Lead with outcomes, not duties
The fastest way to sound like everyone else is to list responsibilities. The fastest way to stand out is to show results. Rewrite every bullet to answer: what changed because I did this?
- Weak: "Responsible for managing the company's social media accounts."
- Strong: "Grew Instagram following from 4k to 31k in 9 months, driving 18% of new sign-ups."
If you don't have exact numbers, estimate honestly with ranges — "roughly 20%", "about 50 customers a week". Specificity reads as competence.
Use the X-Y-Z formula
Google's own recruiting advice is a useful template for bullets: "Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y] by doing [Z]." It forces a result, a metric, and a method into every line.
Start each bullet with a strong past-tense verb — Led, Built, Cut, Launched, Shipped, Negotiated — not "Responsible for" or "Helped with".
Keep the format ATS-safe
Most resumes are read by software before a human ever sees them. Tables, text boxes, columns, and graphics can scramble in parsing and get you auto-rejected.
- Use a single-column layout with standard section headings.
- Save and send as a PDF with selectable text, not an image.
- Match keywords from the job description — in your own words, truthfully.
NavPeer Resume templates are built single-column and ATS-tested, so you get a clean parse without thinking about it.
Cut it to one page (usually)
If you have under 10 years of experience, aim for one page. Senior and academic roles can justify two. Every line should earn its place — remove anything that doesn't help you get this specific job.