In 2025, landing your dream job has turned into a daunting task. High competition and strict requirements have made it challenging for candidates to get an interview call.
In these circumstances, a well-written resume is the only chance job seekers have to impress the employer.
According to research, hiring managers spend a maximum of 7 seconds scanning a resume!
So to stand out within this extremely short time frame, the need for a strategic and result-driven resume can’t be ignored.
This guide has summarized more than 41 expert resume tips for job seekers. So keep reading to enhance the chances of your next interview call!
Resume Tips From Industry Experts That You Shouldn’t Miss
It takes a lot of effort to create and update a resume. About 20% of the recruiters reject a resume without even reading it completely!
The common reasons for rejections include,
The nuances associated with writing a standout resume make this process an extremely challenging one for candidates.
However, professionals such as a management CV help assist candidates in creating a well-optimized resume.
So whether you choose to take expert assistance or want to craft a resume from scratch, make sure to impress the recruiter.
And if you are wondering what experienced professionals suggest, take a look at the expert resume tips for job seekers below,
1- Keep Your Resume Short
The average length is said to be 489 words. Make sure to keep it clear and concise.
2- Use The Right Font
40% of recruiters get disappointed with difficult-to-read fonts. During CV writing, use fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri for a clean and professional look.
3- Use PDF Format for Your Resume
The PDF format is ATS-friendly, and it keeps your document quality consistent throughout each platform.
4- Tailor Your Resume
63% of the recruiters prefer resumes that are customized. Make sure to add the skills and experiences that the recruiter is looking for.
5- Add A Resume Objective
A compelling resume objective can convince the recruiter to know more about you. Make sure to write something that instantly grabs their attention.
6- Quantify Your Achievements
Numbers do the magic. Improved customer retention rates by 55%. This sentence gives clear evidence of your capabilities.
7- Make Use Of Action Verbs
Recruiters strongly emphasize their usage. “Achieved, developed, improved”. Words like these effectively describe the contribution you made in a job role.
8- Read The Job Description Carefully
An average job description has about 43 keywords! This is the place where you will find keywords for optimizing your resume for ATS. Incorporate them throughout your resume to meet the recruiters’ expectations.
9- Eliminate Buzz Words
“Hardworking,” “Passionate,” and other terms like these are just overused phrases that fail to demonstrate your achievements clearly.
10- Use The Reverse Chronological Order
It is highly recommended by the majority of recruiters because it tells your most recent experience in the industry first.
11- Don’t Add Photos
88% of the resumes have been rejected just because they had a picture! Make sure to only include one when it is required.
12- Use Bullet Points
Paragraphs can block readability and clarity in your resume. Make sure to use bullet points so that it gets easier for the hiring manager to skim your resume.
13- Eliminate Irrelevant Experience
61% of the recruiters focus on reading the experience section first. Don’t add irrelevant experiences that have no connection with the job role.
14- Be consistent
Formatting consistency is one of the most important expert resume tips for job seekers. The same font and style ensure that your resume looks well-organized and professional.
15- Provide Your Contact Information
Write an up-to-date phone number, email address, and your address in the resume header.
16- A Professional Email Is A Must
Casual and unprofessional email addresses get rejected by 35% of the recruiters! So make sure to add a professional email to your resume.
17- Mention Your LinkedIn Profile
Some recruiters double-check the resume with LinkedIn profiles. So don’t forget to add one.
18- Remove Unnecessary Skills
Unrelated skills can occupy space that can be used for something valuable instead. Remove all the basic and outdated skills present on the resume.
19- No Need To Add Personal Details
Personal details on a resume are one of the top reasons they get rejected. No recruiter wants to see your hobbies on a resume.
20- Use Industry Specific Language
Demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in the field. A data analyst would use terms such as” SQL, Python, KPI’s, data visualization”
21- Add Certifications
Professional certifications can add more value to your resume. Don’t forget to list them if you have any.
22- Mention Transferable Skills
Mentioning transferable skills is a must if you are switching careers. It shows how you can thrive in the new role using your prior experience.
23- Focus On Experience
It is ranked as the most significant section by the hiring managers. Make sure to list all your relevant experiences.
24- Add Projects
Mention your volunteer works, certifications, or any projects you have completed if you don’t have sufficient experience in the field.
25- Don’t Share The Expected Pay
Salary negotiations come after the interview process. Don’t add them to your resume.
26- List Promotions
Show your career growth by listing all the positions you were assigned.
27- Share Results
Don’t stick to responsibilities. Discuss the outcomes that you brought in them.
28- Use formal Language
Write in a professional tone. Don’t use emojis or casual sentences.
29- Use Lines
Using thin and clean lines to divide sections can give a professional look while eliminating clutter from the resume.
30- Don’t Use Tables
ATS scanners cannot read the information in tables and boxes. Don’t use them.
31- Use Full Forms Along With Acronyms
Do this to ensure your content gets read by both the ATS and the recruiter. For example, Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
32- Don’t Overstuff The Skill Section
Add a maximum of 15 skills. More than that could overwhelm the employer.
33- Don’t Forget The File Name
Save in an appropriate file name, i.e, John Doe Resume 2025.pdf
34- Get Feedback
Get feedback for your resume from professionals belonging to the same industry.
35- Be Honest
Be transparent while discussing your achievements. Don’t over exaggerate as it can damage your professional image.
36- Keep Your Resume Updated
Regular updates of your achievements always keep your resume prepared for applying instantly.
37- Don’t Hide Career Gaps
There is no need to hide gaps. Mention them and explain them in your cover letter. This shows that you are a credible candidate.
38- Leave Ample White Space
White space is the space between the sections of your resume. Use one-inch margins to ensure readability.
39- Don’t Include Personal Pronouns
The recruiters know your name. There is no need to begin your sentences with a personal pronoun.
40- Proofread The Resume
Go through your resume again to catch errors that you might have overlooked initially.
41- Remove “Reference Available On Request”
This is an outdated phrase that just occupies space. Add some significant achievements instead of this.
Final Word
A great resume is not only about giving a brief overview of your professional capabilities, but something much more! It requires a strategic approach that not only impresses the recruiters but also the very advanced applicant tracking systems as well! So if you are about to write a resume, make sure to follow these expert resume tips for job seekers above to get closer to your next big opportunity.