Resume Guidelines: What Works, What Doesn’t
Getting advice about resumes can be overwhelming — ask 10 recruiters, and you’ll get 10 different answers. While I’m not a professional resume writer, there are some guidelines that apply across most industries and career levels:
1. Your Resume Represents You
You know your experience better than anyone else. It’s okay to get input, but ultimately, your resume is a marketing piece about you.
2. Be Honest
Include only accurate information. You don’t need to list every job you’ve ever had, but anything you do include should be truthful. Be prepared to discuss it in interviews.
3. Choose a Format That Highlights Your Success
There are many formats — chronological, functional, hybrid. Pick the one that best showcases your achievements and experiences.
4. Limit How Far Back You Go
Generally, experience older than 20–25 years isn’t relevant. Focus on recent accomplishments and end at a logical point. For most people, starting around 2000 is sufficient.
5. Emphasize Successes, Not Activities
Focus on results and accomplishments, not just listing duties.
6. Keep Your Resume Clean and Updated
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Check fonts, spacing, and formatting
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Watch verb tenses (present tense only for current roles)
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Pick a consistent writing style and stick to it
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Avoid first-person language
7. Avoid Repetition
Don’t repeat the same responsibilities or achievements across different jobs.
8. Skip the Objective
Objectives rarely add value and may actually hurt your resume.
9. Don’t Include References
It’s understood that you’ll provide them if asked. No need to list them or write “References available upon request.”
10. Leave Off Personal Interests
Unless directly relevant to the job, hobbies or personal interests aren’t necessary.
11. Limit Address Information
Street addresses are unnecessary — city and state are enough.
12. Use a Professional Summary
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Start with a professional summary to quickly highlight your career
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Follow with a chronological work history
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Optional sections: skills, volunteer experience, education, certifications, publications, career highlights
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Avoid redundancy and include only relevant sections
13. Keywords
Use keywords sparingly and naturally. They should fit your background and the way your resume is written — don’t just “stuff” them in for search optimization.