Let’s be honest—writing a resume can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded while riding a unicycle. I’ve been there, stared at a blank Word document, and thought, “Why did I ever think adulting would be fun?” Anyway, here’s the thing: your resume is basically your first impression, your handshake on paper. Get it right, and doors open. Mess it up, and, well… cue the sad trombone.
Here are 10 resume writing tips that actually make sense, without feeling like a boring lecture. I’ve broken them down, shared some embarrassing fails, and added my two cents where needed.
1. Keep It Simple, Seriously
I remember my first resume—I crammed every single club, award, and weird hobby I had (yes, including my brief obsession with collecting rubber ducks). Big mistake.
- Use clear headings like Experience, Education, Skills.
- Stick to one or two fonts. Comic Sans is a hard no.
- Keep it under two pages. If it’s longer, your reader will just nod off.
Honestly, simplicity is underrated. One recruiter told me, “Your resume should be like a latte—smooth, easy, and wakes me up.” I still think about that every time I tweak mine.
This is a golden resume writing tip: clutter equals confusion.
2. Nail the Contact Section
You’d be surprised how many people mess this up. I once got an email from a candidate that literally said: “Reach me if you feel like it.” No kidding.
- Include name, phone number, email
- Optional: LinkedIn, portfolio, personal website
- Skip unnecessary stuff: marital status, horoscope, pet names (sadly)
Hyper-simple fact: I once accidentally put my childhood AOL email on a resume. Yep, I got one interview and one confused laugh.
3. Start With a Bang: Your Summary
Your summary is like your opening joke in stand-up. It should grab attention, but not weirdly.
- 2–3 sentences max
- Highlight experience, skills, and career goals
- Keep it conversational
Example: “I’ve spent the last 5 years wrestling spreadsheets and managing teams, but I secretly love making PowerPoints look like art. Looking for a role where I can do both.”
This is a classic resume writing tip—stand out without sounding like a robot.
4. Showcase Achievements, Not Just Duties
I learned this the hard way. My first resume said, “Managed team projects.” Yawn.
- Instead, write action + result: “Led a 5-person team to increase sales by 20% in 6 months”
- Use numbers sparingly; focus on impact
- Include quirky wins—like organizing a team lunch that made everyone laugh
Honestly, achievements tell your story. Duties are boring.
5. Tailor Your Resume for Every Job
I used to send the same resume to every job. Rookie mistake. Felt like throwing spaghetti at the wall.
- Read the job description carefully
- Mirror keywords naturally
- Emphasize relevant skills and projects
Funny story: once I applied for a job in marketing with my IT-heavy resume. I didn’t even get a polite rejection.
This is one of those resume writing tips you’ll thank me for later.
6. Skills Matter, But Keep It Real
We’ve all seen “proficient in Microsoft Office” like a million times. Yawn.
- List actual, usable skills
- Include technical skills, soft skills, and hobbies if relevant
- Avoid fluff like “hardworking” or “team player” unless you give proof
I put “expert level sarcasm” once just to see if anyone noticed. They did. No job offer, but hey, points for honesty.
7. Keep Your Formatting Clean
A messy resume is like a messy room. You walk in, trip over stuff, and leave.
- Use bullet points for clarity
- Consistent spacing and alignment is key
- Bold headings, but don’t go wild
Here’s a resume writing tip I follow: if it looks like a ransom note, it’s gotta go.
8. Don’t Forget the Little Stuff
Tiny errors can kill your chances faster than you’d expect. I once submitted a resume with “experiance” instead of experience. Mortifying.
- Check spelling and grammar
- Include dates in a consistent format
- Ensure your email sounds professional (no “partyqueen123”)
Honestly, proofreading is boring, but it saves embarrassment.
9. Add Some Personality
I get it, resumes aren’t supposed to be novels. But a little personality goes a long way.
- Brief anecdotes or quirky achievements can humanize you
- Optional hobbies section: “Avid hiker, occasional baker”
- Keep it professional but real
I once wrote about my love for baking sourdough, and the interviewer actually asked for my recipe. Straight up wild.
10. End Strong: References & Extras
You don’t need references on the resume itself, but have them ready.
- Mention “References available upon request” if you must
- Include certifications, portfolios, or publications if relevant
- Finish with a neat closing line in your summary: confident, humble, and human
Honestly, finishing strong feels like handing in your homework with a flourish.
Bonus Tips From Real Life
- I remember spilling coffee on my resume once. Felt like life was punishing me. Reprint. Lesson learned.
- Keep a master resume you tweak for each job
- Ask friends to proofread. Even better if they have a twisted sense of humor—they’ll catch weird stuff
Odd But True Advice
- Did you know Napoleon reportedly wrote letters that were basically resumes of his battles? True story. Gives a new meaning to “experience counts.”
- Remember House of Leaves? Your resume should intrigue, not terrify.
Wrapping Up
These resume writing tips aren’t magic spells. They’re more like survival tools. Use them, tweak them, laugh at your first attempts.
Writing a resume can feel messy and awkward, but with a bit of humor and some elbow grease, you’ll craft something that actually represents you.
I remember my first “good” resume—I felt unstoppable. Like a kid who finally tied their shoes without tripping. You’ll get there.
Remember:
- Keep it simple, clear, and real
- Tailor every application
- Highlight achievements, not duties
- Proofread obsessively
- Add a pinch of personality
Follow these, sprinkle in your quirks, and you’ll have a winning resume.
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