What do recruiters actually look for?

Recruiters skim, they do not read. The first pass typically takes only six to eight seconds. In that time they are checking three things: does your job title and experience match the role, do you have the key skills listed in the posting, and are there concrete results that prove you are good. Make those three things impossible to miss.

How do I structure a resume that gets read?

  • Header: name, the role you are targeting, and contact details, including a LinkedIn or portfolio link.
  • Summary: two or three lines stating who you are and the value you bring, tailored to the job.
  • Experience: your roles in reverse order, each with a few bullet points focused on results.
  • Skills: the hard skills relevant to the role, mirroring the words in the job posting.
  • Education and extras: kept short unless you are early in your career.

You can build a clean, correctly structured resume in minutes with our free Resume Builder.

Why should I focus on achievements, not duties?

Anyone in your role had the same duties; what sets you apart is what you achieved. Compare these two bullets:

  • Weak: Responsible for managing social media accounts.
  • Strong: Grew Instagram following from 2,000 to 18,000 in eight months, driving a 25 percent rise in web traffic.

The second works because it is specific, measurable, and tied to a business outcome. Wherever you can, attach a number: a percentage, a dollar figure, time saved, or headcount managed.

How do I get past the applicant tracking system?

Most companies filter resumes with software, called an applicant tracking system, before a human sees them. To pass:

  • Use the exact keywords and skills from the job posting.
  • Stick to a simple, single-column layout with standard headings. Avoid tables, images, and text boxes that confuse parsers.
  • Save as a PDF unless the posting asks for a Word document.

How long should a resume be?

One page if you have under ten years of experience, two pages at most for senior roles. Recruiters value sharp and relevant over long and complete, so cut anything that does not help you win this specific job.

Should I tailor my resume for every job?

Yes, and it is the single highest-return habit in a job search. You do not rewrite it each time; you adjust the summary, reorder bullets, and match the skills to each posting. A tailored resume can double your response rate compared with a generic one. Pair it with a tailored cover letter using our Cover Letter Generator.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest resume mistake?

Listing duties instead of results, and sending the same generic resume to every job. Both make you blend in, while specific, tailored achievements make you stand out.

Should I include a photo?

In most English-speaking countries, no. It adds nothing and can introduce bias, so use that space for achievements instead. Norms differ by country, so check local conventions.

Do I need a cover letter?

When the option is offered, yes. A short, tailored cover letter shows genuine interest and can tip a close decision in your favour.

A great resume is not about listing everything you have ever done; it is about proving you can do this one job. Tailor it, quantify your wins, keep it clean, and you will turn far more applications into interviews. Build yours now with the free Resume Builder, then prepare with our guide to common interview questions.