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Where to Find Help Writing Your Resume
Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.
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Where to Find Resume Writing Help
Free online resume resources, american job centers, careeronestop resume guide, state resources for resume writing help, college career offices, public libraries, professional resume services, family, personal, and professional contacts.
If you're job hunting, few things are more important than a properly formatted, well-thought-out resume. Writing a resume can be a daunting task because you need to make sure you include all necessary information while keeping the document to a manageable size.
If you haven’t written a resume before, or haven’t updated yours in quite a while, getting started can be a challenge, but there are resources available that will assist you in writing an interview-winning resume for your job search.
Even if you've worked hard to write your resume, it’s helpful to have it reviewed by an objective and experienced professional.
There are numerous options available for getting help with your resume to ensure that the final draft will be looked at by prospective employers. You may be excellent at your job with the credentials to prove it, but if your resume doesn't shine, you may not be considered for the job.
Here’s a variety of resources you can use when you need help creating or updating your resume, so it’s comprehensive and competitive.
You may be able to write your resume yourself, using free online resources. At the least, you can create a draft that will help you get the process started. Our step-by-step guide for how to write a resume will walk you through the process, including choosing a type of resume, what to include, what to leave off, fonts, formatting, and templates and examples.
Many leading job sites have free online resume builders. Here’s a selection to try:
- CakeResume: The Resume to Land Your Dream Job
- Indeed: Easy and Free Online Resume Builder
- Jobscan: Free Resume Builder ATS-Approved
- Resume.com: Build a Professional Resume for Free
There are many other sites with online resume builders , but not all are actually free to use. Some resume sites charge for premium access, templates, downloads, and other resources.
Before you use an online resume builder, read the fine print to be sure you can actually save and download the resume you created for free. Some sites let you create a resume, but then charge you to access it.
American Job Centers offer in-person and virtual job search assistance at locations around the country. Use CareerOneStop’s American Job Center Finder to find local assistance.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop site has a Resume Guide that includes a guide for what to include in your resume, templates and samples, and tips for writing and formatting your resume.
Most state department of labor websites offers free resume writing services for employees, the unemployed, those returning to the workplace, and military veterans. Local government websites will likely also offer sample resumes, sample cover letters, interview tips, and other pertinent information helpful for your job search.
Some department of labor offices offer virtual workshops you can attend to get help with writing your resume and with your job search. Check with your state labor department to see what’s available in your location.
If you're a college student (or alumnus) the career services office at your school or alma mater may be able to help you write your resume or provide you with useful feedback. The staff in a career office has a lot of experience helping professionals, as well as recent graduates, and they know how to polish a resume to make it stand out.
They are also familiar with hiring managers, how managers scan resumes, and the resume software used by employers. These career counselors can also provide guidance regarding the best way to format your resume and the best keywords to use to set you apart from the competition.
Many libraries offer programs and workshops for job seekers, as well as resume writing help and computer access. Check your local library to learn about what assistance is available in your location.
Use CareerOneStop’s Library Finder to find libraries and contact information so you can check on available services.
It may not seem worth it to spend money on a resume service, especially if you are unemployed and on a tight budget, but your resume is your first impression before you even get the interview. For a fee, professional resume writing services will either write your resume for you or edit the one you have.
Compose a draft of your resume and seek feedback from family members, friends, college alumni, and other professionals who have experience screening job candidates.
An added benefit of this strategy is that your contacts might develop an appreciation of your assets as a prospective employee and refer you for jobs.
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Land your next job, faster.
Our professional resume-writing service has helped over 600,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster..
Candidates who invest in a professionally written resume report:
Get noticed more, job seekers using topresume are interviewed 2 to 3 times more often than those using self-written resumes., get hired faster, candidates using resumes rewritten by topresume have proven to be 3 times more likely to secure a new job than those using a self-written resume., guaranteed results, helps you find a job faster, makes you more valuable in the eyes of recruiters, recruiters valued candidates with professionally written resumes to be worth 7% more than when assessed using their self-written versions. with a professionally written resume, you can help ensure your next position will come with a bigger paycheck..
The resume writing process begins with us getting to know you and learning about your history and career goals. Once we’ve learned more about you, we’ll match you with a writer knowledgeable about your industry.
Your writer collaborates with you on a first draft, which will be delivered to you in about a week. Then, you'll have another week to provide feedback to your writer, with up to two rounds of revisions.
Overall, the resume writing process typically takes one to two weeks. You can learn more about what to expect when working with a TopResume writer here.
We have a writer network that includes certified career coaches, former and current recruiters, and professionals with specialized experience in over 65 industries. This ensures we can pair each client with someone who is a strong match for their needs.
Only 2% of candidates who apply to be a TopResume writer are hired; TopResume recruits and vets our writers based upon the value they can bring to our clients.
Our resume-writing process is completely confidential and collaborative between the writer and the client.
All communication with your writer is done via our secure dashboard. If you would prefer telephone communication with your writer, you can add it on to your resume package for an additional fee.
Professionally written resume get results. Our team of professional resume writers are trained to position you as an achiever, which will help you find a job faster.
If you are not receiving two times more job interviews within 60 days of receiving your professionally-written resume, we will write it again one time, free-of-charge. You must notify us in writing within 180 days of receiving your final copy. Only certain packages are eligible for our guarantee.
Government and academic positions often have needs that go above and beyond the usual resume. If you need a federal resume or an academic CV , we offer special services dedicated to fulfilling your needs.
If you need CV services, our sister company TopCV can help.
TopCV specializes in creating high-quality professionally written CVs that offer the same benefits as our resume.
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Build a resume for the job you want. My Perfect Resume will help you every step of the way with tools, guides and expert advice. Try our Resume Builder and see for yourself — it’s fast, easy and backed by experts!
- 30% higher chance of getting a job
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People are creating a resume right now with myperfectresume., benefits of my perfect resume.
Create your perfect resume and cover letter with our builders.
Fast and easy to use! Choose from our expertly written, industry-specific content or create your own. Download in your preferred format and start applying!
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Make a statement with our expert-designed resume, CV and cover letter templates , ready to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS) companies use to scan resumes.
Get inspiration from our resume examples.
Find resume examples created by professionals resume writers for your industry and career stage
Optimize your resume and target it for the job you want.
Our Chrome extension , ResumeScore and ResumeCheck are the tools you need to optimize your resume’s performance.
Check out our resume writing services.
Need more help? From a quick review to a design refresh and more, our resume writing services experts are here for you.
Let the experts guide you.
From writing a resume to interview prep, our experts have it covered. Plus, a dedicated Customer Support team for your account needs.
Top resume templates to make the perfect resume
Pick from dozens of professionally designed resume templates to create your resume. Our designs include all the key sections of a resume, the correct formatting and are designed to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Why My Perfect Resume is the best way to create a resume
Our builder software is the most advanced in the industry so that you can make a targeted resume and cover letter quickly and easily. With our builders, you can:
Point and click to add job-specific content written by resume experts.
Target your resume to a specific job.
Customize the design and format of your resume to match your professional style
Expert Advice from the MyPerfectResume Career Blog
Our guidance goes beyond resumes. Whether you’re looking for your first job or if the executive level is within your reach, we have the resources to help you in all stages of your career. We can assist with your resume, cover letter, interview prep, networking, job offers and more.
How to Make a Resume in 2023
Create a memorable resume using our step by step guide.
How to Write a Cover Letter with Tips and Examples
Expand on your skills and career with an outstanding cover letter.
Best CV Maker - Easily Build a Professional CV in Minutes
Our powerful builder software makes creating a professional CV easy.
Top Ten Behavioral Interview Questions and Answers
Practice the most common behavioral questions before your interview.
Top Skills for a Resume with Examples
Learn how to impress recruiters by showcasing your top skills.
How to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume
Learn how to pass the ATS test with this guide.
