A Guide to Writing the Perfect Resume

Your resume is more than just a piece of paper — it's your passport to career opportunities. It’s a concise summary of your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills, designed to grab recruiters’ attention and help you land your dream job.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a resume for a job, create an ATS-friendly resume (or ATS resume), and apply proven CV tips to stand out in a competitive job market.
Start with a Strong Header
Include your full name, contact information, and links to relevant profiles (LinkedIn, portfolio). A clear header helps employers find your details quickly and makes your resume look professional.
Write a Compelling Summary or Objective
This short paragraph is your elevator pitch. Tailor it to highlight your value, especially if you’re writing a first job resume or a resume with no experience. Focus on your skills, education, and motivation to learn.
Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties
Use bullet points to highlight measurable achievements (e.g., "Increased sales by 20%") instead of just listing job responsibilities. This is a key step in building a perfect resume and shows employers the value you bring.
Tailor Your Resume for Each Job
Customisation is key. Match your resume to the job description by highlighting the most relevant skills and experiences. This is crucial when creating a resume with no experience — you can use transferable skills, volunteer work, and projects to show your potential.
Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly
Most employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. To create an ATS-friendly resume or ATS resume:
- Use standard headings like “Work Experience” and “Education.”
- Add job-specific keywords naturally throughout your resume.
- Avoid overly complex designs, graphics, or unusual fonts.
This increases your chances of passing the first digital screening and ensures recruiters actually see your resume.
Highlight Relevant Experience
List your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include company name, job title, dates, and a brief list of achievements.
Showcase Your Education
If you’re a student or applying for your first job, list your education near the top. Include your degree, institution name, graduation date, and any honours, awards, or major projects.
Spotlight Your Skills
Dedicate a section for hard skills (technical expertise) and soft skills (teamwork, communication). This section is especially useful for ATS scanning and helps recruiters quickly see your strengths.
Add Certifications and Training
Certifications and courses (e.g., Google Analytics, PMP, or industry-specific training) help your resume stand out and show commitment to growth.
Keep It Clear and Concise
Recruiters skim resumes in seconds. Keep yours to one or two pages, use consistent formatting, and choose a clean, professional font.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ATS resume?
An ATS resume is designed to pass Applicant Tracking Systems by using a simple layout, standard section headings, and relevant job keywords so it can be read correctly and reach recruiters.
How do I write a resume with no experience?
Focus on education, transferable skills, volunteer work, and school projects. Include a strong summary highlighting your motivation and potential.
How long should my resume be?
For most job seekers, a one-page resume is ideal. Experienced professionals can use up to two pages if necessary.
Should I include hobbies on my resume?
Include hobbies only if they are relevant to the role or demonstrate desirable soft skills, such as leadership, teamwork, or creativity.
Ready to Build Your Perfect Resume?
Your dream job could be just one application away. Start building your perfect, ATS-friendly resume today — tailor it to every job and highlight your unique value to employers.