What Good Resume Looks Like

So, you’re staring at your resume. Maybe it’s blank, or maybe it’s crammed with every single thing you’ve ever done. Either way, you’re asking yourself, what does a good resume actually look like? Fair question. The answer isn’t as complicated as you might think, but it’s also not as simple as slapping your name on a Word doc and calling it a day.

Let’s start with the basics. A good resume is clean and easy to read. Imagine a hiring manager glancing at it for the first time, they’re not going to read every single word. They’re looking for key information in seconds. If your resume is a wall of text or scattered all over the place, they’ll move on faster than you’d like.

Keep your formatting simple. No crazy fonts, no rainbow colors, no over-designed layouts. I’ve seen resumes that look like wedding invitations, and trust me, they don’t help. Use a standard font like Arial or Calibri, 10, 12 point size. Headers should stand out slightly, but don’t go overboard. And for goodness’ sake, leave some white space. Your resume shouldn’t feel cramped.

Now, what about the content? Focus on what’s relevant. A good resume isn’t about listing every job or task you’ve ever done, it’s about showing what makes you a strong fit for the role you’re after. This means adjusting (ugh, I hate that word, but there’s no avoiding it here) your experience to highlight the skills and achievements that matter most to that specific job. Yes, this takes effort. But it’s worth it.

The bullet points under each job? They’re your proof. Don’t just list responsibilities; show results. Instead of saying “managed social media accounts, ” you could write something like “grew social media following by 35% in six months. ” Numbers and outcomes stand out. They make you look like someone who gets stuff done.

Something else people overlook: order matters. Your most recent and relevant experience should come first. Hiring managers care less about that part-time gig you had 10 years ago than they do about what you’ve done recently. Keep your work experience in reverse-chronological order and don’t be afraid to leave off jobs that just aren’t relevant anymore. No one needs to know you scooped ice cream in high school, unless you’re somehow applying to Ben & Jerry’s.

Let’s talk length. One page is ideal for most people. Two pages can work if you have decades of experience, but even then, only if it’s all relevant. If your resume’s hitting three pages, it’s time to cut. Be brutal. Think "what does this job posting actually care about?" If it doesn’t align, it’s gone.

Now, about that summary section at the top. Some people swear by it. Some skip it entirely. If you’re using one, keep it short, specific, and to the point. No one has time for a vague paragraph about how you’re a "hard-working team player with a passion for growth. " Everyone says that. Instead, say something like, “Marketing professional with six years of experience in digital campaigns and a proven track record of increasing engagement by 40%. ” Clear and straight to the point.

Oh, and don’t forget the basics. Your name, email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile (if it’s up to date). These should be at the top, easy to find. Make sure your contact info is professional. If your email address is still something like "partyanimal92@gmail. com, " it’s time to update.

One more thing I see people mess up all the time, typos. A single typo can ruin a great resume. Seriously, it’s that big of a deal. Proofread it. Then proofread it again. Then have someone else proofread it. Don’t trust spellcheck alone. It won’t catch everything.

At the end of the day, a good resume is all about clarity and relevance. It shows who you are, what you bring, and why you’re the right choice for the job, all without making the hiring manager work too hard to figure it out. Keep it clean, keep it relevant, and keep it proofed. And if it still feels off, maybe step back for a day and try again with fresh eyes. Sometimes a reset can make all the difference.