Practical, actionable guidance to make your application materials stand out. Learn resume formatting best practices, ATS optimization techniques, and how to tailor your resume for specific job postings. These guides cover everything from writing powerful bullet points and choosing the right resume template to crafting compelling cover letters and elevator pitches that get results.
4 articles in Resume Tips & Guides
![What Skills to Put on a Resume [2026 Guide + Examples]](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fresume-examples%2Fmilitary-to-civilian-resume-example.png&w=1920&q=75)
Skills on a resume should be listed in a dedicated skills section near the top of your resume, organized by category (technical, leadership, etc.), and tailored to match the job description. Include 8-12 relevant skills that demonstrate your qualifications for the specific position.
The work experience section lists your employment history in reverse chronological order, highlighting relevant job titles, employers, dates, and quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your value to potential employers. This section typically comprises 60-70% of your resume content and serves as proof of your capabilities.
A professional summary is a 3-5 sentence paragraph at the top of your resume that highlights your most relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Think of it as your "elevator pitch" in written form—it's the first thing hiring managers read, and it can determine whether they continue reading or move on to the next candidate.
You can know if your resume matches job qualifications by using ATS scanning tools, conducting a manual keyword comparison, checking for qualification alignment, and analyzing the match percentage, ideally aiming for 70-80% compatibility between your resume and the job description.
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