10 Things To Do On A Resume: The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Winning CV in 2026

Introduction

A strong resume is more than just a document—it is your personal marketing tool that determines whether you get an interview or get ignored. In today’s competitive job market, recruiters spend an average of 6–10 seconds scanning a resume before deciding if a candidate is worth further attention. This means every word, format choice, and section must work strategically in your favor.

This guide breaks down 10 essential things to do on a resume that will help you stand out, pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and impress hiring managers. Whether you are a fresh graduate, a skilled professional, or switching careers, these techniques will help you build a resume that performs.

Throughout the article, you will also find expert insights, practical examples, and internal resources such as how to write a successful cover letter and professional reference templates to improve your application package. If you need personalized help, our specialists can assist you after registration on our platform Register here.

Table of Contents

• 1. Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description
• 2. Use Keywords for ATS Optimization
• 3. Write a Powerful Professional Summary
• 4. Highlight Achievements Instead of Duties
• 5. Structure Work Experience Effectively
• 6. Quantify Results and Impact
• 7. Build a Strong Skills Section
• 8. Format Your Resume Professionally
• 9. Add Education, Certifications, and References
• 10. Align Resume with Cover Letter Strategy

1. Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description + Use Keywords

One of the most important things to do on a resume is tailoring it to each job application. Generic resumes rarely succeed because they do not reflect the specific needs of employers. Instead, carefully analyze the job description and adjust your content accordingly.

ATS systems scan resumes for relevant keywords. If your resume does not include them, it may never reach a human recruiter. Identify repeated terms like “project management,” “customer service,” or “data analysis,” and integrate them naturally into your experience and skills sections.

Job Description Keyword	Resume Adaptation Example
Team leadership	Led a cross-functional team of 6 members
Sales growth	Increased sales revenue by 25%
Customer support	Handled 100+ customer inquiries daily

For more application strategy insights, explore our guide on writing a successful cover letter, which complements your resume optimization strategy.

2. Write a Powerful Summary and Highlight Achievements

Your resume summary is your elevator pitch. It should immediately communicate your experience, strengths, and value. Avoid vague statements like “hardworking professional” and instead focus on measurable impact.

Achievements should replace generic responsibilities. Employers want to see results, not just tasks. For example, instead of “responsible for sales,” write “increased sales by 30% in 6 months through targeted outreach strategies.”

Weak Statement	Strong Statement
Managed team tasks	Managed a 5-person team and improved productivity by 20%
Handled clients	Managed 40+ client accounts with 95% satisfaction rate

3. Structure Work Experience and Quantify Results

Work experience is the core of your resume. A strong structure includes job title, company name, dates, and bullet points that describe achievements. Avoid listing responsibilities without context.

Quantification is critical. Numbers provide credibility and help recruiters quickly understand your impact.

Before	After Improvement
Improved efficiency	Improved operational efficiency by 18% using workflow automation tools
Worked in sales	Generated $200K in new revenue within 1 year

If you're applying for specialized roles like legal internships, check this legal internship cover letter guide to align your experience effectively.

4. Build Skills Section and Improve Formatting

A well-structured skills section helps both ATS systems and recruiters quickly identify your qualifications. Include both hard skills and soft skills, and ensure they match the job description.

For technical or trade roles, referencing industry-specific skills is essential. For example, see this guide on carpenter skills for resume to understand how niche skills should be presented.

Hard Skills	Soft Skills
Data Analysis, Excel, SQL	Communication, Leadership, Problem-solving

• Use clean fonts like Arial or Calibri
• Keep margins balanced
• Use bullet points instead of paragraphs

5. Education, Certifications, References, and Cover Letter Strategy

Your education and certifications add credibility, especially for entry-level candidates. Include degree name, institution, and graduation year. Certifications should be relevant and up to date.

References should be prepared but not always listed. Instead, use a structured reference template when requested by employers.

Your resume should always work in harmony with your cover letter. Learn how to structure yours effectively with proper cover letter addressing techniques and application letter samples.

Our specialists can help you create a complete job application package. Simply register here to get started. Many candidates see significantly higher interview rates after professional optimization.

Checklist: Resume Optimization

• Tailor resume for each job application
• Use ATS-friendly keywords
• Include measurable achievements
• Keep formatting clean and consistent
• Align resume with cover letter

Checklist: Final Resume Review

• No spelling or grammar errors
• All dates are accurate
• Contact information is updated
• Skills match job requirements
• Document is under 2 pages (ideally)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pro Tips from Experts

Practical Resume Tips

• Use numbers to show achievements
• Customize resume for each employer
• Match keywords from job posting
• Keep formatting simple and readable
• Update resume regularly even when not job hunting

Need professional support? Our experts are available to help you improve your resume and cover letter. Just register on our platform to get personalized assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the most important things to include in a resume?

Contact information, professional summary, work experience, skills, education, and certifications.

2. How long should a resume be?

Ideally 1–2 pages depending on experience level.

3. Should I include a photo on my resume?

Only if required by the employer or industry norms in your country.

4. How do I make my resume ATS-friendly?

Use keywords from the job description and avoid complex formatting.

5. What is the difference between a CV and a resume?

A CV is more detailed and academic; a resume is concise and job-focused.

6. Do I need a cover letter with my resume?

Yes, a strong cover letter increases your chances significantly.

7. How often should I update my resume?

At least every 3–6 months or after major achievements.

8. Can professionals help improve my resume?

Yes, our specialists can help optimize your resume. You can register here to get expert assistance.