Resume Tips: How to Write a Winning Resume in 2025

Create a resume that stands out by focusing on accomplishments, tailoring for each role, optimizing for ATS, and presenting a polished, professional format.

Focus on achievements, not responsibilities

Let’s start with the core of what makes a resume compelling: real, measurable results. Hiring managers are inundated with generic job duties. What catches their attention is the value you've added.

One of the best resume writing tips is to emphasize your accomplishments instead of listing duties. Recruiters want to know what impact you had, not just what you were told to do. Replace generic phrases like "Managed team" with result-oriented statements like "Boosted team productivity through innovative management techniques."

For example:

This approach communicates initiative, problem-solving skills, and measurable value—all core competencies employers want to see. Once your achievements are well-framed, it's time to ensure your resume speaks directly to your target employer.

Tailor your resume for each role

No two jobs are identical—your resume shouldn’t be either. Tailoring your resume ensures that your application resonates with hiring managers and meets the expectations laid out in the job description.

Generic resumes get generic results. One of the most effective resume tips and tricks is tailoring your document to match the job description.

That means:

• Aligning your experiences with the skills and qualifications listed.
• Rewording your responsibilities to reflect relevant accomplishments.
• Removing unrelated content to keep the resume focused.

Incorporate resume keywords naturally and strategically. If a job asks for "data analysis" and "project management," ensure these terms are present, especially under your work experience on resume.

Once you've customized the content, it's time to ensure the structure is compatible with modern hiring tools.

Optimize for applicant tracking systems (ATS)

In today’s hiring landscape, getting past an ATS is the first hurdle. If your resume can’t be parsed properly by software, it may never reach human eyes.

Don’t forget to format your contact details clearly in your resume header. Use a professional email, include a LinkedIn link if relevant, and keep everything left-aligned. If you’re unsure about formatting, check out our modern resume templates or simple resume templates.

Uniform formatting, professional resume font choices, and well-placed keywords all help you pass the ATS test. After setting the stage with structure and content, let’s move on to how you open the resume itself.

Craft a strong summary statement

A strong resume summary is your opening pitch to recruiters. Think of it as your headline—a quick, compelling snapshot of your value.

The summary is your chance to highlight major strengths and relevant successes in just a few lines.

It should:

Do:

• Start with a major achievement.
• Mention key strengths aligned with the job description.
• Use strong action words like "led," "increased," "launched," or "optimized."

Don’t:

• Use vague adjectives without evidence.
• Repeat your entire resume in paragraph form.

Showcase both hard skills and soft skills, and connect your experience to future goals. This signals that you’re invested and forward-looking, not just chasing any job. Once your resume opens strong, ensure every section maintains that same level of professionalism.

Proofread and format with care

Even the strongest content can be undermined by careless presentation. A well-formatted resume reinforces your attention to detail and professionalism.

Before submitting, use these final pieces of advice:

Need help choosing a format? Consider a reverse-chronological resume if you have a solid work history or a combination resume template for a mix of skills and experience.

With the formatting complete, consider adding extra sections to round out your resume’s story. If you’re including a professional headshot—on a resume, online portfolio, or LinkedIn—make sure the image is clean and polished. Use tools that let you remove background to give your photo a crisp, distraction-free look that keeps the focus on you.

Additional resume sections

Optional sections can enhance your resume by showcasing unique experiences and qualifications that standard sections might overlook.

Depending on your background and industry, consider including:

• Certifications and licenses (e.g., CPR, PMP, CompTIA)
• Awards and achievements (e.g., employee of the month, industry accolades)
• Continuing education and online courses (especially recent ones from platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning)
• Volunteer work (great for those with limited work experience or strong community involvement)
• Language skills (fluency in multiple languages can be a strong asset)
• Professional development coursework and post-professional certifications
• Online portfolio or personal website (especially relevant for creative and tech roles)
• A professional social media profile, such as a curated LinkedIn profile

These sections help paint a fuller picture of who you are and what you bring to the table. Be sure to include only what's relevant and adds value to your candidacy. Now that you've rounded out your resume, it’s time to revisit the core sections of work experience and education.

Work experience and education presentation

Effective presentation of your career and academic history helps recruiters understand your growth and qualifications at a glance.

For your work experience, use reverse chronological order to present your most recent and relevant roles first.

Each entry should include:

• Company name
• Role title
• Dates of employment
• Brief, results-focused bullet points of responsibilities and accomplishments

Have a look at these examples.

Your educational background should follow a similar logic.

List your most advanced degree first, along with:

• Undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, or joint concentration or double concentration, if applicable
• Honors (e.g., cum laude)
• GPA if it’s 3.5 or higher
• Relevant certifications and professional development

If you've pursued continuing education or online courses, include them in a separate section or integrate them into your education area. Prioritize clarity and relevance.

Here’s an ideal education entry.

Once you have the structure and content complete, sample documents can be a powerful tool for refinement.

Resume samples and templates

A well-chosen resume template or example can clarify formatting choices and give you a head start on language that resonates with recruiters.

You can also use a resume worksheet to brainstorm your experiences before building your final version. Starter versions of your resume can be refined using optional category examples from these resources.

Don't forget cover letters. Matching your resume with a polished cover letter reinforces your professionalism. Our library includes relevant links to curated templates.

Avoiding common resume mistakes

Even a well-written resume can fall flat if it’s plagued by avoidable errors. These mistakes can cause confusion, waste valuable space, or signal a lack of attention to detail. Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to include.

By sidestepping these common resume pitfalls, you’ll create a more focused, polished document that represents you in the best light possible. With all major sections now covered, you're equipped to build a standout resume.

Conclusion

A well-crafted resume is more than a summary of your job history—it's a strategic document that markets your strengths and aligns them with an employer's needs. From choosing the right resume format to fine-tuning your resume keywords, every detail matters.

Highlight accomplishments, tailor each application, and maintain an ATS-friendly layout to rise above the competition.

Finally, don’t let your hard work be undone by careless mistakes. Take the time to proofread, refine, and present your resume as a professional asset.

Want a smarter way to apply these resume-building tips? Try our free AI Resume Builder and create a job-winning resume in minutes.