10 Essential Resume Tips for 2025

The job market continues to evolve, and so should your resume strategy. Here are the most important tips to help your resume stand out in 2025.

1. Start with a Strong Summary

Your professional summary should be 2-3 sentences that highlight your key strengths and career focus. Avoid generic phrases like "hard-working" or "team player." Instead, use specific achievements and skills.

**Good example:** "Marketing professional with 5+ years of experience driving 40% revenue growth through digital campaigns and social media strategy."

2. Use Action Verbs and Quantify Results

Replace passive language with strong action verbs and include specific numbers whenever possible.

**Instead of:** "Responsible for managing social media accounts" **Write:** "Increased social media engagement by 150% through strategic content planning and community management"

3. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

Generic resumes rarely get noticed. Study the job description and mirror the language used. If they mention "project management," use that exact phrase if it applies to your experience.

4. Keep It ATS-Friendly

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. To pass these systems:

• Use standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
• Avoid tables, graphics, or complex formatting
• Use common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
• Save as PDF unless specifically requested otherwise

5. Focus on Recent and Relevant Experience

Prioritize your most recent and relevant work experience. If you have 10+ years of experience, you don't need to include every job you've ever had. Focus on the last 10-15 years of relevant experience.

6. Include Keywords Naturally

Research industry-specific keywords and incorporate them naturally throughout your resume. Don't stuff keywords, but make sure they appear in context.

7. Show Career Progression

Demonstrate growth in your career by showing increasing responsibilities, promotions, or expanded roles. This shows employers you're capable of advancement.

8. Keep It Concise

Aim for 1-2 pages maximum. Recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds scanning a resume, so every word needs to count. Remove outdated information and focus on what's most relevant.

9. Include Soft Skills Through Examples

Rather than listing "leadership" or "communication," show these skills through specific examples:

• "Led a team of 8 developers to deliver a project 2 weeks ahead of schedule"
• "Presented quarterly results to C-level executives, resulting in increased budget allocation"

10. Proofread and Get Feedback

Typos and grammatical errors can immediately disqualify you. Read your resume aloud, use spell-check, and ask a trusted colleague or mentor to review it.

Bonus: Consider Your Online Presence

Many employers will search for you online. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and professional. Consider what a potential employer might find if they Google your name.

Conclusion

A great resume is your first impression with potential employers. By following these tips and staying current with hiring trends, you'll increase your chances of landing interviews and advancing your career.

Ready to put these tips into practice? [Start building your professional resume today](/builder) with our ATS-friendly templates and AI-powered suggestions.