Use a clean, readable format (1 page if early career; 1–2 pages if more experience)
Choose a professional header with your full name, phone number, email, and location (city, state)
Add a LinkedIn URL and/or portfolio/GitHub URL if relevant
Write a targeted professional summary (2–4 lines) aligned to the job
List key skills in a dedicated “Skills” section relevant to the job posting
Include work experience with job title, company, location, and employment dates
For each role, add 3–6 accomplishment-focused bullet points
Start each bullet with an action verb and include measurable results when possible (%, $, time saved, volume, impact)
Add education with degree, school, location, graduation year (or expected year)
Include certifications, licenses, or relevant training in a separate section
Add projects (especially for students or career changers) with brief descriptions and outcomes
Include volunteer experience or leadership roles if relevant to the job
Add awards, publications, or presentations if applicable
Tailor keywords from the job description across summary, skills, and experience bullets
Keep formatting consistent (same date format, consistent spacing, uniform bullet style)
Use simple section headings (Summary, Skills, Experience, Education, Projects, Certifications)
Avoid paragraphs; use bullet points for readability
Save as a PDF unless the application system requests a different format
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and tense consistency
Ensure contact info is accurate and professional
Remove irrelevant experience that doesn’t support the target role
Use a standard font (e.g., 10–12 pt) and adequate white space
Include only the most relevant tools/technologies for technical roles