Create a Resume

Writing A Resume

This page outlines the best practices for crafting an effective resume. Implement these tips to develop a resume that successfully showcases your experiences. Plan to reference this guide as a resource throughout your time at FIT.

On This Page

Understand the Basics

• Your Resume — What Is It?
• Different Resume Styles
• Master Resume vs. Tailored Resumes
• What Employers Look for in a Resume

Build Your Resume

• What Is Included in a Resume?
• Descriptions of Resume Sections
• How to Write Strong Resume Bullets
• The Artist Resume

Polish & Submit

• Layout and Formatting
• Enhancing Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
• What NOT to Include in Your Resume
• Sending Your Resume

Resume Review Checklist

• Use this checklist for a final pass on a finished resume on your own, or when reviewing a peer’s.

Understand the Basics

Your Resume — What Is It?

The purpose of a resume is to effectively communicate your qualifications, skills, and experiences to a potential employer in a fact-based document. It serves as your marketing tool, reflecting your education, accomplishments, and skills. A well-crafted resume should be concise, utilizing action words and brief phrases to create a positive image of you and your abilities.

Prospective employers and interviewers need to meet qualified job candidates. The primary goal is to persuade a potential employer to invite you for an interview, providing an opportunity to elaborate on your qualifications and make a stronger case for why you’re the right fit for the position. It is crucial to ensure that your resume highlights the competencies you’ve developed through your experiences.

Here are the essential objectives of a resume:

• Showcasing Qualifications: A resume serves as a factual snapshot of your professional and academic background. It provides a quick overview of your qualifications for a specific job.

• Highlighting Skills and Achievements: It allows you to showcase your key skills and highlight significant achievements in your previous roles. This helps employers understand what you can bring to their organization.

• Creating a Strong First Impression: A well-crafted resume demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail. It is often the first impression a potential employer has of you, so it should be polished and error-free. It should be visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to read.

• Evidencing Career Progression: Resumes show the progression of your career by listing your work experience in reverse chronological order. This helps employers understand your professional development.

• Portraying Your Professional Profile: Your resume should show a pattern of your professional traits and characteristics. Your resume is an opportunity to stand out among other applicants. By showcasing your unique skills, experiences, and accomplishments, you differentiate yourself from other candidates.

• Providing Contact Information: Your resume includes your contact information, making it easy for employers to reach out to you for further discussion or an interview.

• Customization for Job Applications: Resumes should be tailored for specific job applications. By customizing your resume for each position, you can emphasize the skills and experiences most relevant to the job.

• Passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. By incorporating relevant keywords and formatting your resume appropriately, you increase the likelihood of passing through these systems.

• Supporting Interview Conversations: During job interviews, employers often refer to your resume as a basis for discussing your experiences and qualifications. It serves as a guide for interviewers to ask questions and delve deeper into your background.

Different Resume Styles

There is no universally prescribed resume format. Your resume should be tailored to effectively showcase your background, highlight the skills and training you want to emphasize, align with your experience level, and suit the specific industry or role you are pursuing.

The different types of resumes:

• Chronological
• Functional
• Hybrid
• Curriculum Vitae

Chronological: A chronological resume presents a candidate’s work history in reverse chronological order, with the most recent position or experience listed first. This format emphasizes a candidate’s career progression and growth over time.

Functional: A functional resume focuses on highlighting the skills, qualifications, and accomplishments of the candidate rather than emphasizing the chronological work history. In a functional resume, the emphasis is on the individual’s abilities and what they can bring to a potential employer.

A note on Functional resumes and ATS: many organizations now screen resumes using Applicant Tracking Systems, and functional resumes without clear dates can perform less reliably with newer ATS software (see Enhancing Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems below). If you’re applying to organizations that use an ATS, and most do, a chronological or hybrid format is the safer choice.

Hybrid: A combination resume, also known as a hybrid or chrono-functional resume, blends elements of both the chronological and functional resume formats. This format aims to showcase a candidate’s skills and qualifications while still providing a chronological work history. The combination resume offers a balance between highlighting skills and providing a chronological work history, making it a versatile choice for various job seekers. It allows candidates to showcase their qualifications upfront while still providing a clear overview of their professional experience.

