How to Improve Your Resume in 8 Steps

Follow these 8 expert tips to improve your resume so you can confidently hit “Send” on your job application.

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1. Choose the best template for your target job

For creative fields like graphic design or marketing, you might opt for a more visually striking resume template that showcases your design skills.

On the other hand, traditional industries such as finance, law, or healthcare often prefer a simpler, more straightforward layout. For these fields, stick to clean, professional resume templates with clear headings and an organized layout.

Remember, the goal is to make your resume easy to read and navigate. Regardless of the design you choose, make sure that the most critical information stands out and that the overall layout enhances, rather than distracts from, your content.

2. Tailor your resume to each job posting

Your resume needs to address why you’re the ideal person for the job. The best way to do this is by tailoring the information you include for each job listing.

To write a targeted resume, start by carefully analyzing the job description. Take note of any key skills, experience, and qualifications the employer is looking for that match your skills. Next, strategically incorporate relevant keywords and phrases from the job description into your resume.

This shows the hiring manager that you’ve paid attention to their specific needs, making them more likely to call you in for an interview.

Remember, tailoring doesn’t mean fabricating. It’s about thoughtfully presenting your genuine experiences and skills in a way that aligns with the job requirements.

3. Use action verbs in your work experience section

Passive phrases like “responsible for” or “duties included” can make your accomplishments seem lackluster.

Instead, replace these weak words with powerful action verbs to breathe life into your resume and portray yourself as a dynamic, results-driven professional.

Here are some examples of the difference action verbs can make:

4. Beef up your resume with numbers

Still starting every bullet point on your resume with “responsible for” or “duties included”? It’s time to make some improvements.

Quantifying your achievements is one of the most effective ways to make your resume stand out. Numbers provide concrete evidence of your impact and make your accomplishments more tangible and impressive.

When reviewing your work experience, ask yourself:

• How much? (e.g., budget managed, revenue generated)
• How many? (e.g., team size, number of clients)
• How often? (e.g., frequency of reports, regularity of meetings)
• By what percentage? (e.g., efficiency improved, costs reduced)

Even if you don’t have exact figures, you can use ranges or estimates. The key is to provide context that allows the hiring manager to understand the scope and impact of your work.

Here are some examples of bullet points that go from dull to dynamic when numbers are added:

5. Include a link to your LinkedIn or website

Worried that your resume doesn’t give employers the full picture of your value as a candidate? That’s where LinkedIn comes in handy.

Adding a link to your online presence on your resume provides employers with a more comprehensive view of your skills, personality, and professional brand.

Consider adding the following to enhance your resume:

• LinkedIn profile: LinkedIn is often the first stop for recruiters looking to learn more about candidates. Ensure your profile is up-to-date, comprehensive, and aligns with your resume. Use a custom URL (e.g., linkedin.com/in/your-name) to make it look polished and easy to read.
• Portfolio website: If applicable to your field, create a portfolio website showcasing your best work. This is particularly important for creative professionals, writers, and developers. Include the URL on your resume, ensuring it’s clickable if you’re submitting digitally.
• Other relevant profiles: Depending on your industry, other platforms such as Github, Behance, Dribbble, or X might be worth linking to in your header

6. Fill the page

While conciseness is generally a virtue in resume writing, having too much white space can be just as problematic as overcrowding. A resume that looks sparse might give the impression that you lack experience or have little to offer.

If you’re early in your career or changing fields, you might struggle to fill a full page with relevant professional experience. In these cases, consider including:

• Relevant coursework
• Academic projects
• Volunteer work
• Internships
• Certifications
• Professional development courses or workshops
• Extracurricular activities
• Honors and awards

7. Remove unnecessary clutter

While filling the page is important, it’s equally important to make sure that every word on your resume serves a purpose. A cluttered resume can overwhelm hiring managers and obscure your most impressive qualifications.

Here’s how to streamline your resume:

• Focus on recent and relevant experience
• Eliminate redundancies
• Remove outdated skills
• Use concise language

8. Ask a friend to proofread your application

Even if you’re a professional editor, you should get someone to proofread your resume for common resume mistakes. The energy you pour into creating your application puts you too close to the content, and you probably don’t have the time needed to reset your perspective before you submit everything.

That’s why you should get a fresh set of eyes on your resume. Just remember to proofread any changes your friend makes to ensure they didn’t accidentally mess anything up!

More resources that show you how to improve your resume

Here are more resume-writing resources to help you spruce up your resume before sending out job applications: