Resume Writing Tips for 2026

I’m a hiring manager with 7 years of experience in the career services space. I’ve reviewed countless resumes and understand what makes one stand out.

Drawing from my experience, here are my top tips to help you craft a resume that will get noticed in 2026:

Use color sparingly

Adding a subtle pop of color to your resume, like in section headers or your name, can make it visually appealing—just don’t overdo it.

I recommend sticking to one or two professional colors, such as navy blue, dark gray, or burgundy, to keep things polished. Too much color can look unprofessional and distract from your qualifications.

Leave off outdated jobs

There’s a common misunderstanding that a resume is a comprehensive look at your work history – it’s not. Instead, consider it a snapshot of your best and most relevant professional moments.

I advise cutting work experience older than 10-15 years unless it’s highly relevant to the job. Likewise, cut any work experience that’s completely unrelated to your target role (unless it’s the only experience you have).

For example, if you’re applying for a social media manager role, the hiring manager won’t be interested in that bartending job you held in college because the skills are largely not transferable. Save yourself the space and just cut it.

Keep it to one page

A one-page resume is ideal for most positions, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience.

Hiring managers like me often spend just a few seconds on each resume, so it’s crucial to highlight the most important details concisely. If you have more experience, a two-page resume can work—just ensure it’s focused on relevant information. Remember, less is often more when it comes to resumes.

Avoid generic soft skills

Tons of resumes list vague skills like “team player” or “good communicator.” Instead of saying you’re a good communicator, prove you have soft skills through specific examples.

For instance, mention how your communication skills helped resolve a customer issue or led to a successful project outcome. Show, don’t tell—let your achievements speak for your abilities.

Skip the “professional references available on request”

This phrase is outdated and takes up valuable space. If references are needed, employers will ask for them later. Use this space for more impactful content instead.

Use a professional email address

A professional email address is a small but impactful detail.

Your email should be straightforward, such as “firstname.lastname@gmail.com.” Avoid using nicknames or unprofessional addresses that could detract from your credibility.

Provide links to your work

Want to give employers a more complete look at your work history and skills? Adding a link to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile on your resume is a great way to do it without sacrificing space.

Add links to your LinkedIn profile, online portfolio, or work samples in your resume header (included alongside your contact information). Just ensure your LinkedIn is up-to-date and aligns with your resume. Providing accessible examples of your work adds credibility.

Tailor your tesume for each job

Customization is key. When I’m hiring, I’m impressed by resumes that align closely with the job description.

Identify the skills and experiences the employer values most, and incorporate keywords from the job posting. Tailoring your resume shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role.

Incorporate keywords from the job ad

One of the easiest ways to align your resume with a job is to use keywords from the job description.

For example, if the job posting emphasizes “project management” and “data analysis,” make sure to use those keywords on your resume in your skills, experience, or summary sections.

Not only does this help your resume stand out to hiring managers (because they see exactly what they’re looking for), you also make your resume more likely to get through the applicant tracking systems (ATS) that many large companies use to filter applications.

Use simple, easy-to-read formatting

Here’s an easy formula to guarantee your resume looks professional and is easy to read: choose a professional font like Arial or Times New Roman. Keep the main text size between 11-12 points, with headings at 14-16 points.

Additionally, stick to standard 1-inch margins, and use bullet points to break up text and make information digestible. Formatting your resume cleanly helps make a great first impression.

Make your bullet points action-focused

Many job seekers make the mistake of starting every bullet point on their resume with passive phrases like “responsible for” or “tasked with.” Not only does this make your resume boring to read, it also downplays your accomplishments.

Employers want to know the results you’ve delivered. Instead of listing tasks, use your resume bullet points to focus on the actions you took and what you achieved at your job.

A great way to do this is to begin each bullet point with dynamic action words like “managed,” “developed,” or “led.” These make your accomplishments sound more impactful and force you to hone in on what you actually got done.

Quantify your results

Numbers speak volumes. Another easy way to boost your work experience section is to use metrics that highlight your impact.

For example, instead of writing “Reduced operational costs,” specify that you “Reduced operational costs by 15%.” Quantifying achievements on your resume gives employers a clearer picture of your abilities. Whenever possible, add measurable results to show the scope of your success.

Be honest

It sounds cliche, but honesty is crucial. Exaggerating or lying on your resume can backfire if employers verify your details.

Highlight your genuine accomplishments to build trust and credibility. Transparency is always better than overstating your qualifications.

Omit high school information (if you have higher education)

If you’ve completed college or vocational training, don’t include your high school diploma on your resume.

Employers are more interested in your highest level of education and work experience. Keeping your resume concise helps maintain focus on your work experience and most relevant qualifications.

Don’t include a photo

If you’re applying for a job in the US, don’t put a photo of yourself on your resume. Many job seekers make this mistake because adding a photo is the norm in a lot of other countries, so online templates frequently provide a space for a headshot.

However, including a photo is a problem for two reasons:

• It puts you at risk of hiring discrimination
• It distracts from your experience and skills

Let your track record and professional expertise make the impression for you, rather than a photograph that might distract or introduce unintended biases.

Make headings stand out

Use bold text or slightly larger fonts for section headings to help employers navigate your resume quickly.

Clear organization makes a resume more appealing and allows people to find the information they’re looking for faster.

Show your career progression

Demonstrating growth within roles or promotions can make a strong impression because it shows that you’re not just doing your job—you’re excelling at it.

If you’ve been promoted at a job or received recognition for your work through an award, highlight these achievements on your resume.

Employers love to see clear examples of promotions on your resume because it reflects both your dedication and your ability to make an impact within an organization.

Get comfortable with self-promotion

Your resume is your chance to sell yourself. Don’t hesitate to highlight your accomplishments, successful projects, or awards. Confidence in your achievements makes you memorable.

Avoid overused buzzwords

Phrases like “hard-working” or “detail-oriented” are overused, and frankly, they don’t say much.

Instead of using buzzwords on your resume, show employers how your skills saved your company time or money. For example, you could write something like, “Streamlined quality assurance processes, reducing product errors by 15% and saving $50,000 annually.”