Get inspired with My Perfect Resume examples
Our professionally written resume and cover letter examples show you what a high-quality resume looks like. Each example is crafted to showcase the most sought-after skills in your industry. Choose a resume example for your industry or job title and customize it to your liking!
Top resume examples
- Accounting Manager
- Nurse Practitioner
- Customer Service Representative
- See all 800+ resume samples
Top cover letter examples
- Assistant Principal
- Operating Room Registered Nurse
- Special Education Teacher
- Executive Director
- Case Manager
- See all 250+ cover letter samples
Top CV examples
- Chiropractor
- Film Crew Member
- See all 300+ CV samples
Last Updated: February 08, 2023
What is a resume?
A resume is a one- to two-page document that formalizes and summarizes your work experience, skills and education. When you submit a resume for a job application, you’re showing employers what you’re capable of and the abilities you possess that allow you to fulfill the job responsibilities.
Whether you’re attaching a resume to an email or filling out a job application that asks you to submit a resume online, having a complete professional resume is crucial.
How do I create a resume?
- Use a format that best showcases your abilities. What you emphasize in your resume is critical. Before using our Resume Builder , check whether you’re better suited to use a chronological resume , combination resume or functional resume format .
- Use action verbs. Your word choice can help you better present your skills and experience. Use active verbs and numbers in your resume to give your accomplishments more context.
- Make sure your resume passes the ATS test. Many employers now use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes. To pass ATS, you need an organized, readable resume containing keywords that match the job’s needs.
- Many employers now use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes. To pass ATS, you need an organized, readable resume containing keywords that match the job’s needs.
What is a resume template?
A resume template is a resume with placeholder text to show job seekers how the document could look. A template helps you visualize and understand how the resume will be seen by recruiters and hiring managers.MyPerfectResume resume templates were designed to maximize the space and, in some cases, show a bit of your personal style.
What do resumes look like?
A perfect resume has five key elements. Here are what they are and some tips on how to create resume sections:
- Contact information Keep it simple: Add your name, a professional email address, and city and state of residence. Your resume header can include links to a portfolio website or online job networking profile, like LinkedIn.
- Resume summary A resume summary should explain your top abilities and work experiences in two to three sentences. Communicates your value and strengths as an employee and compels an employer to keep reading. If you need a broader statement, learn how to create a resume objective .
- Work experience List your work history with your job title, company and dates of employment. Using only three to five bullet points under each resume work experience entry, highlight notable work accomplishments .
- Skills To write the best resume skills section , find the required skills from the job posting, match them to your abilities and list them in bullet points. Feature a mix of hard skills and important soft skills .
- Education Present your most advanced education credentials in reverse-chronological order and the name of the institution where you earned your degree. If you have advanced training in areas related to the job, list these courses under this resume section.
How long should a resume be?
In most cases, a resume should be no longer than two pages. If you don’t have much work experience, it’s OK to have a one-page resume. But if you’re a career professional with plenty of relevant experience in your field, you can create a two-page resume that accommodates your growth.
You can always preview your resume in our builder before you save and download it, ensuring it looks its best. If you need them, check out how to include references .
How do I build a resume in MyPerfectResume builder?
It is simple to build a resume in MyPerfectResume builder
- Click on Build My Resume.
- Choose the closest option to your years of experience. Our builder will show you templates to showcase your strengths: years of experience or skills.
- Pick a template or skip to choose later. Either way, you can change the template at any time and the builder will automatically add the information.
- Choose if you’re starting from scratch or reformatting an already existing resume.
- Add your contact information
- Add your work history. This is where you’ll start to see our personalized and editable content suggestions.
- Add your education.
- Add your skills.
- Craft a resume summary guided by our expert suggestions.
- Revise and finish!
You’ll be guided by prompts during the entire process. Save to skip, edit and return. Once you’re done, download in multiple formats. If you want to look at your resume with fresh eyes, save it and return to the document later.
Remember, MyPerfectResume can also educate you on how to write a resume, what skills to include for your industry, and see examples that work. And, the Career Center can help prepare you for your interview , networking and more.
Can I customize my resume in the builder?
Yes, you can customize your resume on our builder. We provide industry specific expert suggestions that you can include as is or edit them using our editing tool. If you want to write a section on your own, skip the suggestion and write your content in the text box.
Do I need to include a cover letter with my resume?
We recommend including a cover letter in your application, even if the employer doesn’t request it. Cover letters are a great way to expand on what’s written in your resume and elaborate on your career highlights, explain your interest in the job and truly market yourself to the hiring manager or recruiter.
Our user-friendly Cover Letter Builder has dozens of cover letter templates that will help you complement your resume. We also have a detailed How to Write a Cover Letter article and hundreds of cover letter examples you can use as inspiration.
Are MyPerfectResume’s templates ATS-friendly?
Yes. Our resume templates are designed to pass the ATS test. Our templates are professionally designed and employer-ready, which includes creating templates for e According to a KellyOCG and Human Capital Media survey , 66% of recruiting organizations use ATS. Make it through the system with our ATS-compliant templates.
Can you show me resume examples made in the MyPerfectResume builder?
Of course! We have 800+ resume examples , 300+ CV examples and 200+ cover letter examples to check out. These examples are categorized by industry and roles, making it even easier to find the right one for you. Each example provides access to our tips and expert advice, and can be edited in the Builder.
What is the best resume builder?
Look no further. My Perfect Resume has, well, the perfect resume builder . You can build a resume and cover letter in one place. We take you step-by-step through the resume writing process and help match your resume to the right job. Real experts have created everything to help you at every stage of the process. And if you need more, our Full Access plan can take you further.
Can I download my resume in multiple formats?
Yes, you can download and save your resume in multiple formats: PDF, Word, RTF and TXT.
What can I do if I need help with my My Perfect Resume account?
My Perfect Resume has a dedicated customer support team waiting to help you! If you have any issues with your account, you can reach out at 855-213-0348. If you’re outside the U.S., check out our Contact Us page.
What should I consider when choosing a resume builder?
When choosing a resume builder, consider what the builder offers you. Write down a list of what you need to evaluate. For example:
- Does it include expert tips and suggestions?
- Is it simple to use?
- Does it make the process quicker?
- Is the document editable?
- Does it have spell-check?
- Are there more services available?
- Are you able to contact the company if any issues arise?
With our Resume Builder, you can create your resume, use our Cover Letter Builder, and receive guidance for the entire job search process through our how-to guides, tips and interview prep.
Make a resume with My Perfect Resume
Start now. Use our Resume Builder now!
*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with MyPerfectResume.
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Career Resources
The best resume writing services.
Written By: Michael Gardon | Edited By: Mike Jelinek
Our advice is to start with TopResume’s free resume review . If you are at the executive level, then ZipJob is our pick for the best resume writing service.
Machine learning and automated scans can discard your resume before a real human even sees it. Resume writing services will help you get a leg up in the age of computer-screened resumes and the growing popularity of AI.
The companies we recommend can help get you in the door while you handle the rest.
The 8 Best Resume Writing Services
TopResume - Best Overall
TopStack Resume - Runner-Up (Pay When You Are Satisfied)
ZipJob - Best For Executives And Professionals
Let’s Eat, Grandma - Best Customer Service
ResumeSpice - Best For Job Seekers Of Any Level
Resumeble - Best For ATS Optimization
JobStars - Best For Resume Distribution
Visual CV - Best for CVs
Our team has hands-on experience hiring and managing thousands of employees for technology, HR, finance, writing, marketing, and executive jobs. We spent hundreds of hours researching all of the online resume writing services and we update this page every week. We continue to have conversations with recruiters and consult with hiring managers to learn what makes a resume stand out in 2023.
Resume Writing In 2023
It’s crucial that your professional resume showcases your unique skills and experiences in addition to getting the right person to read it. More than ever, your resume need to be written to make you stand out to both humans and computers. At the end of the day, a real person is making a decision and you want to make that connection strong from the start.
