Resume Do's & Dont's

Resume Do's & Don'ts: How to Craft a Resume That Gets Read

A resume is often your first impression — and in fast-paced hiring environments, you have less than 10 seconds to make it count.

At Pulse HR, we review hundreds of resumes every month. We've seen what works, what gets ignored, and what turns hiring managers off instantly. Here are our essential do's and don'ts to help your resume rise to the top.

✅ Resume Do's

1. Tailor It to the Role

Customize your resume for each job you apply to. Highlight the most relevant skills and experience for that position — not everything you've ever done. Use keywords from the job description where appropriate.

2. Use a Clear, Consistent Format

Keep the layout clean, easy to scan, and professionally styled. Use clear headings, consistent font sizes, and bullet points. Avoid flashy graphics or overly stylized templates unless you're in a design role.

3. Start with a Strong Summary

Open with 2–3 sentences that summarize who you are, what you specialize in, and what value you bring. This sets the tone and makes it easier for the hiring manager to connect the dots.

4. Quantify Your Achievements

Use numbers to show impact. Instead of “Improved social media engagement,” say “Increased Instagram engagement by 48% over 6 months.”

5. Keep It Concise

Stick to one page (two max if you have 5+ years of experience). Every line should add value. Prioritize recent and relevant experience over listing every role you’ve ever had.

6. Use Action Verbs

Start bullet points with strong verbs like "Led," "Developed," "Improved," "Launched," or "Managed." It creates a confident tone and makes your achievements more impactful.

❌ Resume Don’ts

1. Don’t Use Generic Buzzwords

Avoid overused terms like “team player,” “hardworking,” or “go-getter” without context. Instead, demonstrate those traits through your accomplishments.

2. Don’t List Duties — Show Outcomes

Hiring managers know what a marketing coordinator or developer does. Focus on what you achieved, not just what you were responsible for.

3. Don’t Lie or Exaggerate

Honesty matters. If you stretch the truth, it’s likely to come out in interviews — or worse, on the job. Focus on what you actually contributed.

4. Don’t Forget to Proofread

One typo can cost you an interview. Run your resume through a spell-checker and have someone else review it. Attention to detail matters.

5. Don’t Include Irrelevant Info

Skip outdated jobs, high school achievements (unless you’re a recent grad), personal details like age, marital status, or a photo (unless the role specifically requires one).

Final Thoughts

A great resume doesn’t need to be flashy — it needs to be clear, relevant, and results-focused. Think of it as a marketing document for your skills. The goal isn’t just to list your experience, but to frame it in a way that makes the hiring manager think: we need to talk to this person.

Need a resume review or feedback from a recruiter? Pulse HR offers resume tips and 1-on-1 coaching to help you land interviews with confidence.