If you’re a student or job seeker working on your resume, you’ve likely heard the phrase “your resume is your first impression.” That’s because it truly is. Employers use resumes to quickly determine whether a candidate is worth interviewing, so writing a great resume is key to moving forward in the hiring process.
Even if you’ve finished a draft, optimizing your resume can significantly improve your results. The good news? Writing or editing a standout resume doesn’t have to take forever. With a few strategic changes, your resume can better reflect your skills, experience, and potential—fast.
Why a Great Resume Matters
A resume isn’t just a document—it’s a marketing tool. It gives hiring managers a snapshot of your qualifications, education, relevant experience, awards, and technical or soft skills. A well-crafted resume highlights your strengths in a clean, clear, and compelling format.
Whether you’re a student applying for internships or a recent graduate entering the workforce, learning how to write a great resume is an investment in your future.
Top 5 Tips on How to Write a Great Resume
1. Lead With the Most Relevant Sections
If you’re still in college or a recent grad, list Education at the top, followed by Relevant Coursework or Relevant Experience. Organize entries in reverse chronological order so your most recent achievements come first. Make sure your resume mirrors the qualifications listed in the job or internship description.
You can also add a Summary of Qualifications or Objective, but only if tailored to the role.
2. Tailor the Resume to Fit the Role
Every resume should be targeted. Read the job description carefully, then restructure your resume to emphasize the most relevant coursework, internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. Use the Title, Organization, Location, and Dates format to organize experience clearly and professionally.
3. Use Bullet Points and Strong Action Verbs
Bullet points improve readability. Start each with an action verb (e.g., led, created, managed, implemented), and avoid using articles like “a,” “an,” or “the.” Each bullet should be concise and measurable where possible.
4. Remove Unnecessary or Irrelevant Details
If a job or activity doesn’t support your current goals, consider omitting it. Use your resume space wisely. Employers care more about relevant experience than a full history. For early career professionals, summer jobs can be helpful—especially if they highlight soft skills like communication or teamwork.
5. Make Sure Your Resume is Flawless
Proofread multiple times and ask someone else to review it. Grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors send the message that you lack attention to detail. A resume filled with typos may not even make it to the interview pile.
Conclusion
Mastering how to write a great resume isn’t just about listing your experience—it’s about strategically showcasing what makes you a top candidate. A well-organized, clean, and relevant resume gets you noticed and brings you one step closer to that interview.
So, once you’ve drafted your resume, don’t stop there. Review, revise, and refine. By putting in the extra effort now, you’ll boost your chances of landing the job or internship you truly want.