Resume services help make it all happen. These companies employ top-notch professional resume writers who are always up to date on the latest trends in the industry. Most of these companies begin with resume review services and you can get started with a free review. Then, they offer various packages to help you complete your resume, cover letter, and even LinkedIn profile. You can scale up as much as you feel you need the help.
Both TopResume and ZipJob have a free resume review that will help you understand where your resume can be improved for Applicant Tracking Systems . You can use the services for quality resume writing and even LinkedIn profile updates . Besides these two, there are many other options to check out and we reviewed all the best services to help you with your resume.
Other Top Resume Writing Services To Consider
In addition to our top picks, we reviewed 12 other resume writing services. Some produced generic template-based resumes and others fell short because their services weren’t very comprehensive. These services did not make the cut as our top professional resume writing services. If you don’t find something you like with our top picks, you can still check out some of these:
- Career Perfect
- Careers Booster
- Live Career
- Pro Resume Writing Services
- Resume Professional Writers
- Resume Writers Direct
- Resume2Hire
- ResumePrime
- ResumeWriters.com
- Velvet Jobs
There are also resume builders that take a more templated approach at a lower price point. If you’re not great at selling yourself, you might want to turn to professional resume services to help you stand out because many of the resume builders will only help with structure.
What Are Resume Writing Services And How Can They Help You?
Recruiters agree that most job seekers can benefit from an outside perspective on their resume.
Resume writing services look at your skills and experiences and help you parse out the details that illustrate why you’re a great fit for a particular position, and help you capture the attention of a hiring manager.
Some services are little more than online tools that walk you through each section and offer suggestions of what to write.
However, most people looking for resume writing help to land a dream job or their next executive role, are interested in a full-service option. This is where the best resume writing services will pair you with a professional writer who works with you one on one to gather information about your work and education history to tailor a personalized professional resume from scratch. For those willing to pay extra, they’ll also write you a cover letter and help optimize your LinkedIn profile.
We put together this guide to help you choose among hundreds of the best resume writing services. We spoke with industry experts and compared dozens of the most popular resume builder tools and professional writing services to determine which offered the best value to job seekers. We looked at:
- sample resume options, and resume templates
- writer qualifications
- options for customization
- additional services offered by the companies
Full Reviews of the Best Resume Writing Services
Topresume — best overall.
Read the full Careercloud TopResume Review.
TopResume delivers sound resumes for workers of all backgrounds and it lets you try the service for free by requesting a free expert resume review. This is a rare offering from a professional resume writing company and it can give you a sense of how much assistance you need. That can guide you toward which of the company's three resume writing packages are the best fit for you. It builds its packages around the types of services it offers rather than your career level, as many other professional resume writing companies do. This shouldn't affect most consumers, but higher-ups may prefer a company with more experience handling executive resumes.
Where It Excels
TopResume offers several resume writing solutions targeted at people of all skill levels and budgets. Start with its free resume review service by uploading your current resume to the site. Unlike many other online resume building resources, TopResume's tool doesn't just give you cliche feedback based on a computer formula. Instead, one of its real resume writing experts will look over it and give you personalized feedback within two business days. This is a great way to decide if the service is right for you before committing any money.
There are three resume writing packages you can choose from, depending on how much assistance you want. The basic Professional Growth package includes a well-formatted and keyword-optimized resume written by a professional in your industry. The Career Evolution package includes all of that plus a handwritten cover letter. The Executive Priority package includes a cover letter and a LinkedIn profile makeover, plus a guarantee that your resume will be written by one of the company's best resume writers.
The Career Evolution and Executive Priority packages include a 60-day interview guarantee. If you're not getting twice the interviews you were before after having TopResume professionally rewrite your resume, it will do it all over for you at no extra cost. You must notify the company in writing within 180 days in order to take advantage of this service.
Where It Falls Short
Make sure to read the fine print for TopResume’s 60-day Interview Guarantee. There is no full refund offered. Their guarantee says you will double your interviews with their services or you will get a free resume rewrite and that all sales are final.
Additionally, TopResume is very upfront with the associated costs, but the basic pricing tier is still $149, which is pretty high. An unemployed job seeker may not have any extra cash to purchase resume writing services.
Expert Resume Review: Free
- Professional Growth Resume Service: $149
- Career Evolution Resume Service: $219
- Executive Priority Resume Service: $349
Don’t take our word for it! Check out these reviews from real people who have used TopResume.
TopStack Resume — Runner- Up (Pay When You Are Satisfied)
Read the full CareerCloud TopStack Resume review.
TopStack Resume writers create custom, ATS-friendly resumes that will wow hiring managers and recruiters. They can also craft engaging cover letters and LinkedIn™ profile content. And, if you need some extra support during your job search, you can work with one of the company’s career consultants for guidance.
TopStack stands out with their unique pay-after model. When you place an order with TopStack, you don’t need to enter a credit card number or any payment information. When your resume is complete, they will send you a link to review. At that time, you pay for your order if you are satisfied. No other resume writing service offers this unique pay-after option.
The pay-after option allows you to get started with TopStack risk-free.
TopStack Resume’s resume writing service follows a simple process. First, you’ll submit an online order form with details about your career goals and professional experience. You can also attach your current resume if you have one.
Then, your order will get assigned to a resume writer. You’ll work closely with your writer via email or phone until you’re satisfied with the progress made on your resume. Once you feel good about how it looks, you’ll pay for your order. Your writer will then make any final adjustments needed and send you the completed document.
TopStack Resume offers four resume writing packages, so you can choose the level of service that meets your needs. First, the Basic package comes with a professionally written resume and email communication with your writer. Next, the Standard package comes with everything from the Basic level, plus a cover letter.
Then, the Professional package builds on the Standard level with LinkedIn™ profile content and phone communication with your writer. Finally, the Premium package mirrors the Professional package with the addition of up to 4 hours of career consulting.
Career consultations meet you where you are. Each conversation will get tailored to your current situation, whether you’re creating a job search strategy, preparing for an interview, or planning to make a career change.
Both the Professional and the Premium packages come with a 60-day interview guarantee. If you don’t receive any interviews within 60 days of purchasing your resume (and you’ve applied to at least ten jobs during that time), TopStack Resume will provide additional career guidance and application support to you for free. Plus, when you purchase one of these higher-level packages, you’ll get to work with one of the company’s most experienced writers.
TopStack Resume also gives back to the community. Five percent of the firm’s profits get donated to the Fisher House Foundation, which provides free lodging to loved ones of hospitalized military personnel.
While it’s reassuring to have some sort of guarantee when you buy a service, you won’t get your money back if your resume doesn’t help you land an interview. Plus, unless you pay extra to expedite your order, it can take up to two weeks to get your finished document. That timeline may not work for you if you need to find a new job as soon as possible. And, even though the company’s prices are lower than some of its competitors (particularly when you consider what’s included), the price tag may still be too big if money is tight.
Basic Resume Writing Package: $139
Standard Resume Writing Package: $199
Professional Resume Writing Package: $279
Premium Resume Writing Package: $649
Upgrade to Phone Communication with Writer: $25
Resume Writing Expediting: $50
Check out some of these reviews from individuals who have used TopStack Resume!
ZipJob — Best For Executives
Read the full CareerCloud ZipJob review.
ZipJob offers full resume rewrite or new resume creation services for any industry. You can even have your resume reviewed for free within 48 hours! ZipJob knows that most employers use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen resumes, so they take the time to optimize your resume to pass and score high in ATS systems and also scan your resume with similar ATS technology to make sure it passes the test. There are three different package options, as well as a free resume review, available to fit your needs.
Learn more about the best executive resume services and why ZipJob is our top pick.
ZipJob writers have helped candidates secure jobs at Google, Apple, Chase, Allstate, Esurance, Groupon and more. You can start with the free resume review service by uploading your resume to the site. ZipJob will provide detailed feedback on your resume presentation, design and even run your resume through an ATS scanning test. This free resume review is completed by a resume expert and will be back to you within 48 hours. This is a great way to check out ZipJob and see if the service is what you are looking for before paying for a service.
