Let’s be honest — there are a million articles out there doling out resume advice. So what’s one more? This makes a million and one. If your job search isn’t getting traction, consider refreshing your approach. Does your resume feel like it’s disappearing into a digital black hole? It might be time to update it. We’ve put together a list (not comprehensive) of DO’S and DON’TS when writing a resume. Follow these, and you’ll be ahead of the curve.
✅ DO include basic contact info (but not too much).
First and seemingly the most obvious — the resume should include your full name, phone number, and email. You can also add your physical address. You don’t need to include your full home address, but city and state should be included. We also recommend linking to your LinkedIn profile. If you’re a UX/UI, creative, or content professional, a portfolio link is essential. Developers should include a link to their GitHub. Make it easy for hiring managers to see your work and get in touch.
✅ DO focus on outcomes, not just responsibilities.
Recruiters aren’t interested in reading the same job descriptions over and over. What gets attention is what you accomplished. Don’t just list what you were supposed to do — explain what you achieved. For example, rather than saying “Managed digital marketing campaigns,” say “Increased website traffic by 30% through strategic digital marketing initiatives.”
✅ DO pay attention to formatting.
Send your resume in PDF as a general rule. This format preserves your formatting across devices and platforms. The exception is if you’re submitting your resume to a staffing agency or recruiter for a contract role. In those cases, they often remove your contact details before sending the resume to a client. Sending a Word version saves them a few steps. Only use bold for section headings, job titles, and company names. Use a clean, consistent font and font size throughout (your name can be slightly larger).
❌ DON’T write in first person.
All resumes should be written in third person. Avoid “I,” “we,” “me,” or “our.” Resumes aren’t personal statements — they’re professional overviews. Stick with action-oriented language to show your contributions. For instance, “Led cross-functional team for product launch” is much more effective. It is better than “I led a team to launch a product.”
❌ DON’T include an objective statement.
Listing an objective at the top of your resume is a thing of the past. Employers care about what you can do for them — not what you’re hoping to find. Use that space for a brief professional summary. You can also include a key skills section that aligns with the job you’re applying for.
✅ DO include a section for awards and certifications.
If you’ve earned industry credentials, certifications, or formal accolades, include a section for these near the bottom of your resume. This is especially relevant for roles in technical, regulated, or results-driven industries.
✅ DO keep your resume concise and focused.
Stick to what matters most. Keep your resume focused on your most relevant experience — usually the last 5 to 7 years. Earlier roles can be summarized unless they’re highly relevant. Remember, hiring managers aren’t reading a novel — they’re skimming for value. Keep your resume to 1–2 pages.
✅ DO use action-oriented words.
Every bullet point in your experience section should begin with a strong, active verb:
Spearheaded, led, developed, designed, implemented, increased.
These words show drive, leadership, and impact. Combine action words with real data wherever possible.
✅ DO make it easy to skim.
Write in short paragraphs or, better yet, use bullet points. Make it easy for someone to glance at your resume and quickly find information. Formatting matters here — consistent spacing, easy-to-read fonts, and clear section headings all go a long way. And again — don’t just list your responsibilities. Highlight your actual accomplishments at each job. Explain how you achieved them.
✅ DO use a chronological format (in most cases).
A chronological format is best for most technical, corporate, or leadership resumes. It emphasizes your work history and progression — usually the first things hiring managers look for.
❌ DON’T overuse AI when building a resume.
Use caution when using AI to build your resume. Ensure you have at least 80% of the content drafted before applying AI tools. Always review for accuracy and tone.
Final Thoughts
Your resume is more than just a document — it’s your personal marketing tool. There’s no single formula for the “perfect” resume. However, incorporating these DO’S and DON’TS can dramatically improve your chances of landing an interview. If your resume isn’t bringing results, don’t just rewrite it — rethink it.
And yes, after reading this, feel free to read the other million articles out there. But nail the fundamentals above, and you just might not need to.
By Brent O’Hara – Sr. Recruiter, Intuitive
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