Looking for a zero-cost way to supercharge your application fast? I got you.

Here are 5 must-haves to ensure an impactful résumé:

Keep reading below for tips on how to make LinkedIn work for you.

Formatting

Your résumé is your first impression; if everything communicates, this should tell the reader how you tackle your work - organized with close attention to detail!

Clean up your headings, bullet points, and fonts to make information easily skimmable and easy to read. Keep this formatting consistent throughout the entire document, and do your best to keep your most recent experience (up to 10 years) on page one.

Summary

This short, engaging paragraph should be right at the top and highlight the essential skills, unique qualifications, and stellar experiences you’re most proud of. Think of this as your written elevator pitch, allowing you to make a solid impact on your reader right off the bat. After you hook ‘em, keep it at about 15 seconds of read time.

You may be wondering if this is the same as an Objective Statement, and the answer is a resounding “no!” Objectives are no longer useful (surprise!). The recruiter knows you’re looking to land this job because you’ve just applied! Put this energy back into crafting an intoxicating elevator pitch summary.

Core Skills

After your summary, round up a dedicated section to showcase your most applicable skills aligned to the role. This is where many of your keywords can sit (to target for the ATS), so do your research before each application!

Tip: Don’t overload this section. It can quickly look like keyword stuffing. You want to pick out a max of eight competencies aligned specifically between your experience and words/phrases in the job description. Pair two similar or congruent skills on one line, then put the list into two columns. This will save you space on the rest of the document and still pass through the ATS.

For more about keyword targeting for applicant tracking systems (ATS), head to the Remind Me… What’s an ATS? post to learn more.

Professional Experience

Yes! Then, you should jump right into all of your stellar accomplishments. This should be no more than 25% down the page and in reverse chronological order (please!).

Include job titles, companies, locations, and employment dates. The corresponding bullets below each role should clearly and concisely highlight your achievements, responsibilities, and impact on each organization.

Need a little help knowing what stays and what goes? Think the bullets are a little too vague or a little too wordy? Sign up for a Résumé Upgrade and LinkedIn Review, and we’ll tackle it together!

Education and Certifications

Include your degree(s) earned - I don’t suggest including incomplete coursework - and certifications, including the institution and date of completion for each one. Like your professional experience section, list these in reverse chronological order.

As a standard, I only include major certifications where you get some initials behind your name (like PMP). Other continuous learning from places like LinkedIn Learning and Google will live happily in the corresponding LinkedIn section (more on that below!).

If you want more direction on how to format, keep your bullets short and sweet, and even structure those bullets, sign up for my Free Résumé Guide!

These recommendations will give you an ATS-friendly résumé checklist you can use to upgrade your résumé in under an hour.

6 Additional Sections MADE for LinkedIn

Did you know each Résumé Upgrade comes with a full individualized LinkedIn report, measured against the ATS? YES! It’s time to get you ready for the next big thing…

Here’s to making the most out of every resource you have,

🥂 nicole:)