How to Write a Resume (8 Important Tips)

Let’s be honest — writing a resume and cover letter can feel like applying for a second job before you even get the first. You want to make an impression, stand out, and avoid the black hole of the hiring pile. Whether you’re applying for your first internship or your tenth job, how you present yourself on paper can either open the door or shut it quietly in your face.

But what actually makes a resume and cover letter great? What do hiring managers really want to see?

Let’s break it down with 8 essential resume tips and then go over how to write a smart, effective cover letter that doesn’t sound like AI wrote it in its sleep.

8 Essential Resume Tips You Shouldn’t Ignore

1. Brevity is a virtue
Keep it short. Don’t write a book. Don’t even write a long article. Trim down each section and avoid repeating the same task or skill across roles.

2. Get the good stuff on page one
Hiring managers rarely read past the first page. Think like a Google result — show your best at the top.

3. Say it, don’t abbreviate it
Avoid acronyms like “HRIS” or “EHR” unless you spell them out at least once. Not everyone hiring knows them, even if they sound familiar in your field.

4. Don’t write essays
This isn’t the time for storytelling. Use active phrases and verbs. “Managed 12-person team,” not “I was responsible for a team.”

5. Use bullet points — in moderation
Yes, bullets help make your resume skimmable. But don’t turn it into a dotted jungle. Balance is key.

6. List experiences in reverse
Start with your most recent job, internship, or school experience and work backward. Employers care more about what you did last year than five years ago.

7. Order matters
Generally, go:

• Education
• Licensure/Certifications
• Work Experience
• Volunteer Work or Extras

8. Tailor to the job posting
This is gold. Take language straight from the job ad and mirror it in your resume. If they mention “strategic planning” — and you’ve done it — say it just like that.

How to Write a Strong Cover Letter

Let’s talk about the four-part structure that makes a cover letter actually readable:

1. Your Introduction (The Hook)
Say who you are and why you’re applying. Mention a personal connection if you have one, or why you’re passionate about this company specifically. Show that you’ve done your homework.

Example: “I’m applying for the Project Coordinator role because I admire how your organization blends technology with community outreach…”

2. What You Bring to the Table
Talk about your most relevant experiences. Highlight 1–2 major skills or accomplishments that make you a solid match.

“In my previous role, I led a team of five in launching a regional campaign that increased client retention by 32%.”

3. What You Can Do for Them
Focus on the company now. How will you improve their team, solve their problem, or boost their mission?

“I hope to help streamline your internal workflows by applying my experience in digital operations.”

4. Your Goals and Why This Job Fits Them
End with a personal touch — your career goal or growth path, and how this job fits into that journey.

“I’m looking for a place where I can deepen my experience in public service while contributing to a forward-thinking nonprofit.”

Final Takeaway

Your resume and cover letter are not just about telling what you’ve done — they’re about showing what you can do next. Keep it tight, relevant, and reader-friendly. Avoid fluff. Match the job ad. And always remember:

Hiring managers don’t read — they skim. Make every word count.