Learn how to write a resume that gets interviews. Step-by-step guide with examples, ATS tips, and free templates.
In 2025, the average job posting receives 250+ applications. With Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) filtering candidates before a human ever sees your resume, writing an effective resume is both an art and a science.
This guide will show you exactly how to write a resume that passes ATS filters, impresses hiring managers, and gets you interviews. We have analyzed 100,000+ successful resumes to bring you proven strategies that work in today job market.
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Check My Resume Score - FreeThe format you choose depends on your experience level and career situation. Here are the three main formats and when to use each:
Lists your work history starting with your most recent position. This is the preferred format for ATS systems and most hiring managers.
Best for:
Most job seekers, those with steady work history, traditional industries
Emphasizes skills over work history. Groups achievements by skill categories rather than jobs.
Best for:
Career changers, employment gaps, freelancers with diverse projects
⚠️ Warning: Some ATS systems struggle with functional formats
Balances skills and work history. Features a skills summary section followed by reverse-chronological experience.
Best for:
Senior professionals, those with diverse skill sets, executives
Every resume needs these core sections. We will break down exactly what to include in each:
John Smith
Software Engineer
john.smith@email.com | (555) 123-4567
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnsmith | Portfolio: johnsmith.dev
A 3-4 sentence overview of your qualifications, experience, and what you bring to the role. Tailor this to each job application.
Example:
Results-driven Software Engineer with 5+ years of experience building scalable web applications. Proficient in React, Node.js, and cloud technologies. Reduced application load time by 40% at previous company. Seeking to leverage full-stack expertise to drive innovation at [Company Name].
List positions in reverse-chronological order. For each role, include:
Jobbris AI analyzes your experience and suggests powerful, metric-driven bullet points tailored to your target role.
Get AI-Powered SuggestionsBullet points are the heart of your resume. Here is the formula that works:
Situation → Task → Action → Result
Responsible for managing social media accounts
✓ Grew Instagram following from 5K to 50K in 6 months by implementing content calendar and engagement strategy, resulting in 25% increase in website traffic
Your education section formatting depends on your career stage. Here is how to handle it:
Place education near the top of your resume. Include relevant coursework, GPA (if 3.5+), honors, and extracurricular activities.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of California, Berkeley | Graduated May 2024
GPA: 3.7/4.0 | Dean's List
Relevant Coursework: Algorithms, Data Structures, Software Engineering
Move education to the bottom. List degree, school, and year. Omit GPA and coursework unless highly relevant to the target role.
MBA, Finance
Harvard Business School | 2018
Create a separate "Certifications" section for industry credentials (PMP, AWS, CFA, etc.). These often carry more weight than your degree for specific roles.
75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before a human sees them. Understanding how these systems work is crucial for getting your resume in front of human recruiters.
ATS extracts text from your resume file
System identifies keywords, skills, experience
Resume ranked against job requirements
Top candidates passed to recruiters
ATS systems match your resume against job descriptions. Here is how to optimize:
If the job asks for "Project Management," include that exact phrase. But also include related terms:
Different industries have different expectations. Here is what works for major sectors:
Format: Clean, modern design acceptable
Format: Traditional, conservative
Format: Clear, detailed, professional
Format: Moderately creative, clean
Format: Traditional, elegant
Format: Creative but readable
Even experienced professionals make these mistakes. Avoid them to stand out:
Tailor your resume for each application. Match keywords and emphasize relevant experience.
Replace "Responsible for" with action verbs and metrics. "Managed team" → "Led team of 12, increasing productivity by 25%".
Remove outdated skills, hobbies, and jobs from 15+ years ago unless highly relevant.
Proofread multiple times. Use tools like Grammarly. Ask a friend to review.
Create a simple email: firstname.lastname@email.com. No nicknames or numbers.
Remove "References available upon request." Recruiters know this. Provide when asked.
While not always required, a strong cover letter can set you apart. Here is how to write one:
State the position you are applying for and why you are excited about it. Mention a mutual connection or specific reason you are drawn to the company.
"I am writing to express my strong interest in the Senior Product Manager position at TechCorp. Having followed your company's innovative approach to AI-powered solutions, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your mission."
Highlight 2-3 key achievements that directly relate to the job requirements. Use specific metrics and connect your experience to their needs.
"In my current role at StartupXYZ, I led the development of a mobile app that grew from 0 to 500K users in 12 months. I believe my experience in user-centric product design aligns perfectly with your team's goals for the new consumer platform."
Reiterate enthusiasm, mention next steps, and thank them for their time.
"I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background in product management and passion for innovation can contribute to TechCorp's continued success. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you."
Recruiters actively search LinkedIn. Your profile should complement your resume and increase your visibility.
Download ATS-friendly templates for every career level:
Upload your resume to Jobbris and get instant feedback on how well it follows these best practices. See your ATS score and get personalized improvement suggestions.
Analyze My Resume - FreeFor most professionals, a one-page resume is ideal. However, if you have 10+ years of experience or are in a senior role, two pages is acceptable. The key is to include only relevant information that demonstrates your value to the specific role.
The reverse-chronological format works best for ATS systems. Use standard section headings, avoid tables and graphics, and stick to common fonts like Arial or Calibri. Save your resume as a .docx or .pdf file for best compatibility.
Use quantifiable achievements instead of job duties. Include metrics like "Increased sales by 40%" or "Managed team of 12." Tailor your resume to each job by matching keywords from the job description. Use strong action verbs and keep formatting clean and professional.
In the United States, UK, and Canada, photos are not recommended due to anti-discrimination laws. However, in some European and Asian countries, photos are standard. Research the norms for your specific country and industry.
Generally, include the last 10-15 years of experience. Older positions can be summarized or omitted unless they are directly relevant to the target role. Focus on recent, relevant achievements that demonstrate your current capabilities.
Certified Professional Resume Writers (CPRW) and ATS experts with 15+ years of combined experience in career coaching, recruitment, and HR technology. We have helped 50,000+ job seekers optimize their resumes and land interviews at Fortune 500 companies.
Last updated: February 8, 2026 | Reviewed by: Sarah Mitchell, Senior Career Consultant
This guide covers everything I look for when reviewing resumes. The ATS optimization section is particularly valuable—most candidates lose opportunities simply because their formatting blocks parsing.
Michael Chen
Senior Technical Recruiter, Google | 10+ years experience
All statistics and claims verified against authoritative sources. Last fact-checked: February 2026.