AI Adviser

Resume Best Practices for 2025

Learn the latest resume best practices for 2025 to help you stand out in a competitive job market. Expert tips, examples, and guidance for creating a modern, effective resume.

Key Resume Trends for 2025

ATS Optimization is Non-Negotiable

With over 99% of Fortune 500 companies using Applicant Tracking Systems, optimizing your resume for ATS has become essential. Use industry-standard section headings and incorporate relevant keywords from the job description.

Hybrid Skills Take Center Stage

Employers in 2025 value candidates who demonstrate both technical expertise and soft skills. Highlight your ability to combine technical proficiency with communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Data-Driven Achievements

Quantify your accomplishments with specific metrics and results. Use numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts to demonstrate your impact and value to potential employers.

Optimal Resume Structure

  1. 1. Contact Information & Personal Brand

    Include your name, phone, professional email, LinkedIn URL, and optional portfolio/GitHub links. Consider adding a personal branding statement that succinctly communicates your professional identity.

  2. 2. Professional Summary

    Craft a 3-4 line summary highlighting your expertise, key skills, and career achievements. Tailor this section to each job application by incorporating relevant keywords.

  3. 3. Core Skills & Competencies

    List 8-12 relevant skills organized by category (technical, soft, industry-specific). This section is crucial for ATS optimization and quick skill scanning by recruiters.

  4. 4. Professional Experience

    Present your work history in reverse chronological order. For each position, include company name, title, dates, and 3-5 achievement-focused bullet points using the PAR (Problem-Action-Result) format.

  5. 5. Education & Certifications

    List degrees, certifications, and relevant continuing education. For recent graduates, this section may appear before work experience.

ATS Optimization Strategies

Use Standard Section Headings

Stick to conventional section titles like "Experience," "Education," and "Skills" rather than creative alternatives.

Incorporate Job-Specific Keywords

Analyze the job description and include relevant keywords throughout your resume, especially in your skills section and professional experience.

Avoid Complex Formatting

Use a clean, single-column layout with standard fonts. Avoid text boxes, headers/footers, and complex tables that may confuse ATS software.

Use Both Acronyms and Full Terms

Include both the acronym and spelled-out version of technical terms (e.g., "AI (Artificial Intelligence)") to ensure ATS recognition.

Resume Design Best Practices

Clean, Minimal Design

Embrace white space and a clean layout that guides the reader's eye. Avoid cluttered designs that distract from your content.

Strategic Use of Color

Use 1-2 accent colors to highlight section headings or your name. Stick to professional colors like navy, dark green, or burgundy.

Consistent Typography

Use no more than two font families (one for headings, one for body text). Recommended fonts include Calibri, Arial, Georgia, and Helvetica.

Mobile Optimization

Ensure your resume looks good on mobile devices, as many recruiters review applications on smartphones and tablets.

Final Resume Checklist

  • Limited to 1-2 pages (depending on experience level)
  • Tailored to the specific job and company
  • Free of grammatical errors and typos
  • Achievements quantified with specific metrics
  • Consistent formatting throughout
  • Saved as a PDF with a professional filename
  • Reviewed by a trusted colleague or professional
  • Updated LinkedIn profile that complements your resume