There are three resume packages to choose from, depending how much help you are looking for.
The basic package is called “Launch” and includes a professionally written resume from a resume expert, keyword-optimized resume prepared for ATS scanning, direct communication with your resume writer through the ZipJob dashboard and unlimited revisions.
The next package is the most popular and is called “Fast Track.” This package includes everything from the Launch package, but also includes a custom cover letter and a 60-day interview guarantee. According to ZipJob, if you are not landing at least two times more interviews after 60 days, they will ask you to send over a few of the links to jobs you have applied for. Then, they will review your resume against those jobs and see what additional improvements can be made. ZipJob will update your resume and provide further recommendations.
The next package is the “Premium” package. This package includes everything mentioned so far, as well as LinkedIn profile updates with keyword optimization, optional phone consultation, expedited delivery and future resume updates for life.
The final package is the "Executive" package. This package includes a professionally written and ATS-optimized resume, a custom cover letter, LinkedIn optimization, resume distribution, a phone consultation with a resume expert, unlimited revisions and free future updates.
Be sure to read the fine print for ZipJob’s 60-Day Interview Guarantee. There is no money-back guarantee offered. Their guarantee says that you will land two times more interviews in 60 days, but they also acknowledge that some things are out of their control. They offer no money back and all sales are final.
Further, ZipJob is very clear about their pricing, but the lowest-priced Launch package comes in at $139. Someone who is unemployed or between jobs may not have the funds to purchase this service.
Launch Resume Service: $139
Fast Track Resume Service: $189
Premium Resume Service: $299
Executive Resume Service: $899
Check out these reviews from happy customers!
Let’s eat, grandma - best customer service
Let’s Eat, Grandma may sound silly, but they get it done when it comes to your resume rewrite. Each of their resume writers are highly-qualified career professionals that have been in the business for over 5 years. I actually interviewed Let’s Eat, Grandma CEO Chris Villanueva for this review and I asked him about the name:
“Let’s Eat, Grandma" is a nod to the old grammar joke on the importance of comma placement. It’s catchy and also conveys our playful, nerdy culture that our customers love.”
Where Let’s Eat, Grandma Excels
Right off the bat, LEG gets you a free resume critique. While you won’t get a full rewrite, it is a good option to help you select which package is the best fit or to help you guide your own rewriting efforts. In the critique, you will get the top three suggestions where your resume could improve - regardless of if you select them or not.
Next, entering your resume information is easy.
Step 1 - you fill out a questionnaire about your work history and what you hope to accomplish during the resume writing process.
Step 2 - you’ll have a phone consultation with your writer where you will come up with a “targeted strategy” to improve your resume.
Step 3 - the writer will complete a first draft and you will review it. In total, the entire revision process (up to two additional drafts) should take seven days. So, you’ll have a totally new resume in 2-3 weeks.
A major benefit to using Let’s Eat, Grandma is that all resumes written by their professionals won’t get bounced by applicant tracking systems for formatting issues - guaranteed.
Finally, Let’s Eat, Grandma prides itself on in-house customer support to ensure clients have a great experience. Their vision statement is: "To be the most customer-centric service for job seekers and partner with them for life."
Where Let’s Eat, Grandma Falls Short
A downside to using this service is that they do not offer an interview guarantee or job offer guarantee, like some other resume writing services.
They also don’t offer expedited timelines; if you are on a tight turnaround time, this service might not be for you.
Senior Writer Resume Critique: Free
Starter Package: $439
Accelerated Package: $549
Premium Package: $689
Executive Concierge Service: $1,899
If you’re looking to spend a little less money on your resume writing service, check their website frequently for price changes. Often, they will have seasonal sales that drastically reduce the prices of their packages.
Reviewers who have chosen LEG tend to report an increase in the amount of interview requests they get. For instance, Jamie who works in healthcare management says, “I had 0 responses with my own resume. With my new resume, I have applied to 7 jobs and have received several interview requests…”
ResumeSpice - Best For Inside Track on What Recruiters Are Looking For
ResumeSpice is a highly-rated resource for job seekers, earning the #1 Trustpilot rating for resume writing and career coaching. Recruiters founded the company, so you’ll get a resume that exceeds hiring manager and human resources personnel expectations. ResumeSpice clients have secured positions at top companies like Amazon, Apple, and Facebook. No matter what industry you’re in, job function you perform, or career level you’re at, the provider can likely help you land your next role.
ResumeSpice creates high-quality resumes in a short time. Once you purchase the service, you’ll have a phone consultation with a resume writing expert. They’ll ask you questions about your experience, education, credentials, and career aspirations. Then, they’ll write a draft of your resume, have it reviewed by other resume writing experts from the company, and get it to you within two business days - faster than many other resume writing services.
The document will be keyword optimized so it can make it through applicant tracking system screening processes. It will also be well-formatted and compelling to pique the interest of human readers. You’ll receive the final version via email in both PDF and Word document formats.
If you need additional support, ResumeSpice writes cover and thank you letters, professional bios, and LinkedIn profiles. The company also offers interview preparation and career coaching sessions. That way, you can get personalized guidance for your next professional move.
ResumeSpice pledges that your resume will be effective and offers a 60-Day Interview Guarantee. If you don’t land any interviews within two months of receiving your final resume, the company will rework it for no additional cost. You do have to meet some conditions, such as submitting the document to 15 or more companies during that time. Please see the firm’s website for the full terms.
ResumeSpice is pricey. The company doesn’t offer package deals for buying multiple services, either. While the company officially allows two rounds of revisions, they have a stellar reputation and promise to address any concerns you have, even if it goes beyond two edits.
Entry-Level Resume: $409 (good for recent graduates or those with less than two years of experience)
Professional Resume: $519 (good for those with more than two years of experience)
Executive Resume: $629 (good for those seeking C-suite/senior management positions or high-salary roles)
Cover Letter: $189
Professional Bio: $189
LinkedIn Profile: $189
Interview Preparation: $189 per session
Career Coaching: $179-$695 (depending on the number of sessions)
Here are a few reviews from people who have used ResumeSpice! You can check out additional reviews on Trustpilot.
RESUMEBLE - BEST FOR ATS OPTIMIZATION
Resumeble features a consultancy approach to resume writing. This ensures direct interaction with your writer to deliver maximum value. According to Resumeable, hiring a professional to write or rewrite your resume offers four advantages that can make the difference between being one of the crowd or the applicant that stands out: 1) It saves time. Resumeble streamlines the writing process to help you stay ahead of other potential candidates; 2) It’s stress-free. You don’t need to worry about format, spelling, grammar, tone, keywords, or ATS optimization; 3) It gives you a second pair of eyes. No matter how good you are as a writer, it’s always a good idea to have an expert review your resume; and 4) It makes your resume compelling. One-size-fits-all doesn’t work in the resume world. With your writer, you can develop a resume that targets your hiring audience and successfully represents your skills and experience. Or as they like to say at Resumeble, you’ll master the art of “humblebrag.”
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are here to stay. That being said, beating the ATS is key to getting your resume noticed. It’s also a complicated task to accomplish. The writers at Resumeble know exactly how this system works and how to structure your resume in the most focused and cohesive manner to make it a potent weapon against ATS algorithms.
With a Trustpilot score of 9.2, a robust and updated blog, and competitive pricing, the only thing missing from Resumeble’s website was a listing of companies that their clients have been hired at. Similar services proudly boast the companies that their clients have gotten hired at, but there is no mention of reputable companies on Resumeable’s site.
There is also no resume diagnostic like with Zipjob or TopResume, so you don’t have the option of uploading your current resume in order to see where you’re falling short.
