E+E Consulting | Guide + Interactive Builder
Your resume is your marketing document. In the first 6 seconds, recruiters decide whether to keep reading or move on. A well-crafted resume showcases your accomplishments, not just your responsibilities, and positions you as the ideal candidate for the role.
✓ First Impression: Often the only document recruiters see before deciding to contact you
✓ Proof of Value: Demonstrates specific accomplishments with measurable impact
✓ ATS Optimization: Must pass Applicant Tracking Systems to reach human eyes
✓ Interview Prep: Gives interviewers talking points and validates your experience
✓ Salary Negotiation: Strong resumes justify higher offers
Your name (largest font), location, phone, email, LinkedIn URL. Clean and centered or left-aligned.
2-3 lines. Position yourself for the role. State what you do and your key value proposition. Tailor to each job.
Reverse chronological order (most recent first). For each role: Company name, Title, Dates. Then 3-5 bullet points with accomplishments (not duties). Use metrics: increased revenue by 25%, reduced costs by $500K, improved efficiency by 40%.
Degree, University, Graduation Date. Include GPA if strong (3.7+). Certifications, awards, relevant coursework.
3-6 technical or core competencies relevant to the role. No need for a long list—quality over quantity.
Languages, Certifications, Publications, Volunteer Work, Projects. Include only if relevant to the role.
1. Lead with accomplishments, not duties.
Avoid: "Responsible for managing social media accounts."
Use: "Grew LinkedIn followers from 5K to 50K (10x growth) by implementing data-driven content strategy, resulting in 300% engagement increase."
2. Use action verbs.
Accelerated, Achieved, Analyzed, Built, Captured, Delivered, Designed, Directed, Drove, Expanded, Generated, Improved, Increased, Launched, Led, Managed, Optimized, Pioneered, Reduced, Resolved, Transformed.
3. Quantify everything possible.
Numbers make impact real: revenue increased, time saved, people led, efficiency gains, cost reductions, conversion rates, market share growth.
4. Keep it concise.
One page for entry-level to mid-career. Two pages for senior roles with extensive experience. Never exceed two pages unless in academia.
5. Format for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems).
Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman). Avoid graphics, tables, columns. Use simple formatting. No colored text or backgrounds.
6. Tailor for each position.
Mirror the job description. Use their keywords. Prioritize experiences most relevant to the role.
7. Use consistent formatting.
Same date format, consistent bullet points, uniform font sizes. Professionalism matters.
8. Proofread obsessively.
One typo can eliminate you. Read aloud. Have someone else review. Use spellcheck.
✗ Listing duties instead of accomplishments
✗ No metrics or quantifiable results
✗ Inconsistent formatting or unprofessional design
✗ Spelling or grammar errors
✗ Too wordy or exceeds two pages
✗ Irrelevant information (graduation year if 10+ years ago, old skills)
✗ Using personal pronouns (I, me, we) or vague language
✗ Unexplained employment gaps
Career Change: Lead with transferable skills. Place relevant coursework or certifications prominently. Explain the transition in your summary.
Employment Gaps: If necessary, briefly explain (freelancing, education, personal reasons). Focus on what you accomplished during the gap.
Career Progression: Show upward trajectory. Use leadership accomplishments if promoted internally.
Industry Switch: Emphasize transferable skills. Use industry keywords from the job posting.
Entry-Level: Lead with education. Include projects, internships, volunteer work, campus leadership.