Curriculum Vitae (CV): A CV is a comprehensive and detailed document that provides an overview of a person’s academic and professional history, achievements, qualifications, skills, and other relevant information. Unlike a resume, which is typically a concise summary of a person’s work experience and skills tailored for a specific job, a CV is more extensive and is often used in academic, research, and international contexts.

Master Resume vs. Tailored Resumes

Master Resume: A Master resume provides a comprehensive overview of all your past experiences, projects, coursework, awards, and skills. It is a personal document without page limits and is not meant for applying to positions. Key features include:

• Maintains the same formatting as tailored resumes.
• Contains fully developed bullet points illustrating skills and outcomes.
• Functions as a running list of all experiences, continuously updated and referenced throughout your career.

Tailored Resume: A tailored resume is specifically crafted to target a particular position or role. It should be reviewed for:

• Inclusion of keywords related to the job description, focusing on tasks, responsibilities, qualifications, and outcomes.
• Prioritization of the most recent, relevant, and unique experiences. Consider keeping points that align with the specific job and showcase distinct skills.
• Headings aligned with the industry or work function, especially useful if you have extensive experience, helping to categorize it effectively.

Begin by creating your comprehensive Master resume, then tailor different versions for particular positions and industries.

What Employers Look for in a Resume

According to survey data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), evidence of a student’s problem-solving ability and teamwork skills consistently rank among the top qualities employers look for on a resume, with strong majorities of employers citing each.

In addition, most employers report looking for:

• A strong work ethic
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Analytical/quantitative skills
• Flexibility/adaptability
• Technical skills

Build Your Resume

What Is Included in a Resume?

A resume is a concise document that highlights your education, work experience, skills, and achievements. Remember, your resume should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. Use keywords from the job description, quantify your achievements where possible, and keep the document concise and easy to read. It’s typically recommended to keep your resume to one page for entry-level or mid-level positions and up to two pages for more experienced candidates.

Here is a list of common resume sections:

• Contact Information
• Resume Objective (Optional but recommended) / Summary (Optional)
• Education
• Work Experience
• Skills
• Relevant Course Work
• Academic Projects / Curriculum-based Projects
• Industry Exposure
• Awards & Honors
• Professional Memberships
• Leadership Activities / Club & Campus Leadership / Extra-Curricular Activities
• Volunteer Experience
• Publications (If Applicable)
• Interests or Hobbies (Optional)

Descriptions of Resume Sections

Contact Information

This section provides prospective employers with the means to contact you for further communication. It includes:

• Your full name
• Location: City and State (do not include your address)
• Phone number
• Email address (use your FIT email to affirm affiliation with the institution; if not, use a simple, professional email address. Avoid anything silly, suggestive, or informal)
• LinkedIn profile (optional)
• Link to online/digital portfolio (if applicable)

Objective (Optional but Recommended)

A resume objective offers a concise overview of your professional identity and career intentions. It provides a brief statement outlining your relevant experience, interests, skills, and articulates your career goals.

A resume objective can be particularly helpful for entry-level job applicants, and job seekers who are switching careers, by summarizing transferable skills and connecting them with a desired job role.

Examples:

Results-oriented Fashion Business student with a strong background in retail sales and training, seeking a dynamic role in marketing and public relations.

International Trade and Marketing student with a deep understanding of consumer behavior and fashion trends, poised to apply a blend of business acumen and fashion expertise for opportunities in cross-cultural brand management.

Advertising and marketing student with a proven ability to boost sales through effective communication and strategic customer engagement. Seeking opportunities to bring a fresh perspective and contribute to the success of a dynamic marketing team.

Detail-oriented illustration major with a strong passion for visual storytelling, proficiency in digital illustration tools, and a dedication to producing compelling and innovative design solutions. Seeking opportunities in a dynamic media company.

Summary of Qualifications / Professional Summary

A summary is a brief overview of your key qualifications, accomplishments, and professional identity. Unlike an objective, which focuses on what you are looking for, a summary focuses on what you bring to the employer. It answers the question: What do I offer?