Pricing
Choose among three packages and four additional services:
Career Pro: $149
Professional: $229
Premium: $339
Other services are $99 to $149.99 and include cover letter writing, LinkedIn write-up, resume writing, and CV writing. There’s even a short questionnaire to help you determine the most suitable package or service for your needs.
Resumeble promises that you’ll receive an interview call within 60 days of the order completion. Just in case you don’t, they’ll be happy to rewrite your resume free of charge.
JobStars resume writing service can help you land your next role regardless of your industry or experience level. Resume writers will share your career history in your own voice and tailor the document to your professional goals. Your resume (and cover letter if purchased) will be well-formatted, professionally written, and ATS-friendly. The company also offers several other services to help your job search efforts, such as LinkedIn profile optimization, career coaching, and resume distribution.
Where It Excels
JobStars offers a range of job search-related solutions, so you can get all of the help you need in one place. An experienced writer will create a compelling resume that impresses hiring managers. They can also develop powerful copy for your cover letter, LinkedIn™ profile, or professional bio.
And, unlike many other resume writing service providers, the company can also distribute your resume to over 500 recruiters that match job seekers with their dream roles in your area. That way, you have a whole team of people on the hunt for your next opportunity. Plus, if you need guidance on how to ace your upcoming interview or make a career change, JobStars has career coaches standing by to work with you.
JobStars offers three resume writing packages to suit various needs: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The Bronze package includes an initial intake consultation, your resume, an optional cover letter, and 30 days of unlimited revisions. The Silver package includes everything from the Bronze level and adds in the LinkedIn™ profile optimization service. Finally, the Gold package includes everything from the Silver level plus the resume distribution service.
Where It Falls Short
While you’ll get 30 days of unlimited revisions to ensure your satisfaction with your resume, JobStars doesn’t guarantee that your new resume will help you secure more interviews or land a job. However, other resume writing service providers offer an interview guarantee, so if you don’t secure interviews within a certain amount of time of purchasing a new resume, you’ll receive a resume rewrite or other job search support at no charge.
JobStars is also quite pricey. The Bronze package starts at $495, and the Gold package runs as high as $1,595. So, this service may be financially out of reach if you're on a budget. But, if you have an existing resume that needs a quick update or fine-tuning, you can purchase a resume refresh, starting at $195.
Pricing
Bronze Resume Package: $495-$895
Silver Resume Package: $650-$1,295
Gold Resume Package: $950-$1,595
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Federal Resume: $695-$1,395
Resume Refresh: $195-$795
Cover Letter: $95-$295
LinkedIn™ Optimization: $250-$495
Professional Bio: $150-$650
Resume Distribution: $325-$395
Career Coaching: $495 for the initial package; $150 per additional session
Prices vary based on your career level, any add-on services you elect, how soon you need the document, and other factors.
Returning customers are eligible for discounts. You may request a refund within 30 days of purchase and before resume writing begins. After that, all sales are final.
VisualCV - Best For CVs
VisualCV is an online curriculum vitae (CV) and resume builder. Using the tool, you can create ATS-friendly documents with just a few clicks. The service provider can also review or format an existing resume. And, if you need a bit more help, you can hire the company to write your resume for you.
VisualCV is easy to use, so you can create a visually appealing and effective CV or resume in minutes. You’ll start by creating a free account using your Google or LinkedIn™ credentials or email address. Then, you’ll choose one of 25+ templates to format your document.
Next, you’ll upload your existing CV or resume. If you don’t have one (or don’t like what you’ve got), you can write your content from scratch. If you need a little inspiration, VisualCV offers sample copy you can tweak, examples of well-written CVs you can review, and helpful resources you can reference.
Once you’re happy with your content, you can adjust your fonts or change your template until you love the way your document looks. Then, you can get a shareable link or download it as a Word or .pdf file.
You can also see how often your CV or resume gets viewed on your VisualCV dashboard. Plus, you can start an online career journal on the VisualCV website to log your professional accomplishments. That way, you can refer to it in the future when it’s time to update your resume or CV again.
While you can create a resume or CV for free, you can’t download or share it until you purchase a Pro subscription. After you purchase a subscription, you’ll be able to create and download unlimited resumes, CVs, cover letters, and career journal entries. You’ll also get a personal website that you can use to market yourself or your services.
But, if you only want to create one CV or resume, you may hesitate to pay for everything else.
And while the subscription price is relatively low, VisualCV’s resume writing service may be too expensive if you’re unemployed or on a shoestring budget.
Pro Subscription: $13 per month billed quarterly or $20 per month billed monthly
Resume Formatting: $9
Resume Review: $49
Resume Writing Entry-Level: $149
Resume Writing Mid-Level: $259
Resume Writing Senior-Level: $399
Resume Writing Executive-Level: $899
If you’re not satisfied with your VisualCV subscription, you can request a refund for any reason within 30 days.
Other Types of Resume Services Depending on Your Budget
Resume builder tools.
Resume builder tools are a good choice if you’re a strong writer and you want to try creating a resume for yourself. But be wary of relying on the tool’s recommendations too much. Remember, everyone else on the site is seeing those same suggestions too. If you’re not confident in your ability to write a great resume, you may be better off going with a professional resume writing service. One resume builder tool that we recommend is MyPerfectResume. For more information, you can read our full review of MyPerfectResume.
Professional Writing Services — CV, cover letter and more
A professional resume writing service is the best way to guarantee an original, personalized resume, but it comes at a high cost. Depending on your field, experience level and the package you choose, you could pay anywhere from $90 to several hundred dollars. A professionally written resume is also going to take longer. Most services take about three days to complete a resume. There is usually an option to expedite it, but that costs extra.
How to Choose a Resume Writing Service
We looked at several factors when choosing our top resume writing services. The most important of these were writer qualifications, collaboration, customization and the additional services the company offers.
Free ATS Resume Assessment
You should definitely look for a resume service that can give you feedback on your current resume. That's why we like Topresume so much. A free resume scan basically has a computer read your resume and assess whether or not it’s well optimized for ATS software which are used by all types of employers as the first screen of applicant resumes. Once your free scan is complete, you can decide to take the next step and have a resume writer optimize your resume to beat the ATS. If not, you'll at least have some great feedback on what you need to improve on your own.
Writer Qualifications
It also helps to have a writer who knows your field and is familiar with industry jargon. The top services offer resume assistance from a network of certified writers that specialize in different areas. Resumes Planet, for example, has over 200 certified writers specializing in 40 different fields. So someone who works in healthcare will be assigned a resume writer with a healthcare background, while someone in IT will get a writer trained in that field. This industry knowledge enables the writers to go deeper and add specific, tailored information to your resume that will be sure to catch the eye of employers.
Collaboration
Some companies take a less personal approach. You fill out an online form with your information and you don’t hear anything from the writer until the draft is complete. This can be stressful and result in a final product that you’re unhappy with. All of our top professional resume writing services give you direct access to your writer throughout the process, and we favored the ones that included a phone consultation.
Customization
A good professional resume writer will also customize the resume itself. This means taking the information you provide and arranging it in a compelling format that flows well and is easy to read. Some writers take the information you submit, change a few words around and call it a brand-new resume, so it’s a good idea to check out the samples on the company’s website before you make any decisions. After comparing a few, you should be able to tell which provides the best results.
Additional Services
All the the best professional resume writing companies generally offer a suite of services that includes cover and thank-you letter writing, LinkedIn profile development, resume editing and more. The cost of these services vary, depending on what tier (entry level, executive, etc.) you choose. Companies will often give you discounts if you purchase a bundle of services at the same time you pay for your resume, so keep this in mind if you’re interested in these extras. They’re not for everyone, but they’re great options to have if you want to give yourself the best possible chance of landing the job of your dreams.
Related: The Best LinkedIn Profile Writing Services
What We Didn’t Consider: Price and Turnaround Time
Some companies offer $25 resumes and a 24-hour turnaround time. That may sound great, but it’s actually not. In this industry, you generally get what you pay for, and if a company’s promising you the moon for pocket change, chances are, they’re not putting a lot of effort into your resume. Likewise, if a company’s bragging about its “experienced” writers that have each completed thousands of resumes, that’s probably an indication that they’re using the same generic templates for everyone.
