How to Build a Resume That Actually Gets Read

Keep It Simple and Scannable

Avoid complicated layouts, fancy graphics, or unconventional fonts that distract from your content. Use clean, professional typography like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica. Implement consistent spacing, clear section headers, and bullet points that allow recruiters to quickly scan for relevant information.

Pro tip: Use plenty of white space to create visual breathing room. A cluttered resume is often discarded within seconds because it's difficult to process quickly.

Highlight Achievements with Quantifiable Results

Transform mundane job descriptions into compelling achievement statements. Instead of "Worked in sales," write "Increased quarterly sales revenue by 23%, generating $150K in additional revenue." Numbers provide concrete evidence of your impact and make your contributions memorable.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your bullet points:

• Situation: Brief context of the challenge
• Task: Your responsibility in the situation
• Action: Steps you took to address it
• Result: Quantifiable outcome you achieved

Optimize for Maximum Readability

Structure your resume with a logical flow that guides the reader's eye naturally. Place your most important information in the top third of the page, where recruiters focus their attention. Use consistent formatting for dates, company names, and job titles.

Essential formatting guidelines:

• Use 10-12 point font size for body text
• Limit bullet points to 2-3 lines maximum
• Maintain consistent margins (0.5-1 inch)
• Use bold sparingly for emphasis
• Keep to 1-2 pages for most professionals

Strategic Keyword Integration

Modern hiring processes often involve Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for relevant keywords before human eyes see your resume. Research the job description carefully and naturally incorporate industry-specific terms, skills, and technologies throughout your resume.

However, avoid "keyword stuffing" – instead, weave relevant terms organically into your achievement statements and skills sections. This ensures both ATS compatibility and human readability.