Best for:

• Experienced professionals with relevant work history
• Career changers who want to highlight transferable skills upfront
• Applicants with significant accomplishments they want to emphasize
• Candidates applying for roles where specific experience is critical

What to include:

• Your professional identity or area of expertise
• Key skills and qualifications
• Notable accomplishments (with numbers, when possible)
• What you can contribute to the organization

Examples:

Merchandising professional with 5+ years of experience in retail planning, inventory management, and vendor relations. Proven track record of increasing sales by 15% through data-driven assortment strategies. Skilled in building cross-functional partnerships and optimizing product lifecycles.

Digital marketing specialist with experience developing and executing campaigns for fashion and lifestyle brands. Increased social media engagement by 40% and grew email subscriber lists by 25% within one year. Adept at analytics, content strategy, and brand storytelling.

Design professional with a background in womenswear and sustainable fashion. Led the development of two seasonal collections from concept to production, resulting in a 20% increase in sell-through rates. Experienced in CAD, CLO 3D, and technical design.

Tips for writing a strong summary:

• Lead with your strongest qualification or accomplishment.
• Use numbers to quantify your impact when possible.
• Include keywords from the job description to improve ATS performance.
• Keep it to three to four sentences at most.
• Tailor it to each position you apply for.

Education

This section helps employers understand your educational qualifications. Detail your educational background, including the institutions attended, degrees earned, graduation dates, and any relevant academic honors. Ensure your resume education section includes:

• Institution name
• Location
• School division (optional)
• Degree earned
• Graduation date (mention day, month, and year; use “expected” if applicable)
• GPA, if it exceeds 3.0 (consider dividing GPA into Overall GPA and Major GPA for emphasis on undergraduate degrees)

Additional tips:

• For internships and entry-level job seekers, education is listed at the top of the resume. Education moves to the bottom of the resume for mid- and senior-level candidates.
• For transfer students, including information about your previous college is optional.
• List your educational background in reverse chronological order.

Work Experience

Starting with your most recent experience, provide a chronological list of your previous employment, including company names, job titles, dates of employment, and brief descriptions of your responsibilities and achievements.

• For each position, include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.
• If applicable, consider dividing your experience into sections (for example, relevant and additional experience) to bring relevant experience higher up on your resume. Experiences should be in reverse chronological order within each section.
• Include paid employment, internships, volunteer work, and military service.
• Provide a concise description of your responsibilities and achievements using bullet points.

How to Write Strong Resume Bullets

(Adapted from University of Michigan School of Information)

Resume bullet points should focus on demonstrating skills and experiences that show your work ethic and your ability to excel in job tasks and fulfill qualifications.

• Start with Strong Action Verbs: Begin each bullet point with a powerful action verb. This immediately grabs attention and emphasizes your proactive role. Examples include “managed,” “implemented,” “achieved.”

• Click here for Sample Resume Action Verbs

• Use What, How, and Outcome: Create action-oriented, specific statements that answer: What did I do? How did I do it? What was the result? What value did I add? Brainstorm tasks you did and things you accomplished, then transform tasks into skills using Action, Context, and Results.

What: Clearly articulate your actions using strong and concise verbs, aligning with the skills emphasized in the position description. How: Describe the methodology or approach employed, outlining any changes made, impact achieved, the end product, and the overall goal or purpose of the task. Outcome: Emphasize the significance of your actions specifying the audience impacted, detailing the processes, methods, or strategies employed, mentioning relevant software or tools, and providing insight into the scope or frequency of the task. The WHO Framework: Action → Context → Results

WHO EXAMPLES

Action- What you did Use a clear and concise action verb Examples include “managed,” “implemented,” “achieved,” etc.	Context- How you did it Who was the audience?What processes, methods or strategies did you use? What software or tools were involved? What was the scope or frequency of the task?	Results- Why it was important What did you change or impact? What was the end product? What was the goal or purpose?
Enhanced customer engagement leading to increased conversions	by crafting and implementing focused marketing strategies,	resulting in a 10% increase in sales revenue.
Acquired three new client accounts	through targeted outreach and effective communication	generating $5,000 in new sales revenue during the internship.
Collaborated with the restaurant manager	to implement an organized reservation system,	resulting in a 15% reduction in no-shows and ensuring optimal seating capacity during peak hours.