Bottom line, if you’re going to invest in a resume writing service, make sure you choose one that’s worth your money. Do some research and check out some of the sample resumes on their website. (If they don’t have any, that’s also a red flag.) Learn more about the company’s process and look for some type of satisfaction guarantee. You should feel confident in the company you choose before you hand over your credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Writing
Do i need to use a professional resume writing service.
No, of course not. If you feel confident in your writing abilities and you’re a good self-promoter, you shouldn’t have any trouble writing a solid resume on your own. But there are certain situations where hiring a professional writer may be advantageous.
Writing and marketing aren’t your fortes.
Your resume is a prospective employer’s first introduction to you. Chances are, they have dozens — maybe even hundreds — of others sitting on their desk, so you have to make yours stand out quickly if you want a shot at an interview. A bunch of spelling errors and generic phrases like “enthusiastic hard worker” aren’t going to get you very far. You have to know how to highlight your skills and achievements in an original, dynamic way. You can learn a little about how to do this by looking at examples online, but if you find yourself struggling, it may be easier to hand the job over to someone that’s trained in the field.
You have special requirements.
Students with no work experience, people changing careers and those with long gaps in their work history may have a more difficult time creating a strong resume that will appeal to employers. Professional resume writers are trained to handle these types of cases, and some even specialize in one specific area. This kind of experience is a huge advantage when dealing with tricky situations, and it could be well worth the cost of a professional resume writer.
Time is of the essence.
When you need to land a job right away, you want the best resume possible. If you’re sending your current resume out to a bunch of companies and hearing nothing back, that may be a sign that it needs some work. An excellent resume can significantly shorten your job search and help you find more exciting, lucrative career opportunities, so it’s worth investing the time and money to make sure you jump off the page.
What makes a resume great?
If you want to stand out from other applicants, your resume has to tell employers who you are, what you’ve done and why you’d be a great fit for their company. There’s a lot of advice out there on the best way to write a resume, and the best way for you is going to depend on your unique situation and experiences. Here are a few general guidelines to help improve any resume.
Cut to the chase.
According to a study by TheLadders, the average employer spends only six seconds looking at each resume. That means you have to make your point and make it fast if you want them to look closer. Don’t start with a boring objective statement like “Talented, hard-working professional interested in opportunities for growth with a successful company.” That may be true, but it’s true of most other applicants as well, and it does nothing to distinguish you from the pack.
Instead, begin with a short executive summary that explains why you would be a great fit for that company. Keep it simple and limit it to a few sentences. There’s plenty of opportunities to add detail in the later sections of your resume. Your goal with your introduction isn’t to score an interview — it’s to keep the employer reading. Then, let your qualifications and accomplishments do the rest.
Be specific in your achievements.
Don’t say you saved your previous employer a bunch of money. Say how much you saved and how you did it. This gives prospective employers a better sense of your value and abilities, and it will stand out much more in their minds than a vague, general description. List your previous jobs in reverse chronological order so your most recent achievements are near the top.
Tailor your resume to the job.
Before submitting your resume, look over the job posting and scan for keywords and skills listed in the job description. Incorporate these into your resume whenever possible. Some employers use a screening process to cut down the number of resumes they have to look at, so by making sure yours is tailored to exactly what the company is looking for, you stand a better chance of making it through.
Keep it professional.
Make sure you proofread your resume before you send it in. Nothing says “I’m not detail-oriented” like misspellings and poor grammar. Don’t use a bunch of crazy fonts and don’t include a photo of yourself. These things aren’t necessary and they’re distracting to those who are reading your resume. You don’t want four of the six seconds they’ll likely spend looking at it to be staring at a picture of you.
Keep it concise.
Avoid using a bunch of fluffy adjectives and adverbs that don’t add any real meaning, and don’t use pronouns. Whenever possible, limit your resume to one page, but don’t make it so cluttered that it’s difficult to read. Most people skip over large blocks of text when they’re reading, and if you do this on your resume, there’s a chance important information could get overlooked.
What do I put on my resume if I have little or no work experience?
When you don’t have a lot of work experience, and you need help with resume writing, it can be difficult to know how to make yourself appealing to a potential employer. Ideally, you’ll have some type of internship or volunteer experience in the field you’re interested in, but if you don't, that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Here are a few tips on how to overcome a short work history. For more in-depth tips, read our guide to creating a resume that stands out with no experience.
Play up your skills.
Employers aren’t going to care about what you did at your last job as much as they care about what you’re capable of doing for them. If you don’t have any career experience to put on your resume, focus on the skills you have that could benefit their company. Problem-solving, time management and research skills are a few examples. If you have any previous jobs or experiences that enabled you to develop these skills, highlight them here.
Get some experience, if possible.
If you’re a student or a recent college grad, try to get an internship in your field. This will give you valuable work experience that will look good to future employers, and it can teach you more about the type of work you’re interested in doing. You may also want to check out any volunteer opportunities in your community that are related to your field. Even if it’s not exactly the kind of job you want to do, it can still teach you valuable career skills that will translate to any profession.
Don’t overemphasize your schooling.
Education is a part of everyone’s resume, and as a student or recent graduate, it will likely be a bigger part of yours than for someone who’s been out in the workforce for 20 years. But don’t let that be the main focus of your resume. Emphasize your skills and what you can bring to a prospective employer. For most jobs, a strong work ethic, good personal management skills and a willingness to learn are as important — if not more so — than the knowledge you learned in school.
What’s the difference between a resume and a CV?
For most jobs, a resume will suffice, and it may even be preferred over a CV. The exceptions are if you’re applying for an academic, scientific or international career. Most countries outside of the U.S. prefer CVs, so if you’re considering a move overseas, a simple resume won’t be enough. Academic and scientific professions also prefer CVs because they give a more detailed overview of research and publications, professional licenses, grants and awards.
Because of the level of detail, CVs can be more difficult to write than resumes. Most professional resume writing services will do CVs as well, though they may be more expensive. It could be worth the additional cost, though, especially if you’re new to CVs and you’re not sure what information you should include.
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You are never alone in this process! Share your experiences, ask a question, read one of our many guides or get support from our community.
FAQ: Resume Builders
Have questions? We’re here to help.
What is a resume builder?
A resume builder is an online tool that allows users to quickly and easily upload their resume or build a brand new one from scratch using templates that offer a variety of options to fit the job requirements. With ResumeHelp’s resume builder you get access to a wide variety of template options with the ability to customize each template to your specific industry.
What should a resume include?
A good resume will include 5 critical sections:
- Contact information
- Resume summary or objective
- Work experience
Read more on what a resume is to understand each of these sections.
Are there different types of resumes?
Yes. Resumes come in different formats and there are 3 common formats used by professionals in their job hunt. Combination/hybrid , functional and chronological . Each of these follows a specific layout and can be tailored based on your skillset and experience.
Should I include a cover letter with my resume?
Absolutely. Even if the job application doesn’t require a cover letter, this is your opportunity to call out skills that may not be easily conveyed on your resume. It also helps the hiring manager understand how you differ from other applicants to get you one step closer to landing your dream job. ResumeHelp offers a cover letter builder to match your resume in minutes while tailoring it to your unique skills and experiences.
What makes ResumeHelp’s builder different from all the others?
With ResumeHelp, you not only get the ability to create a professional resume in minutes, you also get access to career coaches. These are certified resume writers with the ability to help you craft your resume and help you land your dream job. We also offer a community of professionals at various stages of the job application process willing to help guide you further on your career journey.
Couldn’t find the answer you’re looking for? You can always contact us.
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43 Best Resume Tips for Landing a Job in 2023
Hot jobs on the muse.
