Build a professional resume in 10 easy steps
Charlotte Brown
Certified Professional Resume Writer ● Career Coach ● Executive Resume Writer ● CPRW ● CPCC ● Top-10 Resume Writer on LinkedIn ● Professional C-suite Resume Writer ● Interview Coach
A well-crafted resume is your ticket to securing more interviews and leaving a lasting impression on employers. Whether you’re entering the job market for the first time or updating an older resume, learning how to create a professional resume in under two hours is a skill worth mastering.
As certified professional resume writers, we see a wide range of resumes every day. We know that not every job seeker has the knowledge—or the time—to craft a flawless document. That’s why we’ve compiled these 10 easy tips to help you build a professional resume with confidence.
1. Start with a Clean Layout
First impressions matter. If a recruiter doesn’t like the visual appeal of your resume, they might not read it at all. Use a clean, modern layout with consistent margins and spacing. Stick to one or two professional fonts and organize your content with standard headings like Work Experience, Skills, and Education.
2. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job
Sending the same generic resume to every job rarely yields results. Customize your resume to fit the specific role you’re applying for. Highlight keywords from the job description and adjust your experience and skills to match the employer’s needs.
3. Write a Compelling Professional Summary
Your professional summary sits at the top of your resume and serves as your introduction. In 3–5 lines, highlight your key skills, experience, and career achievements. Focus on building a strong personal brand that captures your professional strengths right away.
4. Highlight Relevant Experience
Focus only on the past 10–15 years of your work history, emphasizing roles that are relevant to the job you're targeting. Describe each job with 3–6 bullet points, showcasing the most critical achievements and responsibilities.
5. Prioritize the Right Skills
List skills that are most relevant to the position you're applying for. Include a good mix of hard skills, soft skills, and transferable skills. Tailor this section based on the employer’s priorities mentioned in the job description.
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6. Use Strong Action Verbs
Action verbs grab attention and often serve as important keywords. Begin each bullet point with a powerful verb like led, optimized, spearheaded, or orchestrated instead of generic phrases like "responsible for."
7. Showcase Achievements, Not Just Duties
Employers are more interested in results than responsibilities. Instead of listing tasks, highlight measurable achievements. Whenever possible, use numbers or percentages to quantify your success and demonstrate your impact.
8. Add a Projects Section
If you’re short on relevant work experience or want to showcase specific expertise, include a "Projects" section. List academic, professional, or personal projects that relate to the role you’re applying for, and explain their relevance to the job.
9. Proofread Carefully
Typos and formatting errors can instantly discredit you. Proofread your resume multiple times and consider using grammar-checking tools. A clean, error-free resume signals professionalism and attention to detail.
10. Optimize for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)
Most companies use ATS software to filter resumes. Ensure your resume is ATS-friendly by using standard section headers, incorporating keywords from the job description, and avoiding complex formatting that can confuse the system.
If you’re ready to land your next opportunity but juggling work and job hunting feels overwhelming, Resume Mansion is here to help. We offer expert resume writing, cover letter development, and LinkedIn profile optimization services tailored for today's job seekers. With over 500,000 clients helped so far, we know what it takes to make your resume stand out.
Visit www.resumemansion.com today and let’s build your dream career together!