How to Write a Resume That Actually Gets Interviews
A good CV / resume is short, easy to scan and clearly answers the job you're applying for. Here's how to build one, section by section.
The structure that works for most roles
How to write bullets that show results
How to tailor it without starting over
First check is free. No account. Your CV / resume isn't stored.
The structure
- Name and contact details: email, phone, city, LinkedIn.
- Headline: the type of role you're targeting.
- Summary: two or three lines about your strongest relevant experience.
- Experience: most recent first, with title, employer, dates and bullets.
- Education and certifications.
- Skills: tools, systems, languages and technical skills.
One page is enough early in your career. Two pages is normal with more experience. Keep the most relevant content on the first page.
Writing strong bullets
Use this pattern: action + what + how / with what + result.
Bullet: before and after
Weaker
Stronger
Only write the stronger version if it's true for you.
- Start with a strong verb: built, led, reduced, launched, trained.
- Add numbers where you can: volumes, sizes, percentages, time saved.
- Keep each bullet to one or two lines.
Tailoring for each job
1. Keep a complete base version
Everything you've done, in one document.
2. Adjust the top for each job
Headline, summary and the first bullets of your most relevant role.
3. Match the wording
Use the ad's terms for experience you really have.
Check your CV / resume against a real job
Once your CV / resume is written, paste it with a job description to see what's missing for that job.
Run a free checkWorks for CVs and resumes in English, German, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian.