give it an active feel. Use them in the present tense for ongoing duties and roles, and in the past tense for past roles.

Also, aim for a consistent tone, be it formal or slightly casual, which will vary based on your industry.

Quantify Your Achievements Wherever Possible

Numbers speak louder than words when it comes to showing impact. A recent Resume Now study found that only 10% of resumes include measurable results. Demonstrating impact on your resume is one of the easiest ways to make sure your resume stands out.

Instead of saying you "increased sales," wow potential employers with something more specific like "boosted sales by 20% in Q1."

Don't Use Passive Voice

Instead of writing "A marketing strategy was developed," use "Developed a marketing strategy." This phrasing emphasizes your actions and their direct impact.

Avoid Clichés

Hiring managers dislike generic phrases like "hard-working" or "team player." While well-intentioned, you'd be better off focusing on showcasing specific examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities through your accomplishments.

Highlight Your Transferable Skills

Transferable skills show how your past experience can apply to your next role—even if your title or industry is changing.

Problem-solving, leadership, and communication, for example, are valuable in nearly every industry. Highlight skills like these, emphasizing how they can benefit the position you're targeting.

Resume Formatting Tips

Choose a Readable Font

In some ways, presentation matters as much as content. After all, if the hiring manager can't read your resume, what's the point? A poorly chosen font can hinder your resume's chances of success with both ATS and human readers.

To create a polished and legible resume, give one of these classic professional fonts a try:

• Arial
• Helvetica
• Verdana

Avoid fonts that are difficult to decipher or polarizing, like:

• Comic Sans
• Papyrus
• Brush Script

Mind Your Margins

This one is simple: Your margins should be between 0.5 to 1 inch.

Margins frame your resume and give it structure. Proper margin size offers a balance between maximizing space and making sure your resume doesn't appear cramped.

Use a Tool Made for Resume Building

Formatting is a hassle and outsourcing this work will save you a lot of time.

Millions of job seekers have used AI resume builders to do exactly that. The benefits of a builder include:

• Professional designs
• Built-in, customizable formatting
• Personalized content suggestions
• Download in major file formats

While most builders charge a few dollars to enroll, there are free options—something to consider if you find yourself stumped by formatting.

Use Bullet Points to Improve Readability

Long paragraphs are a major resume no-no.

It's better to use bullet points to break up the copy. When hiring managers are short on time, bullet points will guide the reader's eye and ensure key details aren't missed.

Prioritize the Most Important Information

First impressions count. Again, when time is scarce, and your resume is one of hundreds, hiring managers might only give your resume a fleeting glance.

You'll be in the strongest position if you put your most important points near the top. Make sure to feature a professional summary that's succinct and tailored for the job.

Avoid Clutter

Utilize white space to make your resume look clean and professional.

A cluttered resume can overwhelm recruiters, making it difficult to discern key information. White space acts as a visual breather, separating sections and making your resume appear organized (even when you might not feel that way).

Use Bold & Italics Sparingly

Bold and italics are wonderful when they're used thoughtfully.

Use them occasionally to emphasize certain details you want the hiring manager to notice. For example, bold your section headings, job titles, or previous company names. Consider italicizing subheadings like the "Technical Skills" portion of your "Skills" section.

Use Color Sparingly

A hint of color can make your resume stand out, but don't overdo it.

Too much color can be distracting or come off as unprofessional. A subtle touch—perhaps for headings or your name—can be effective.

Here's an example of a resume that uses color very well:

Use this template

Use a Resume Template as a Starting Point

When you're worried about formatting, resume templates offer a shortcut.

Templates give you a predefined structure that adheres to industry standards. They'll keep your information clean, organized, and professional. All you need to do is fill in the details.

They come in various styles—from modern and creative to plain and simple—and format types. Choose the style that best suits your industry and create a resume in the file format the employer prefers.

Consider a Creative Template in Artistic Fields

While simple and modern templates are perfect for many industries, artistic fields often call for something more distinctive.

If your profession is in art, photography, design, or similar creative areas, your resume can serve as a mini-portfolio, showcasing your artistic flair and design skills.

Start With a Resume Profile

Grab attention right away with a resume profile.

This short, powerful summary at the top of your resume showcases your best skills and experiences, making a strong first impression and setting the tone for the rest of your resume.