Quantify Your Achievements

Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements. Focus on the scope of what you did, the impact and accomplishments, and quantify results. This adds credibility and gives employers a clear idea of your impact. For instance, instead of saying “increased sales,” specify “increased sales by 20%.”

Restaurant hostess role:

Before	After (Quantified)
Managed the restaurant waiting list and seated guests.	Improved table turnover by 20%, resulting in a more efficient seating process and reduced wait times for customers.
Greeted and assisted guests upon arrival.	Maintained a customer satisfaction rating of 95%, based on feedback and surveys, by providing exceptional service and resolving customer inquiries.
Handled reservation requests.	Implemented an organized reservation system, reducing no-shows by 15% and ensuring optimal seating capacity during peak hours.

School club participation:

Before	After (Quantified)
Actively participated in club events.	Achieved a 25% increase in overall club event attendance by implementing targeted promotional strategies and engaging social media campaigns.
Contributed to recruiting new members.	Successfully recruited and onboarded 15 new members, leading to a 30% growth in club membership within one academic year.
Worked on various projects for the club.	Completed and delivered five high-impact projects ahead of schedule, demonstrating effective time management and organizational skills.

Fashion industry event:

Before	After (Quantified)
Volunteered as a stylist at New York Fashion Week.	Implemented streamlined processes, resulting in a 25% improvement in backstage efficiency, ensuring models were ready on time and contributing to the overall success of the event.
Assisted with dressing models during runway shows.	Introduced creative wardrobe solutions, reducing last-minute adjustments by 20%, leading to a cohesive and visually stunning presentation on the runway.
Provided styling support to models.	Received commendations from 90% of the models for creating a positive and stress-free backstage environment, enhancing the overall experience for participants and contributing to the event’s success.

A few more principles:

• Tailor to the Job Description: Align your bullet points with the requirements of the job you’re applying for. Use keywords from the job description to show that your experience matches what they’re looking for.

• Be Specific and Concise: Keep your bullet points clear and to the point. Avoid vague language and unnecessary details. Quantify or qualify with numbers and context where appropriate.

• Proofread for Clarity: Ensure your bullet points are easy to read and free of grammatical errors.

Sample Bullet Points by Experience Type

Marketing Internship:

• Conducted market research to identify key industry trends and competitors, contributing to the development of targeted marketing strategies.

• Created engaging social media content that increased online engagement by 25% within a three-month period.

• Assisted in organizing and executing promotional events, resulting in a 15% increase in brand awareness among the target demographic.

Student Leadership Role:

• Led a team of five as the president of the Marketing Club, organizing monthly workshops and events to enhance members’ understanding of industry practices.

• Coordinated a successful fundraising campaign, securing $2,500 to support club activities and initiatives.

• Developed and implemented a marketing plan for a campus-wide event, attracting 300+ attendees and fostering community engagement.

Part-Time Retail Position:

• Provided exceptional customer service, leading to a 20% increase in customer satisfaction scores based on feedback.

• Managed cash register transactions with accuracy and efficiency, handling an average of 50 transactions per shift.

• Collaborated with the visual merchandising team to create attractive displays, resulting in a 10% boost in sales for promoted items.

Transforming Unquantifiable Tasks into Strong Resume Bullets

It may not always be possible to quantify every type of task. Here’s how you can transform tasks into impactful contributions on your resume:

