Choose a resume format (chronological, functional, or combination)
Add your contact header (full name, phone, email, city/state, LinkedIn/portfolio if applicable)
Write a strong resume summary or objective (2–4 lines)
List your core skills (tailored to the job description)
Include your work experience (job title, company, location, dates, 3–6 bullet achievements per role)
Use achievement-focused bullets (action verb + what you did + tools/methods + measurable result)
Add education (degree, school, location, graduation date or expected date)
Include certifications and licenses (only relevant)
Add projects (optional; include outcomes and tech/tools used)
Include leadership, volunteering, or extracurriculars if relevant
Add awards or publications if applicable
Tailor keywords to the job posting (skills, tools, responsibilities)
Keep formatting clean and consistent (consistent fonts, spacing, alignment)
Use readable font and size (e.g., 10–12 pt)
Limit length (typically 1 page for early career; 2 pages for more experience)
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Save as PDF (unless the employer requests a different format)
Ensure ATS compatibility (use standard headings, avoid tables/graphics, simple layout)