Resume Writing Tips
Your resume is often your first signal to a hiring manager. It needs to be clear, focused, and easy to scan. More importantly, it needs to show how you create value, not just where you’ve worked.
Here are practical guidelines to help you build a resume that gets attention for the right reasons.
Tailor your resume to the role.
Avoid a one-size-fits-all resume. Focus on the skills, experience, and outcomes that match the specific role and company. Relevance matters more than completeness.
Use keywords from the job description.
Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Mirror the language used in the job posting, especially for skills, tools, and role titles, so your resume makes it through the first review.
Lead with action and results.
Describe what you did and the impact it had. Strong resumes use action verbs and measurable outcomes whenever possible. Numbers and metrics help hiring managers understand scope and results quickly.
Keep formatting simple and readable.
Use a clean font, clear headings, and bullet points. White space helps. Avoid graphics, heavy design, or unusual layouts that can distract or cause formatting issues in screening systems.
Keep it concise.
One page is ideal for early-career professionals. Two pages is acceptable for more experienced candidates. Focus on what supports your candidacy today, not your entire work history.
Proofread carefully.
Errors hurt credibility. Review your resume more than once and consider having someone else check it. Clarity and accuracy matter.
Use a professional email address.
Your email should be simple and appropriate, ideally some version of your name. It’s a small detail, but it sets the tone.
Save your resume in the right format.
PDF is usually best, as it preserves formatting. Word documents are acceptable if requested but always follow the employer’s instructions.
Be honest.
Do not exaggerate skills or experience. Employers verify information, and credibility matters long after the interview stage.
Using AI to Support Resume Writing
AI tools can be helpful when used thoughtfully. Many candidates now use tools like ChatGPT by OpenAI to help with resume structure, phrasing, and clarity.
AI works best as a drafting and editing assistant, not a replacement for your real experience. You can use it to:
- Rewrite bullet points to sound clearer and more outcome-focused
- Help tailor language to a specific job description
- Identify gaps or improve readability
- Always review and edit the output to ensure it reflects your actual experience, voice, and achievements. Authenticity still matters.
We hope this mini-blog was useful for you and gave you some insights on how to create a resume that will impress any employer and land you an interview. If you need more help with your job search or career development, feel free to contact us at MT Talent Solutions.
We are a Canadian Recruiting Firm specializing in providing a holistic approach to recruiting by ensuring that the right chemistry exists between the candidate and the employer. We would love to hear from you and help you find your perfect match. Good luck!