In today’s competitive job market, your resume is your first and best chance to make a strong impression. Hiring managers often spend only seconds scanning each resume, so crafting a clear, concise, and targeted document is essential to get noticed and land the interview. Here are expert-backed resume writing tips that will help you stand out and get hired in 2025.
1. Optimize Your Resume for Both ATS and Human Readers
Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before a human even sees them. To pass these filters, use a clean, simple layout with standard fonts and clear headings. Avoid complex graphics, tables, or unusual formatting that can confuse ATS software. At the same time, ensure your resume is visually appealing and easy to read for recruiters57.
2. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job
Generic resumes rarely make an impact. Carefully read the job description and customize your resume to highlight the skills, experience, and achievements that match the employer’s needs. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally to improve ATS ranking without keyword stuffing25.
3. Start with a Strong Professional Summary
Begin your resume with a brief, compelling summary that highlights your key skills, experience, and career achievements relevant to the role. This snapshot helps recruiters quickly understand your value proposition47.
4. Focus on Achievements with Quantifiable Results
Instead of simply listing job duties, emphasize your accomplishments using numbers and metrics. For example, “Increased sales by 30% within six months” is far more impactful than “Responsible for sales.” Quantifiable achievements demonstrate your real-world impact and help hiring managers envision your contributions35.
5. Use Active Language and Power Verbs
Write your bullet points using strong action verbs like “led,” “developed,” “implemented,” or “optimized.” Avoid passive phrases such as “responsible for.” Active language makes your resume more dynamic and engaging25.
6. Highlight Relevant Skills – Both Hard and Soft
Include a dedicated skills section listing both technical skills (e.g., software proficiency, data analysis) and soft skills (e.g., communication, adaptability). Employers increasingly value emotional intelligence and teamwork abilities alongside technical expertise35.
7. Keep It Concise and Relevant
Hiring managers spend only about six seconds on an initial resume scan. Keep your resume brief—ideally one page if you have less than ten years of experience, two pages if more. Include only relevant work experience, education, and achievements. Remove outdated or irrelevant information, such as jobs older than 10 years or minor details that don’t support your candidacy25.
8. Use a Modern, Professional Design
Choose a clean, minimalistic resume template that is easy to navigate. Avoid excessive colors or fonts, but use subtle formatting to draw attention to key sections. Including links to your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio can provide recruiters with additional context without cluttering your resume35.
9. Include Remote Work Experience if Applicable
With remote work becoming standard in many industries, highlight any experience working remotely. Mention skills such as self-motivation, time management, and proficiency with digital collaboration tools to demonstrate your readiness for flexible work environments5.
10. Proofread and Follow Application Instructions
Errors and typos can quickly disqualify your resume. Proofread carefully and ensure you follow the employer’s application guidelines exactly. A polished, error-free resume reflects professionalism and attention to detail6.
By applying these resume writing tips, you’ll create a compelling, targeted resume that passes ATS filters, grabs recruiters’ attention, and increases your chances of landing your next job in 2025.