How to Write a Resume That Gets You Interviews

Recruiters spend an average of just 6–7 seconds scanning a resume before deciding to read further. If yours doesn't immediately communicate value, it goes in the rejection pile — no matter how qualified you are. Here's how to write a resume that opens doors.

Start with a strong professional summary

Skip the "Seeking a challenging position in a growth-oriented organisation" cliché. Instead, write a 2–3 line snapshot of who you are professionally. Example: "Digital marketing specialist with 4 years of experience driving 200% organic traffic growth for B2B SaaS companies. Skilled in SEO, content strategy, and paid ads." Specific. Quantifiable. Impactful.

Focus on achievements, not duties

Don't just list what you were responsible for. Show what you accomplished. Compare "Managed social media accounts" with "Grew Instagram following from 2K to 25K in 8 months while reducing ad spend by 30%." Use numbers wherever possible — they jump off the page.

Tailor every resume to the job

One generic resume sent to 50 companies rarely works. Read the job description carefully and mirror the language. If they want "project management skills," use that exact phrase (if true). Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for keywords.

Keep formatting clean and professional

Use a single font. Keep it to one page (or two if you have 10+ years). Avoid photos, fancy graphics, or columns unless you're in a creative field. Save as PDF to preserve formatting. File name: Firstname_Lastname_Resume.pdf — not "final_final_v3.pdf."

Don't forget a strong LinkedIn profile

Your resume gets you the interview; your LinkedIn profile confirms your credibility. Ensure they're consistent. Get recommendations from past colleagues, and have a professional headshot. Recruiters will check.

A great resume doesn't list everything you've ever done — it makes the case for what you can do next. Invest time in it. It's the highest-ROI document you'll ever write.