Clearly Lay Out Your Career Goal

There are two types of resume profiles: objective statements and professional summaries.

A resume objective is perfect for sharing a vision for your career.

Objectives will touch on skills and top experiences, like a professional summary, but they emphasize purpose and direction more. Ambiguity can be misinterpreted as a lack of focus, so always be direct and state your aim.

Here's what a good career objective would look like:

Align Your Objective or Summary With the Job

While your resume should reflect your career, it should also be customized for the target role.

You can do that by reading the job description—a trusted way of matching an employer's expectations—or reviewing the company's mission. Either one will show that you've done some research.

Show Your Value With Metrics

Demonstrate how you'd contribute to a company's growth and success by citing your previous impact. This means going beyond your qualifications and previous responsibilities.

You can highlight this impact with specific accomplishments and numbers in your professional summary. Here's an example:

Limit Your Summary or Objective to 3–5 Sentences

Brevity is key to creating a resume that recruiters can scan and appreciate in seconds.

Aim to limit your summary or objective to three to five succinct sentences that capture your professional peaks. Think of it as your elevator pitch—it should be compelling and concise, leaving the reader eager to learn more about you.

Changing Industries? Consider a Summary of Qualifications

If your career path is taking a new direction, especially into a different industry, your work history alone might not tell the whole story.

A summary of qualifications lets you spotlight skills and experiences that are transferable and relevant, even if they're from earlier roles or volunteer work. This section can help you make a compelling case for your candidacy by focusing on your most applicable abilities and accomplishments.

Example summary of qualifications for a marketing role:

Contact Info Tips

Stick to Essentials

Less really is more when it comes to contact info.

Your contact section should only cover the basics, like:

• Your name
• Phone number
• Email
• LinkedIn profile
• City and state (or country)

Anything beyond that can clutter your resume and detract from its professionalism.

Omit Most Personal Details

While you might be tempted to share personal tidbits to stand out, it's best to leave them off your resume.

Information such as marital status, age, or religious affiliation doesn't pertain to your professional abilities and might introduce biases, inadvertently or otherwise.

Use a Professional Email Address

Your email address can often be a first impression, so make it count.

Addresses like quiltingqueen@example.com or karatekidfan87@example.com won't do. Whether they're based on inside jokes or personal hobbies, ditch playful or outdated email addresses for something straightforward like your first and last name.

Include a Location

Although remote work has become more popular, location still plays a role in your resume. After all, some remote roles require you to live in a specific state or country or have the ability to commute to the office on occasion.

You don't need to add your entire address; just the city and state (or country) will suffice.

Resume Work Experience Tips

Go With a Chronological Resume to Highlight Work History

Structure matters.

The chronological format is the most common resume format because it focuses on work history, starting with your most recent job and working backward.

Anyone with even a little bit of work history would do well with this format.

There are two other alternatives to consider as well:

• The functional resume format focuses almost exclusively on skills, which makes it well-suited when you're fresh out of school or changing industries and have few relevant work experiences.
• The combination resume format balances skills and experience, making it well-suited for mid-career professionals who want to highlight a particular skill set alongside relevant experience.

Spotlight Relevant Roles

Not all experiences are equal. Depending on the job you're targeting, you may want to highlight specific accomplishments more closely aligned with that job's requirements. That's the best way to show you've flourished in a similar context.

Use Action Verbs for Emphasis

Give your resume the momentum it needs by starting each bullet point with a powerful action verb. Words like "orchestrated," "transformed," or "spearheaded" not only capture attention but also vividly illustrate your contributions in past roles.

Spice Up Your Descriptions

Repetition can quickly make your resume seem monotonous. Ensure you mix up your verbs and descriptions to reflect the breadth of your experiences and skills. This variety will better showcase the full range of your skill set.

Include Achievements

Achievements put your real-world impact in the spotlight.

Bullet points should highlight examples of times you exceeded targets, introduced beneficial changes, or earned promotions. Quantify these accomplishments with numbers and percentages whenever possible.

Align It With Your LinkedIn Profile

Double-check that your resume and LinkedIn profile mirror each other in terms of roles, dates, and descriptions. This alignment helps build credibility and reinforces your professional narrative when potential employers do a quick online check.

