When you\u2019re job hunting, your resume is often the first (and sometimes only) impression a hiring manager will get of you. I\u2019ve read hundreds of them over the years, and let me tell you, every resume tells a story, not just about someone\u2019s career path, but about how they think, organise information, and present themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A strong resume isn\u2019t just about getting your foot in the door for that first interview. It\u2019s about giving the reader confidence that you can communicate clearly and get your point across, something every employer values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best part? You don\u2019t need fancy templates or buzzwords that sound like they were pulled from a corporate dictionary. The secret to a good resume is simple: clarity, professionalism and impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And these basics never go out of style. Whether you\u2019re a fresh graduate figuring out how to describe your internship experience, or a mid-career professional trying to condense a decade of work into two pages, the same rules apply. Think of them as the 10 commandments<\/em> of writing a great resume \u2014 timeless principles that, when followed, will always help you stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019ve seen resumes that run three, four, even five pages long. I\u2019ll be honest: I lose interest immediately after the first page. Hiring managers don\u2019t have time to read essays. Your resume should highlight your most relevant roles and achievements, no more. The best way to summarise is with numbers that show measurable impact. For example: \u201cReduced reporting time by 35% through automation\u201d tells me a lot in one line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless you\u2019re applying for a modeling or acting job, there is no reason to put a photo of yourself on your resume. Hiring decisions should be based on skills and experience, not appearance. Adding a photo risks creating bias\u2014and not the good kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We live in a digital-first world, and your online presence is part of your professional story. If you\u2019re sending your resume, make sure to include a link to your LinkedIn profile. Why? Because hiring managers will look you up anyway. You might as well guide them to the right page, the one that shows your professional photo, career milestones, and maybe even a few recommendations or endorsements from people you\u2019ve worked with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A resume sent as a Word file comes across as unpolished and careless. Word documents can look different depending on the device or Word version used, and they also raise unnecessary security concerns. PDF is the professional standard; it is clean, consistent, and final.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Formatting and brevity matter. A cluttered layout or sloppy spelling signals a lack of attention to detail. I\u2019ve been genuinely puzzled to receive resumes riddled with spelling mistakes, when proofreading is such an easy win. Clean design, consistent fonts, and bullet points that highlight achievements make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The email you send with your resume is part of your application. Write it properly. I once received an email with the candidate\u2019s resume in which the individual wrote \u201cPls\u201d instead of \u201cplease,\u201d not once but repeatedly. It might sound minor, but to a hiring manager, it signals carelessness and complacency. A short, polite email written in complete sentences will always leave a better impression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your resume should focus on the roles most relevant to the job you want now. Listing every job you\u2019ve ever done dilutes your story. Instead, highlight what you achieved and back it up with metrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n No to \u201cWorked in customer service for three years\u201d Objective statements like \u201cSeeking a role to grow my skills and contribute to company success\u201d waste space. Employers already know your objective is to get the job. Use that space for a short professional summary that showcases achievements, ideally with numbers: \u201cMarketing professional with 7 years\u2019 experience leading campaigns that grew lead generation by 40% year-on-year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHardworking,\u201d \u201cteam player,\u201d \u201cresults-oriented\u201d\u2014these mean little without evidence. Instead of empty adjectives, show the results. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n No to \u201cExcellent sales skills\u201d A resume should focus on professional experience, but a short line on interests can make you more relatable and create interview talking points. Running, cooking, photography\u2014these details can spark connections and humanise your application. Keep it short, though; it should be one line, not a hobby essay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your resume is the foundation of every job application. Whether you\u2019re fresh out of school or already a few promotions in, the basics don\u2019t change: keep it concise, proofread carefully, and highlight achievements that show real, measurable impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve gained a few years of experience, employers expect more than just a list of duties. They want to see a polished, results-driven document that reflects your value, and yes, they\u2019ll assume the care you put into your resume is the same care you\u2019ll bring to your work. Meeting that standard isn\u2019t optional anymore; it\u2019s the baseline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Think of your resume as something you actively manage, not a file that collects dust until you need it. Update it after every major project or milestone so you\u2019re not scrambling when the right opportunity appears. And don\u2019t send out the same version to every employer, tailor it to each role, emphasising the skills and results that matter most to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A well-maintained resume does more than get you noticed. It reminds you of how far you\u2019ve come, and keeps you ready for whatever comes next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n#1 Keep It to One Page<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#2 Don\u2019t Include a Photo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#3 Always Hyperlink Your LinkedIn Profile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
#4 Never Send a Word Document<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#5 Get the Basics Right: Formatting and Spelling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#6 Don\u2019t Get Casual in Your Email<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#7 Don\u2019t List Every Job You\u2019ve Ever Had<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Yes to \u201cResolved 50+ customer queries daily with a 95% satisfaction score\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n#8 Skip the Objective Statement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#9 Avoid Buzzwords Without Proof<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Yes to \u201cClosed $3.2M in new business across 14 accounts in FY2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n#10 Add Interests, But Keep It Brief<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Treat Your Resume Like A Living Document<\/h3>\n\n\n\n