HiredMap – AI Resume Builder

A well-crafted resume is your ticket to landing interviews. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create a professional, ATS-friendly resume that gets results.

1. Choose the Right Resume Format

There are three main resume formats to consider:

Chronological: Lists work experience in reverse chronological order. Best for those with steady work history.
Functional: Focuses on skills rather than work history. Good for career changers or those with employment gaps.
Combination: Blends both formats. Ideal for experienced professionals with diverse skills.

2. Include Essential Resume Sections

Every professional resume should include these core sections:

Contact Information

Full name, phone number, email, city/state, and LinkedIn URL

Professional Summary

2-3 sentences highlighting your experience and value proposition

Work Experience

Your relevant job history with achievements and responsibilities

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Skills

Technical and soft skills relevant to your target role

3. Write Compelling Bullet Points

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to write impactful bullet points:

✓ Good Example:

"Increased sales revenue by 35% in Q3 2024 by implementing a new customer outreach strategy"

✗ Bad Example:

"Responsible for sales"

4. Optimize for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)

75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before reaching human eyes. Follow these tips:

• Use standard section headings (e.g., "Work Experience" not "My Journey")
• Include keywords from the job description
• Avoid tables, graphics, and unusual formatting
• Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
• Save as PDF (unless specified otherwise)

5. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job

Don't send the same resume to every employer. Customize your resume by:

• Matching keywords from the job description
• Highlighting relevant experience for that specific role
• Adjusting your professional summary to align with the position
• Reordering skills to prioritize what's most important to the employer

How to Write a Resume: Complete Guide for 2025