Tips on Including Education

New Grads Should Lead With Education

If you're a recent graduate with limited experience, your education section should feature prominently on your resume.

While experienced professionals might lean on their work history, recent graduates should champion their educational background. Don't be shy! Position your education at the forefront of your resume.

List Your Degrees in Reverse-Chronological Order

When listing your degrees, start with your most recent one and work backward. Over time, once you've climbed the academic ladder with an advanced degree, feel free to drop your high school diploma.

Here's what that might look like for someone who holds a Ph.D. in Psychology:

Mention Relevant Coursework

The education section of your resume isn't only about college degrees.

You can use this area to touch on coursework—as long as it's relevant.

For example, if you're applying for an SEO role, mentioning that you took a course in digital marketing fundamentals is definitely a plus.

Mention Current Learning

Your skills should always be evolving.

Are you enrolled in a course? Pursuing a new certification? Highlighting ongoing learning shows your dedication to personal growth and your proactive attitude toward your career.

Include Your GPA—Only if It's Impressive & Recent

Proud of your GPA? Depending on your circumstances, it might be worth highlighting.

But proceed with caution. If your GPA is a shining beacon of academic excellence and is recent, by all means, include it. But if it's been several years since you graduated or if the number isn't particularly stellar, leave it off and let your other accomplishments take center stage.

Tips for Additional Resume Sections

Showcase Relevant Skills

Throughout your resume, and especially in your skills section, you should highlight a mix of skills.

They can be soft skills like communication and problem-solving, or hard skills like data analysis and project management. Both interpersonal and technical skills should be accounted for on your resume.

Flaunt Your Certifications

Certifications are the badges of expertise you've collected throughout your professional journey. If you have certifications, give them a distinct section on your resume. They're a great way to show engagement in your career.

Touch on Conferences & Publications

If you have experience speaking at conferences or have published articles related to your field, add a publications or conferences section to your resume. This is the perfect showcase for expertise and contributions to your field.

Research your target industry to determine the best way to present this information. For publications, include the title, publication date, and co-authors. For conferences, list the event name, date, and the topic of your presentation.

Declare Language Proficiencies

Languages on a resume are highly sought after by employers because they demonstrate strong communication abilities, open you up to new opportunities, and indicate diverse expertise.

(Relevant) Volunteer Work Matters

Volunteer work on your resume can indicate both your career values and real-world experience—especially if experience is something you lack. 

If you have space on your resume and the volunteer work is particularly relevant to the job, create a dedicated section for volunteering.

Mention Noteworthy Projects

Many professionals and students work on projects outside their regular jobs. These are worthwhile additions to your resume if they meaningfully relate to your career.

Include Internships or Training

Many job seekers have an internship, training, or apprenticeship under their belt.

In some cases, you may want to break the internships into their own section, but in most cases, they can take a seat in your work history. After 5 to 10 years have passed and you're deep into your career, you should focus on your professional history and omit your internships.

Tread Carefully With Hobbies

While hobbies can add a personal touch to your resume, it's important to limit hobbies on your resume to the most relevant ones.

If a hobby directly aligns with the job or showcases transferable skills (like leadership in team sports), it's worth including. You don't need to tell the employer about your model train set or your passion for karaoke, but you can discuss personal projects that relate to your career skills.

Highlight Conferences & Workshops

Conferences, seminars, and workshops are more than just learning opportunities.

They're also platforms where professionals network, share, and stay up to date on the latest in their field, making them a reasonable addition to your resume. Highlight conference participation, presentations, or similar activities within an optional resume section.

Omit "References Available Upon Request"

As modern resume practices evolved, the phrase "References Available Upon Request" became redundant. Most employers assume you'll provide references if asked.

Save that precious space on your resume for more compelling content that showcases your qualifications and achievements.

Resume Building Tips

Use a Resume Builder

Choose a resume builder that offers ATS-friendly templates, customization options, and industry-specific content. Look for builders with positive user reviews and a variety of export formats.

Utilize Built-In Suggestions

Resume builders often provide ready-made phrases and bullet points tailored to your industry and job title. These suggestions can be easily added to your resume with a single click, saving time and guaranteeing professional language.

