Guide

How to Write a Resume

Everything you need to write a resume that actually gets interviews — format, sections, keywords, ATS tips, and tailoring for specific roles. Updated for 2026.

What Makes a Resume Get Interviews in 2026

The average job posting receives 250 applications. Only 2% get an interview. The difference isn't experience — it's how clearly your resume communicates that you're qualified for that specific role. Recruiters spend 6–10 seconds scanning a resume. ATS systems filter out 75% before a human ever sees them.

A resume that gets interviews does three things: passes the ATS filter, catches the recruiter's eye in 6 seconds, and convinces the hiring manager to call.

Resume Format: Which One to Use

There are three main resume formats:

• Chronological (reverse-chronological) — lists work experience newest-first. Best for most job seekers with steady work history. The format recruiters expect.
• Functional (skills-based) — leads with skills, buries work history. Often flagged by ATS. Only useful for extreme career gaps or career changes.
• Hybrid (combination) — opens with a skills summary, then detailed experience. Best for career changers or senior professionals.
• For 90% of job seekers, use the reverse-chronological format. It's what ATS systems are built for.

What to Include in Each Resume Section

Every professional resume needs these sections in order:

• Contact info — name, email, phone, LinkedIn, location (city/state only, not full address)
• Professional summary — 2–3 sentences summarising your experience, specialties, and value
• Work experience — reverse-chronological, with 3–5 achievement bullets per role
• Education — degree, institution, graduation year (no GPA unless very recent graduate)
• Skills — technical and soft skills, matched to the job description
• Optional: Certifications, Projects, Volunteer Work, Publications

How to Write Strong Achievement Bullets

Bullets are where most resumes fail. Instead of listing duties, show results:

• Weak: 'Responsible for managing the sales team'
• Strong: 'Led a team of 8 sales reps, growing regional revenue 34% YoY to $4.2M'
• Formula: [Action verb] + [what you did] + [measurable result]
• Use numbers wherever possible — percentages, dollar amounts, team sizes, timeframes
• Start every bullet with a strong past-tense verb: Led, Built, Reduced, Improved, Launched

How to Optimise Your Resume for ATS

Over 98% of large companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Here's how to get through:

• Mirror keywords from the job description — use their exact phrasing
• Use standard section headings: Experience, Education, Skills (not 'My Journey' etc.)
• Avoid tables, columns, text boxes, and graphics — ATS can't read them
• Save as PDF or DOCX (whichever the job posting specifies)
• Include both acronyms and full terms: 'SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)'
• Use Jumproo's free ATS scanner to check your keyword match before applying

Frequently Asked Questions