How to Create a Resume That Gets You Hired (With Examples & Formatting Tips)
In this article, you will learn how to craft a resume that stands out to recruiters with proven examples and formatting tips to showcase your skills and experience effectively.
The best resume is one that is simple, concise, and easy to read.
Table of Contents (Click to Expand)
Essential Tips to Help You Create a Standout Resume
- Keep It One Page: Aim for a single-page resume unless you have extensive experience that justifies a longer format. Recruiters often skim through resumes, so brevity is key.
- Simplicity Over Flashiness: Avoid using fancy colours, graphics, or charts unless absolutely necessary. A clean, professional layout is more impactful and makes it easier for recruiters to focus on your content.
- Utilize Templates: Consider using online templates to streamline the creation process. FlowCV is good to design your resume, which helps you maintain a professional look while saving time.
- Content is King: Just like the saying goes, “Content is king.” The information you include on your resume is crucial. Make sure to highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements.
- Be Detailed: Lack of detail can lead to immediate rejection. Ensure your resume is comprehensive and well-articulated. Use specific examples to illustrate your contributions.
- Pay Attention to Formatting: The format, font, and layout of your resume matter. Consistency in design enhances readability. Highlight key points effectively, and ensure that important achievements stand out.
- Use Quantitative Metrics: Where possible, include numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts to quantify your achievements. This provides concrete evidence of your impact.
- Apply the Google XYZ Formula: A helpful framework for structuring your accomplishments is the formula:
“Accomplished X, as measured by Y, by doing Z.”
This approach helps articulate your contributions clearly.
Example (Google XYZ Formula):
"Reduced page load time by 45% (Y) by optimizing JavaScript code and eliminating redundant API calls (Z), improving user retention by 20% (X)."
- Proofread Carefully: Avoid grammatical errors and typos, as these can undermine your professionalism. Always conduct spell checks and consider having someone else review your resume.
Tools to Try:
In the following sections, we will delve into the specifics of each resume component, including the ideal order of sections and other factors that contribute to creating an impressive resume.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of receiving frequent calls from recruiters and getting shortlisted in the recruitment process.
Resume Formatting Tips to Make a Lasting Impression
Effective formatting is crucial to ensure your resume is professional and easy to read. Here are some key formatting tips to follow:
- Single Page Preference: Aim to keep your resume to a single page. This helps you convey your qualifications succinctly and respects the recruiter’s time.
- Use PDF Format: When sharing or uploading your resume, use PDF format. This ensures that your content remains intact and easily accessible across different devices, preventing any formatting issues or clutter.
- Choose an Easily Readable Font: Select a font that is clean and professional. Common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman are excellent choices. Consistency in font type throughout your resume enhances readability.
- Adjust Font Sizes: Use appropriate font sizes for headings and subheadings to create a clear hierarchy. For instance, you might use a larger size for your name and section headings, while keeping body text at a standard readable size.
- Highlight Important Content: Use bold text to emphasize key information, such as job titles, company names, and significant achievements. This draws attention to the most important parts of your resume.
- Keep It Clean: Avoid using columns, tables, graphics, images, or charts. A clean layout without these distractions allows your content to shine and ensures that the recruiter can easily focus on your qualifications.
📌 Recruiter Tip: Avoid using Word or JPG when uploading resumes—always prefer PDF to retain formatting across devices.
What to Include in Each Section of Your Resume
Let us make it easier by dividing the guidelines section-wise.
1. Introduction Section
- Full Name: Start with your full name, which should be prominently displayed in a larger font. This ensures it catches the recruiter’s eye immediately.
- Current Job Title: If applicable, you can include your current job title. If it aligns with the role you’re applying for, it can provide immediate context to your experience.
- Contact Information: Place your contact information just below your name. This should include:
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- LinkedIn Profile URL
- Portfolio URL (if relevant)
- GitHub (if relevant)
2. Experiences Section
- List Experience in Reverse Chronological Order: List your work experiences in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. This makes it easier for recruiters to see your latest experiences first.