Before	After
Watched videos and labeled them.	Reviewed and reorganized in-house video library in preparation for transferring it from the server to the cloud.
Put books away.	Organized company’s research library so that design & merchandising teams can access information more easily.
Cut out magazine and newspaper articles.	Reorganized the company’s newspaper and clipping library.
Put away clothing on racks.	Reorganized the corporate closet’s extensive collection of vintage clothing so that the design and special event teams can more easily find and return samples.
Looked for matching buttons and zippers.	Designed and assembled findings for Women’s Spring ’24 Inspiration Boards for preliminary concept review.
Got coffee, mailed packages, did expense reports.	Reviewed and processed expense reports.
Steamed clothing and dressed mannequins.	Assisted the in-house photographer in studio for photo shoot.
Looked through photos.	Managed the reorganization of the company’s photo library.
Looked through trunks of shoes and handbags.	Organized samples and accessories collections for licensees.
Packed clothes and shoes into trunks.	Assisted management in preparations for the “Race to Erase Multiple Sclerosis Celebrity Fashion Show” event.
Looked for famous people.	Escorted celebrity guests at the Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2024 Fashion Show at Lincoln Center.
Folded clothing and dressed mannequins.	Merchandised visual and store displays in the Macy’s Herald Square Tommy Hilfiger boutique.
Typed stuff into a computer.	Assisted the Marketing and PR managers in setting up the new global store-locator system.
Put colored cardboard pieces in order.	Implemented an organizational system designed to better manage an extensive inventory of Pantone color standards.
Put fabric into envelopes.	Processed color requests from Tommy Hilfiger international offices.
Glued paper, fabric swatches, etc., onto foam core boards.	Created presentation boards for the Design Department to use in the development of its color palette.
Matched fabric swatches.	Matched design inspiration swatches to producible color standards.
Mailed things.	Assisted in the distribution of seasonal color palettes for the wholesale and retail sales teams.

Skills

Include industry, technical, and foreign language skills, not soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership, problem-solving). Consider whether the reader will find value in the skill described. Characterize your level of ability using phrases such as “familiar with,” “knowledge of,” or “experience in.”

For technical jobs, highlight your technical skills toward the top of your resume. Tailor this section to match the requirements of the job you’re applying for.

On Soft and Transferable Skills

Employers highly value soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability, for their significant contribution to a candidate’s overall effectiveness in the workplace. Soft skills are often considered transferable skills.

Transferable skills are abilities and qualities acquired through various experiences that can be applied in different roles or industries. They aren’t tied to a specific job or field but can be transferred and utilized across various settings, illustrating adaptability, versatility, and the ability to contribute effectively in diverse work environments.

Given that most entry-level job seekers lack specific industry or role experience, identifying and showcasing transferable skills is an effective approach to being considered for job opportunities. Examples include management/leadership, creativity, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, analytical skills, interpersonal skills, teamwork, time management, research abilities, and work ethic.

Don’t just list soft skills. Merely listing soft or transferable skills without supporting evidence or specific examples isn’t beneficial for potential employers. To maximize impact, integrate soft skills into the context of your work experience and achievements. This lets employers see how you’ve applied these skills in practical situations.

Other Resume Sections (Include as Applicable)

Relevant Course Work: List courses you have taken that are directly relevant to the position you’re applying for. This section allows you to demonstrate academic preparation for a specific role. It is particularly valuable for students and recent graduates who may have limited professional experience but have developed relevant knowledge through their classes. Used strategically, this section can show employers that you possess the foundational knowledge needed to succeed in the role.

Academic Projects / Curriculum-based Projects: Create a dedicated section to showcase key projects that highlight relevant skills for the job. List noteworthy projects, presentations, research, or papers that align with the role’s responsibilities. Include thesis, colloquium, or independent projects if relevant, specifying project titles, descriptions, your role, and notable outcomes.

Industry Exposure: Highlights any exposure you’ve had to your target industry, including externships, conferences, or industry-related events demonstrating practical understanding of the field.

Awards and Honors: List relevant awards, scholarships, accolades, or recognition from academic, professional, extracurricular, community, or civic contexts. Including awards showcases excellence and distinguishes you from other candidates.

Professional Memberships: List professional associations or affiliations relevant to your chosen field, signaling commitment to staying informed about industry trends and networking with other professionals.

Leadership Activities / Club & Campus Leadership / Extra-Curricular Activities: Highlight leadership roles, club memberships, or extracurricular activities on campus. Detail involvement in clubs, student government, community service, and athletic teams. If your primary experience comes from an activity, consider listing it in the Experience section instead, following the recommended bullet format.

Volunteer Experience: Include relevant volunteer work, particularly if it demonstrates skills or experiences related to the job. Reflects positively on your character and values.

Publications: If you’ve authored or co-authored publications, articles, or research papers, detail them here. If this section becomes extensive, consider using a CV format instead.

