Recruiters and hiring managers read a lot of resumes, and most get a quick first look before anyone decides to read further. The goal of your resume is simple: make it easy to see, in that first look, that you have done this work and done it well. These are the changes we see make the biggest difference.

Lead with a short summary that matches the role

Two or three lines at the top that say what you do, at what level, and in what kind of environment. For example: “Controller with 12 years in manufacturing, leading month-end close and audit for multi-entity companies up to $200M.” Then adjust it for each role you apply to. A summary that reads like the job post you are answering gets read.

Show results, not duties

“Responsible for accounts payable” tells a reader what the job was. “Cut the monthly close from 10 days to 5 by automating AP reconciliations” tells them what you did with it. For each role, pick the three to five accomplishments you are proudest of and put numbers on them where you can: money saved, revenue grown, time cut, projects delivered, teams built.

Put the important things where they will be seen

• Your most recent role gets the most space. Roles from 15 or more years ago can be one line each.
• Titles and dates should be easy to scan. Month and year for each role.
• Licenses, certifications and clearances go near the top when the role requires them, such as a CPA, PE, RN or security clearance.
• Location matters. List your city and state so it is clear whether you are local or would relocate.

Keep the format simple

Many employers use applicant tracking systems that read your resume before a person does. Tables, text boxes, columns, graphics and headers or footers can scramble what the system sees. Use a clean single-column layout, standard section names like “Experience” and “Education,” and save as a Word document or PDF unless the posting asks for something else.

Use the employer’s words

If the job post asks for “FP&A,” “preconstruction” or “Epic,” and you have that experience, use those exact terms. Keyword matching is part of how resumes get found, by software and by recruiters searching a database.

Explain gaps and short stints briefly

A one-line note such as “Contract role, project completed,” “Company acquired, position eliminated” or “Family caregiving” answers the question before it is asked. A gap with no explanation leaves the reader to guess.

Cut what doesn’t help

You don’t need an objective statement, a photo, “references available upon request,” or every software tool you have ever opened. Two pages is plenty for most experienced professionals. One page is fine early in your career.

Proofread, then have someone else proofread

Typos and inconsistent dates are easy reasons to pass on a resume. Read it out loud, check that every date lines up with your LinkedIn profile, and ask a friend to read it once.

Let a recruiter help

When we represent a candidate, we tell you what the hiring manager will look for and how to position your experience for that role. If you would like us to take a look, send us your resume.

More career advice: How to Work With a Recruiter (and Get More Out of It) and How to Prepare for an Interview: A Practical Checklist.

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