When you haven’t updated your resume in a while, it can be hard to know where to start. What experiences and accomplishments should you include for the jobs you’ve got your eye on? What new resume rules and trends should you be following? And seriously, one page or two ?
Well, search no more: We’ve compiled all the resume tips you need into one place. Read on for advice and tricks that’ll help you craft a winning resume —and help you land a job.
Basic resume tips
1. don’t try to cram every skill and work experience onto your resume..
Think of your resume not as a comprehensive list of your career history, but as a marketing document selling you as the perfect person for the job you’re applying to. For each resume you send out, you’ll want to highlight only the accomplishments and skills that are most relevant to the job at hand (even if that means you don’t include all of your experience). This is called tailoring your resume and it helps anyone who reads it see exactly why you’re a match for a specific position.
2. But keep a resume outline with a full list of your qualifications.
Since you’ll be swapping different information in and out depending on the job you’re applying to, save a resume outline —or maybe our resume worksheet —on your computer with old positions, bullet points tailored for different applications, special projects that only sometimes make sense to include. Then, when you’re crafting each resume, it’s just a matter of cutting and pasting relevant information together. Think of this as your brag file .
3. Ditch the objective statement.
Nowadays, the only occasion when an objective section makes sense is when you’re making a huge career change and need to explain from the get-go why your experience doesn’t match up with the position you’re applying to. In every other case? Resume objectives just make you look old-fashioned or out of touch.
Read More: 3 Reasons You Should Ditch That Resume Objective—and 3 Things You Can Do Instea d
4. Put the best, most relevant information first.
In journalism speak, “above the fold” refers to what you see on the front half of a folded newspaper (or, in the digital age, before you scroll down on a website), but basically it’s your first impression of a document. In resume speak, it means you should make sure your most relevant qualifications are visible on the top third of your resume. This top section is what the hiring manager is going to see first—and what will serve as a hook for someone to keep on reading. If your most recent position isn’t the most relevant piece of your candidacy, consider leading with a skills section (such as in a hybrid resume format) or writing a resume summary .
5.Choose the right resume format for you.
There are lots of different ways to organize the information on your resume—like the functional resume or combination resume . But the good old reverse chronological —where your most recent experience is listed first—is usually your best bet. Unless it’s absolutely necessary in your situation, skip the functional or skills-based resume—hiring managers might wonder what you’re hiding.
Read More: Your Complete Guide to Resume Formats (and How to Pick the Best One for You!)
6. Keep it concise.
The two-page resume is a hotly debated topic, but the bottom line is this—you want the information here to be as short as possible, and keeping it to one page forces you to prioritize what really matters. If you truly have enough relevant and important experience, training, and credentials to showcase on more than one page of your resume, then go for two. But if you can tell the same story in less space? Do.
Read More: 6 Pro Tips for Cutting Your Resume Down to One Page
7. Include relevant links.
Can’t figure out how to tell your whole story on one page, or want to be able to include some visual examples of your work? Instead of trying to have your resume cover everything, cover the most important details on that document, and then include a link to your personal website , your online portfolio , examples of your work, or a relevant, professional social media profile , where you can dive more into what makes you the ideal candidate. Just avoid hyperlinking over words that are key to understanding your resume since it can throw off the tools employers use to store and parse resumes.
8. Be aware of the ATS.
You may have heard that employers are using computers to “read” your resume and decide who to hire and reject. That’s not exactly true. But most employers do use software called an applicant tracking system—or ATS—to parse resumes and organize them so that recruiters and hiring managers can search for the most relevant applications. You should assume your resume will pass through an ATS at some point during your job search, so understanding how it works will help make your hunt more efficient. (All of the tips in our list keep ATSs in mind as well!)
Read More: 8 Secrets to Making an ATS-Friendly Resume
Resume formatting tips
9. keep your resume format simple..
We’ll talk about getting creative in order to stand out in a minute. But the most basic principle of good resume formatting and design? Keep it simple. Make your resume easy on hiring managers’ eyes by using a reasonably sized default font like Helvetica or Arial and leaving a healthy amount of white space on the page.Your main focus here should be on readability for the hiring manager (and that pesky ATS). That being said, you should feel free to…
10. Stand out with ATS-friendly design elements.
Really want your resume to stand out from the sea of Times New Roman? Yes, creative resumes—like infographics, videos, or presentations can set you apart, but you have to make sure they actually get read. If you’re uploading your resume to a job application site or online portal, use ATS-friendly formatting elements like:
- Bold and italic text
- Underlining (in headings or over hyperlinks)
- Different text alignments
- Columns that can be read straight across
11. Avoid design elements that can’t be “read” by computers.
On the flip side, you should avoid design elements that ATSs are known to have trouble with such as:
- Logos and icons
- Images and photos
- Graphics, graphs, or other visuals
- Headers and footers
- Less common fonts
- Columns that can only be read from top to bottom
12. Make your contact info prominent.
You don’t need to include your address on your resume anymore (really!), but you do need to make sure to include a phone number and professional email address (but not one affiliated with another job!) as well as other places the hiring manager can find you on the web, like your LinkedIn profile, and your pronouns if you’d like to.
Read More: Here's Exactly What Should Be Included in Your Resume's Header
13. Design your resume for skimmability.
You’ve probably heard before that hiring managers don’t spend a lot of time on each individual resume. So help them get as much information as possible, in as little time as possible by making your resume easy to skim .
Work experience resume tips
14. keep your work experience recent and relevant..
As a rule, you should only show the most recent 10-15 years of your career and only include the experiences that are relevant to the positions you’re applying to. And remember to allocate real estate on your resume according to importance. If there’s a choice between including one more college internship or going into more detail about your current role, always choose the latter (unless the internship was more relevant to the one you’re applying to).
15. Don’t forget your transferable skills and experiences.
Don’t panic if you don’t have any professional experience that fits the bill. Focus your resume on your relevant and transferable skills along with any related side or academic projects , and then make sure to pair it with a strong cover letter telling the narrative of why you’re ideal for the job.
16. Write strong, achievement-focused bullet points.
The bullet points under each job entry are arguably the most important part of your resume. They tell whoever’s reading it what skills you have, how you’ve used them, and how you’ve helped your employers in the past. So start with a strong action verb , include relevant skills from the job description , and frame your bullets around your achievements —don’t just list your job duties. Tell them how your work benefitted your boss or company so they know what they stand to gain by hiring you.
Here’s a simple formula to follow :
- Compelling verb + job duty + key skills used = tangible result
17. Curate your bullet points and experiences.
No matter how long you’ve been in a job, or how much you’ve accomplished there, you shouldn’t have more than eight bullet points under it—and that’s only for your most recent and relevant job. Jobs further back should generally be limited to four to six bullets.
Read More: How Many Bullet Points Should Each Job on Your Resume Have in 2023?
18. Use as many numbers as you can.
Use facts, figures, and numbers whenever possible in your bullet points. How many people were impacted by your work? By what percentage did you exceed your goals? Quantifying your accomplishments allows the hiring manager to picture the level of work or responsibility you needed to achieve them.
19. Don’t neglect non-traditional work.
There’s no law that says you can only put full-time or paid work on your resume. So, if you’ve volunteered , worked part-time or as a temporary or contract worker , freelanced, or interned? Absolutely list these things as their own “jobs” within your career chronology—as long as they’re relevant to the job you’re applying for. The same goes for career breaks . Yes, really.
Read More: 4 Things You Didn't Know You Could Put on Your Resume
20. Use important keywords from the job description.
Scan the job description, see what words are used most often, and make sure you’ve included them in your bullet points. For example, does the job description list “CRM” or “Salesforce”? Make sure your resume matches. Not only is this a self-check that you’re targeting your resume to the job, but it’ll also make it easier to search for your resume in an ATS.
Read More: How to Pick Resume Keywords That'll Get Your Job Application Past the ATS
Resume tips for including your education
21. put experience first, education later..