Personalize the Content

While builders provide excellent starting points, it's crucial to edit and personalize the suggested content. Add your unique experiences, achievements, and metrics to make your resume stand out and accurately reflect your career.

Play Around With the Formatting

Resume builders offer a safe environment to experiment with layout and design. You can try different fonts, colors, and section arrangements without risk, as the builder keeps your content within professional boundaries.

Export the Correct File Format

Most builders allow you to export your resume in various formats like PDF, DOCX, or TXT. Choose PDF to preserve layout across devices, DOCX for easy editing, or TXT for plain-text applications. Always check the job posting for preferred formats.

How to Finalize Your Resume

Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

A spelling mistake or grammatical error can cost you the job.

It might sound silly, but an employer might see even a small typo as a sign of carelessness.

Always triple-check your resume to ensure every detail is accurate and professionally presented.

Get a Second Pair of Eyes on Your Resume

While you might think your resume is flawless after multiple revisions, a fresh perspective will catch errors that even those with an eagle eye would appreciate. Always ask a trusted friend, family member, or colleague to review it and provide feedback.

Print Your Resume Out

Sometimes, issues are more evident on paper than on screen. Holding a physical copy of your resume can offer a different view.

Sometimes, formatting issues or subtle mistakes become more apparent on paper than when viewed digitally. Also, read it aloud to catch awkward phrasings or redundancy.

Stick to PDF (Unless Specified Otherwise)

To ensure your resume's formatting remains consistent across different platforms and devices, always save and send it as a PDF unless the employer requests a different format.

PDFs will retain the formatting as intended, guaranteeing the hiring manager sees the best version of your resume.

Keep Your Resume Fresh

Don't wait for job opportunities to update your resume.

As you acquire new skills, attend training, or achieve new accomplishments, add them right away. If you're proactive, you'll always be prepared.

Consider Mobile Readability

Today, some hiring professionals might be reviewing resumes on their mobile devices. Optimize your resume's design and layout to ensure it's mobile-friendly, ensuring a smooth reading experience on any device.

This is another reason to use a resume builder—the mobile formatting is handled for you. Check out our resume examples to see how our Resume Builder can organize and style your content.

Make a Matching Cover Letter

A well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from other candidates and allow you to share a story or two about your career achievements.

If you decide to write a cover letter, ensure the design matches your resume.

You can use Resume Now's Cover Letter Generator to help you create a neat letter that matches your resume in minutes.

More Tips for Resume Writing

Showcase the Right Skills to Stand Out

Employers are prioritizing candidates with a strong mix of hard and soft skills. Make sure your resume reflects the qualifications that employers are looking for. 

Include technical skills like proficiency with tools, software, or industry-specific technologies, alongside interpersonal abilities like leadership, communication, and adaptability. 

Tailor this section by mirroring the exact skills listed in the job description to demonstrate you're the perfect match.

Highlight AI & Tech Expertise

With AI and technology transforming nearly every industry, showcasing your proficiency in these areas can make your resume stand out. 

Include examples like experience with AI-powered tools, knowledge of machine learning processes, or using platforms like ChatGPT for content creation or customer support. 

Even if your role isn't directly tech-focused, demonstrating comfort with emerging technologies shows you're forward-thinking and adaptable.

Format Your Resume to Pass ATS Filters

Most employers now use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes before they even reach human eyes. To avoid being eliminated by the system, use a simple, ATS-friendly format. 

Stick to a clean design with standard fonts, clear section headers, and no fancy graphics or tables. Avoid overly creative designs or elements that might confuse ATS software.

Build Your Personal Brand

Your resume should be dedicated to telling your story and establishing your personal brand. 

Build a personal brand by highlighting what sets you apart, such as your key strengths, core values, and professional mission. 

Ensure this branding is consistent across your resume, cover letter, and even your LinkedIn profile to present a cohesive image to employers.

Highlight Your Adaptability & Commitment to Growth

In today's fast-changing work environment, employers value adaptability and a willingness to learn. 

Demonstrate this on your resume by mentioning professional development courses, certifications, or examples of stepping into new roles or industries. This shows you're ready to take on challenges and thrive in evolving workplaces.

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Don Sjoerdsma, CPRW

Career Writer

Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years' experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.

Read more articles by Don Sjoerdsma, CPRW