Interests or Hobbies (Optional): An opportunity to showcase personal interests that add a unique dimension to your profile. Consider including interests that are relevant or demonstrate qualities valued in the workplace, including travel experiences if they align with the position. This section can offer conversation points during interviews. Include it only if there’s sufficient space on your resume.

The Artist Resume (If Applicable)

(Adapted from Columbia University Center for Career Education)

Creating an artist resume involves a unique approach to content, organization, and formatting compared to a standard resume. Tailored to specific jobs and fields of interest, artist resumes emphasize a range of skills and encompass sections absent in typical resumes or academic CVs.

Due to the diverse nature of artistic pursuits, an artist’s resume may extend beyond the traditional one-page format. Some artists choose to enhance their contact information with portfolio links. The discussion here primarily pertains to roles within commercial galleries, museums, exhibition opportunities, and grant applications.

In addition to the customary Education, Experience, Honors and Awards, and Skills sections, an artist’s resume may incorporate:

• Bibliography: Articles, media interviews, and reviews of your artwork.
• Exhibitions: Details of your participation in exhibitions, including the exhibit name, venue, and space. May be further categorized into group shows, solo shows, and invitational exhibitions.
• Collections: Divided into corporate collections, private collections, and permanent public collections. Always seek permission before referencing the private owner of your work in your resume.
• Publications, Productions, Shows: Relevant for authors and performing artists, a list of publications, productions, and performances.

For additional information, visit CAA Standards and Guidelines.

Polish & Submit

Layout and Formatting

The goal is to present your information in a way that is easy for recruiters to quickly scan and understand your qualifications. Adjust the formatting based on your specific experiences and industry norms.

• Clear and Readable Font: Use a professional, easy-to-read, conservative font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman), consistent throughout the document. Keep font size between 10–12 points for the main text.
• Consistent Formatting: Use the same font, style, and spacing for headings and subheadings throughout.
• Headers and Sections: Clearly define sections with headers (Contact Information, Education, Work Experience). Use bold or slightly larger font for section headings.
• Bullet Points: Use bullet points for easy readability. Start each with a strong action verb.
• Margins and White Space: Set one-inch margins, and ensure enough white space to avoid a cluttered appearance.
• Reverse Chronological Order: Present work experience and education with the most recent first.
• Length: Ideally one page for entry-level or mid-career professionals; more experienced professionals may extend to two pages. If you use two pages, add your name and “page 2” at the top or bottom right corner of the second page.
• Proper Use of Tenses: Current work should be written in present tense; previous work that has ended should be written in past tense (e.g., “Organize” vs. “Organized”).
• Consistent Dates: Clearly mention dates for each position and educational experience, in a consistent format (e.g., month and year).
• Proofread: Have others proofread your resume for clarity, grammar, and spelling.

Enhancing Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

(Adapted from Columbia University Center for Career Education and The University of Texas at Austin)

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software application that automates and streamlines the hiring process for organizations, assisting recruiters and hiring managers in managing recruitment and applications more efficiently. While an ATS facilitates the initial screening of a higher volume of applicants, it uses technology to electronically sift through resumes for specific qualifications, evaluating your credentials against the position’s requirements.

If you’re unfamiliar with optimizing your resume for an ATS, there’s a risk your application may be dismissed before a person ever sees it. Consider the following:

Research the role:

• Examine the job description closely, noting how it phrases job duties and required qualifications.
• Review the language and keywords in LinkedIn profiles of current employees, especially those in similar roles.

Incorporate keywords:

• Create a list of keywords from the job description, emphasizing those repeated most, and rank them by importance.
• Incorporate keywords and exact phrases from the job description into your resume and online application.
• Include industry related keywords
• Focus on measurable results in your bullet points.

Handle abbreviations and acronyms carefully:

• Abbreviate terms (e.g., “A.S. degree”) only if the job description itself uses the abbreviation.
• Include both the acronym and the spelled-out form of any title, certification, or organization, so you’re covered regardless of which format the ATS is scanning for e.g., Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT); Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Use standard structure:

• Opt for common section headers (Education, Work Experience, Leadership Experience, Skills).
• Avoid placing distinctions (e.g., MBA, MA, CPA) in your header. ATS systems may incorrectly pull them into the first name/last name field. Find an alternative section for this information instead.
• Avoid complex formatting elements: tables, columns, graphics, objects, resume-builder sites like Canva, or resumes coded in LaTeX. These can prevent accurate parsing by an ATS and if your resume isn’t parsed accurately, it may never reach a recruiter, even if you’re an ideal candidate.
• Proofread. Your resume should never contain typos.

