Choose a clear resume format (chronological, functional, or combination)
Use a professional header with your full name, phone number, email, and location (city, state)
Add a resume summary or objective (2–3 lines) aligned to the job you want
List relevant skills with keywords from the job description
Include work experience with job title, company, location, and dates
Describe each role with 3–6 accomplishment bullets using strong action verbs
Quantify results where possible (percent, dollars, time saved, volume handled)
Add education with degree, school, location, and graduation date (or expected)
Include certifications, licenses, or relevant training
Add projects (optional) with brief descriptions and measurable outcomes
Include volunteer work or leadership (if relevant)
Tailor the resume to each job by matching skills and keywords
Keep formatting simple and consistent (clean fonts, consistent spacing, clear headings)
Use standard section headings (Summary, Skills, Experience, Education, Certifications)
Keep the resume to one page (early career) or two pages (experienced)
Proofread for spelling, grammar, and date accuracy
Ensure contact details are correct and professional
Save the file with a clear name (e.g., FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf)
Prepare a separate version for online applications if required (ATS-friendly formatting)