- Tenure Details: Clearly state your tenure at each company. This provides context for your experience and stability.
- Roles and Departments: Include your job title and, if it adds value, mention the department you worked in.
- Project Contributions: If you’ve worked on multiple projects within the same company, list them along with your specific contributions. This shows depth in your experience.
- Quantitative Achievements: Use numbers to highlight your contributions. For example, phrases like “boosted application performance by 70%” or “increased profit by 60%” are compelling and show measurable success.
- Technical Skills: Mention the major technologies you used in your roles, including frameworks, programming languages, integration tools, and databases, to demonstrate your hands-on experience.
3. Awards, Recognition, and Achievements Section
- Separate Section: If you have received any awards or recognitions, consider dedicating a section to them.
- List and Describe: Include the names of the awards, along with a brief description of the reasons you received them. This provides context and highlights your accomplishments.
- Outstanding Achievements: Any significant achievements that don’t fit elsewhere can also be included in this section.
4. Skills Section
- Grouping Skills: Organize your skills into categories to enhance clarity. Possible subsections include:
- Programming Languages
- Utility Software
- Frameworks, Libraries, Databases
- Cloud and Integration Tools
- Relevance: Ensure that the skills listed align with those mentioned in your project experiences and are relevant to the job you are applying for.
5. Certifications Section
- Separate Certification Section: If you have relevant certifications, create a dedicated section for them.
- Technical Certifications Only: Focus on technical certifications, such as those related to cloud technologies, programming languages, or specialized software. You can also mention management or soft-skill certifications if they’re relevant (e.g., Scrum Master, PMP, etc.).
- Links for Authenticity: If possible, provide links to your certifications to verify their authenticity and validity.
6. Educational Details Section
- For Students: For recent graduates or students, this section should be towards the top of your resume.
- Degree and University: Include your degree, university, and any relevant coursework that pertains to the job description.
- Relevance of Education: Some positions may require specific educational qualifications, so this information is essential.
- Academic Achievements: You may also include any notable academic achievements; such as honours or relevant projects.
✅ Pro Tip: Update your resume regularly, even when not actively job hunting. Capturing achievements in real-time saves effort later.
Quick Resume Checklist
✅ Final Resume Checklist Before You Apply
- Is it one page (unless you're highly experienced)?
- Does it use a professional font and consistent formatting?
- Have you quantified at least 2–3 achievements?
- Is your contact information up to date?
- Have you proofread for typos and grammar issues?
- Is it saved and shared as a PDF?
Is Your Resume ATS-Friendly?
Avoid:
- Headers/footers
- Complex tables
- Non-standard section titles
Use standard labels like “Work Experience” and “Skills” to ensure parsing by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
📝 Don’t forget to tailor your cover letter along with your resume where necessary. It can give you an edge when applying for competitive roles.
📎 Free Resources
Resume FAQs
Should I include a photo on my resume?
No, unless explicitly requested. Most recruiters focus on content and qualifications.
How far back should I go in my experience?
Include 10–15 years of relevant experience unless older roles are particularly important for the job.
Do I need different resumes for different jobs?
Yes. Tailor your resume to match each job description and highlight relevant skills.
Ready to Apply?
Try updating your resume using these tips, and let us know if you got a call-back!
Drop your questions or share your resume-building experiences in the comments below.
This article is part of our Job Search Success Series:
- Master LinkedIn and Naukri Profile Optimization to Land Your Dream Job Faster
- Smart Job Search Strategies: What Successful Job Seekers Do Differently
- Salary Negotiation Tips – Know Your Worth & Ask for It
- Job Interview Prep: 23 Generic Questions You’ll Likely Be Asked
Ready to boost your interview prep?
Check out our comprehensive guide: Cracking Tech Interviews: From Resume Preparation to Offer Negotiation
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