Formatting for ATS

• File Format: Craft your resume in MS Word or Google Docs and convert it to PDF (other programs/systems may not convert cleanly for ATS parsing).
• Simple Format: If you prefer a more design-oriented resume, submit it only when you’re certain the organization doesn’t use an ATS.
• Bullet Points: Use bullet points, not dashes, for better readability.
• Avoid Complex Elements: Avoid headers, footers, tables, templates, borders, lines, symbols (except bullet points), shading, decorative fonts, and font colors other than black.
• Date Presentation: Spell out months and years.
• Keyword Integrity: Never add hidden or white text to “stuff” keywords and deceive the system. This can get an application flagged or rejected outright.
• Use Chronological Format: Both ATS and recruiters generally work better with experience organized chronologically. Functional resumes without dates may not perform as well with newer ATS systems (see the note on Functional resumes above).

Additional ATS Tips

• Organizations may scan beyond the job description itself for competitors, schools attended, and more.
• Complete all fields in online applications, even optional ones. Employers may use those fields as filters, and a blank field could keep your application from advancing.
• Use employee referral systems where available, referred candidates are often prioritized in the review queue.
• Keep your social media presence consistent with a professional image, since some employers review it alongside your application.
• On resume length: aim for roughly one page (entry/mid-level) to two pages (experienced) as described under Layout and Formatting above. If you’ve seen more specific word-count targets cited elsewhere, treat them as general guidance rather than a strict rule. Content quality and relevance matter more than hitting an exact word count.

What NOT to Include in Your Resume

Exaggerated or Unnecessary Information:

• Avoid exaggerated statements about your abilities or work history. Be honest and factual. Employers do check credentials.
• Avoid unnecessary modesty. Take advantage of this opportunity to play up your achievements.
• Don’t emphasize what you want from the company; indicate what you can contribute.

Irrelevant Personal Details:

• Eliminate personal and unrelated details, political or religious affiliations, age, race, gender. Beyond being illegal for employers to ask about, you want to be hired for what you can bring to the organization.

Salary: Prepare to discuss salary requirements after the job offer has been made. Don’t mention it on the resume.

Sensitive Personal Information: Age, marital status, children, photos (may be required in some countries), Social Security number, passport number, or other identification numbers.

Language and Formatting:

• Avoid personal pronouns (I, my, mine, your, his/her).
• Avoid unexplained abbreviations and acronyms.
• Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that punctuation and abbreviation are used consistently.

References:

• Don’t write “references available” It’s assumed you’ll supply them if asked.
• Unless requested, don’t include a list of references when you submit your resume. Prepare a separate document and bring it to interviews.
• Get permission from anyone you’d like to use as a reference before listing them. Prepare a list of 2–4 names with email addresses and daytime phone numbers.

Sending Your Resume

Most resumes are sent via email or through an online system. Printed resumes are important to bring to career fairs, networking events, and interviews. It’s important to follow all application requirements exactly as specified.

• File Format: Save your resume as a PDF so it maintains formatting across devices and can’t be easily altered.
• Email/Online: Include your last name and the role in the subject line of your email.

Some employers and portals prefer your resume and cover letter as a single combined file; others want them submitted separately, and a combined file can occasionally complicate how an ATS identifies where each document begins. Check the specific application instructions, and when none are given, submitting them as two clearly labeled files (e.g., “LastName_Resume.pdf” and “LastName_CoverLetter.pdf”) is a safe default.

Sample email:

Subject Line: Your Last Name: Application for Marketing Intern Position

Good afternoon,

I hope this email finds you well. I have attached my cover letter and resume for your review and consideration for the Marketing Intern position. Please feel free to contact me if you require additional information or have any questions.

Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, Your Full Name Your Contact Information

• Print: Print your resume on 8.5″ x 11″ white, ivory, or light beige bond paper. Look for “resume paper” at an office supply store.

Sample Resumes