How to Write a Resume That Actually Gets You Interviews

Recruiters spend an average of six to eight seconds on a first pass of your resume. That's not a lot of time to prove you're worth a second look — which means every line has to earn its place. Here's how to build a resume that survives both the applicant tracking system and the human reading it after.

1. Lead with a summary, not an objective

Skip the "seeking a challenging role where I can grow" line. Instead, write two to three sentences that state who you are professionally, your strongest skill area, and the kind of impact you've had. Think of it as your elevator pitch, not a wish list.

2. Quantify your achievements

"Managed social media accounts" tells a recruiter nothing. "Grew Instagram engagement by 40% over six months while managing a content calendar for three brands" tells them exactly what you can do. Wherever possible, attach a number — revenue, time saved, team size, percentage improved.

3. Match the language of the job post

Applicant tracking systems scan for keywords that match the job description. If the posting says "stakeholder management" and your resume says "worked with clients," you might get filtered out before a human ever sees it. Mirror the terminology used in the posting, as long as it honestly reflects your experience.

4. Keep formatting simple

Multi-column layouts, text boxes, and graphics can confuse parsing software and cause your information to load in the wrong order — or not at all. Stick to a single column, standard fonts, and clear section headers: Experience, Education, Skills.

5. Cut anything older than 10-15 years

Unless it's directly relevant, older roles add clutter without adding value. Recruiters care most about recent, relevant experience. A tight one-page resume usually beats a sprawling two-page one for early- and mid-career candidates.

6. Build a real portfolio to back it up

A resume tells; a portfolio shows. Attaching writing samples, case studies, design work, or a link to completed projects gives hiring managers proof, not just claims — and can be the difference between a maybe and a yes.

Put it to work

Once your resume is ready, build your free candidate profile, upload it to your portfolio, and start applying directly to roles from verified employers. A stronger resume gets you through the door — the rest is up to the interview.