Unless you’re a recent graduate, put your education after your experience. Chances are, your last couple of jobs are more important and relevant to you getting the job than where you went to college.
22. Also keep it in reverse chronological order.
Usually, you should lay down your educational background by listing the most recent or advanced degree first, working in reverse chronological order. But if older coursework is more specific to the job, list that first to grab the reviewer’s attention.
23. Remove the dates from your education section once you’re a few years into your career.
Unless you’re early in your career, don’t list your graduation dates. The reviewer cares more about whether or not you have the degree than when you earned it. And you don’t want to inadvertently open yourself up to age discrimination , which is an unfortunate reality in some job markets.
24. Highlight honors and achievements, not GPA.
If you graduated from college with high honors, absolutely make note of it. While you don’t need to list your GPA (but you can if it’s impressive), don’t be afraid to showcase that summa cum laude status, the fact that you were in the honors college at your university, a relevant project you completed, or an award you won. Nowadays, employers don’t care as much about GPA as they do what skills you gained in school.
Read More: How to (and How Not to) List Education on Your Resume
25. Include continuing or online education.
Don’t be afraid to include continuing education, professional development coursework, or online courses in your education section, especially if your resume feels a little light on relevant experience.
Resume tips for showing off your skills
26. don’t forget your skills section..
Be sure to add a section that lists out all the relevant skills you have for a position—especially those mentioned in the job description. Include technical skills like software and project management tools or specific knowledge of how to perform relevant tasks. Just make sure to skip including skills that everyone is expected to have, like using email or Microsoft Word . Doing so will actually make you seem less technologically savvy.
27. But don’t only put your skills in your skills section.
Your skills section is an easy way for anyone reading your resume to confirm that you have required skills, but that shouldn’t be the only place that your important skills appear. Any skill that’s vital to you being hired should also be in your bullet points—where you can show how you’ve used it in the past.
28. Divvy up your skills for readability.
If you have lots of skills that would help you with a job but aren’t necessarily in the same category—say, foreign language, software, and leadership skills—try breaking up your skills section. Below your “Skills” section, add a subsection titled “Language Skills” or “Software Skills,” for example. Again—we’re going for skimmability here, folks!
29. Show—don’t tell—your soft skills.
Describing soft skills on a resume often starts to sound like a list of meaningless buzzwords. But being a “strong leader” or an “effective communicator” are important characteristics you want to get across. Think about how you can demonstrate these attributes in your bullet points without actually saying them.
Other resume section tips
30. include relevant certifications and licenses..
If you have a certification or license that proves you can do some aspect of the job you’re applying for, don’t forget to include it on your resume. This is especially important if that certification or license is legally required to do the job—for example, in nursing, teaching, or driving jobs.
31. Show some (relevant) personality.
Feel free to include an “Interests” section on your resume, but only add those that are relevant to the job. Are you a guitar player with your eye on a music company? Definitely include it. But including your scrapbooking hobby for a software developer job at a healthcare company? Probably not.
32. Beware of interests and activities that could be controversial.
Maybe you help raise money for your church on the reg. Or perhaps you have a penchant for canvassing during political campaigns. Yes, these experiences show a good amount of work ethic or possibly other relevant skills—but they could also open you up to be discriminated against by someone who disagrees with the cause. So weigh your decision to include them carefully.
Read More: Should You Put Religious, Political, or Controversial Organizations on Your Resume?
33. Add awards and achievements—when they’re relevant.
Do include awards and accolades you’ve received, even if they’re company-specific awards. Just state what you earned them for, e.g., “Earned Golden Salesperson Award for having the company’s top sales record four quarters in a row.” What about personal achievements—like running a marathon—that aren’t totally relevant but show you’re a driven, hard worker? Consider the best way to include them (and if you should).
Resume tips for navigating employment gaps and other sticky resume situations
34. cut the short-term jobs..
If you stayed at a (non-temporary) job for only a matter of months, consider eliminating it from your resume to avoid looking like a job hopper. Leaving a particularly short-lived job or two off your resume shouldn’t hurt, as long as you’re honest about your experience if asked in an interview. But if the short-term job is super relevant to this job, consider including it anyway.
35. If you have shorter gaps, be strategic about how you list dates.
If you have gaps of a few months in your work history, don’t list the usual start and end dates with months and years for each position. Use years only (2018–2020), or just the number of years or months you worked at each position. Just keep it consistent throughout your resume and don’t lie if asked about gaps during an interview .
36. Explain serial job hopping.
If you’ve job-hopped frequently, you can include a succinct reason for leaving next to each position like “company closed,” “layoff due to downsizing,” or “relocated to new city.” By addressing the gaps, you’ll proactively illustrate the reason for your frequent job movement and make it less of an issue.
37. Explain a long break in jobs.
Re-entering the workforce after a long hiatus? This is the perfect opportunity for a summary statement at the top, outlining your best skills and accomplishments. Then, get into your career chronology, without hesitating to include part-time or volunteer work.
Read More: Stay-at-Home Parent? How to Kill it on Your Comeback Resume
38. Be intentional about career gaps.
While career gaps are becoming increasingly common, you should still frame them in a way that’s relevant to a future employer, by talking about skills you gained or any professional endeavors you took on.
If you didn’t focus on professional development, that’s fine too! But not every employer will appreciate it if you get too cutesy about that section of your resume. For example, if you took time out of the workforce to raise kids, you might not want to describe this parenting experience on your resume, à la “adeptly managed the growing pile of laundry.” Instead state what you did plainly and include any professional skills you may have grown or activities you may have done.
Tips on resume finishing touches
39. ditch “references available upon request”.
If a hiring manager is interested in you, they’ll ask you for references —and will assume that you have them. There’s no need to address the obvious (and doing so might even make you look a little out of touch!).
40. Proofread, proofread, proofread.
It should go without saying, but fully edit your resume and make sure it’s free and clear of typos. And don’t rely on spell check and grammar check alone—step away for a few hours and then review it closely again and ask family or friends to take a look at it for you.
41. Save it as a PDF or Word document.
Unless a job posting specifically requests that you do otherwise, your resume should always be submitted as either a PDF or Word document (.docx not .doc). These are the formats that can be most easily opened and most easily parsed by an ATS. The choice between the two is up to you though—again unless the company you’re applying to requests one format over the other. If you’re emailing your resume, however, PDFs are a bit more likely to maintain your formatting across different computers and programs.
42. Name your file clearly.
Ready to save your resume and send it off? Save it as “Jane Smith Resume” instead of “Resume.” The hiring manager is going to have plenty of “Resume”s on their computer, so make it super easy for them to find what they’re looking for. You can even go a bit further and put the position title in your file name (e.g., “Jane Smith Marketing Analyst Resume).
Read More: The (Simple) Guidelines You Should Follow When Naming Your Resume and Cover Letter Files
43. Keep your resume outline fresh.
Carve out some time every quarter or so to pull up your resume outline and make some updates. Have you taken on new responsibilities? Learned new skills? Add them in. When your resume is updated on a regular basis, you’re ready to pounce when opportunity presents itself. And, even if you’re not job searching, there are plenty of good reasons to keep this document in tip-top shape.
Bonus resume tips for specific situations:
Check out these articles for more specific resume advice on:
- Deciding whether to make a resume with Canva
- Finding and working with a resume writer
- Selecting an ATS-friendly resume template
- Showing more than one job at the same company
- Translating military experience to a civilian resume
- Using our free resume template
- Writing an accounting resume
- Writing an administrative assistant resume
- Writing a college resume
- Writing a customer service resume
- Writing an entry-level resume
- Writing a financial analyst resume
- Writing a graphic design resume
- Writing an HR resume
- Writing a marketing resume
- Writing an office manager resume
- Writing a product management resume
- Writing a project management resume
- Writing a resume for your first job
- Writing a sales resume
- Writing a software engineering resume
- Writing a teaching resume
Erin Greenawald , Lily Zhang , and Regina Borsellino contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.
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