Resume Advice Hub
Every resume question answered. From ATS formatting and work history gaps to summary writing and tailoring for specific roles.
What Makes a Resume Work in 2025
The modern job application process is more automated than most candidates realise. Before your resume reaches a human hiring manager, it typically passes through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) — software that scans, scores, and filters applications based on keyword matching, formatting, and structure.
A resume that works in 2025 needs to do two things simultaneously: pass ATS screening by using the right language and structure, and then persuade a human reader with clear evidence of impact and relevance. Most resumes fail at one or both.
The most common resume mistakes
- Using tables, columns, or text boxes. ATS parsers cannot read these layouts reliably. Use a single-column format.
- Listing responsibilities instead of achievements. Hiring managers want to see what you delivered, not what your job description said. Quantify results wherever possible.
- Using one resume for every application. Each role requires a tailored version that mirrors the language in the job posting.
- Including a generic objective statement. Replace it with a professional summary that directly states your value proposition for this specific type of role.
- Wrong file format. Submit as PDF unless the posting specifically requests Word.
The resume sections that matter most
Recruiters spend an average of 7 seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to read it. The sections they look at first are your name and contact, your most recent role and company, and your most recent job title. Your summary, which most candidates write poorly, is often skipped entirely unless the headline and first role already have their attention.
Structure your resume with these sections in order: Professional Summary, Work Experience (reverse chronological), Education, Skills. Optional sections such as certifications, volunteer work, or publications should only appear if they are directly relevant to the target role.
Frequently Asked Resume Questions
How long should my resume be?
One page for 0–5 years of experience. Two pages for 5–15 years. Three pages only for senior executives or academic CVs. The rule is not about length — it is about signal-to-noise ratio. Every line on your resume should earn its place.
Should I include a photo?
In the US, UK, Canada, and Australia: no. Photos open the door to unconscious bias and are considered unprofessional in most anglophone markets. In Germany, France, and parts of Asia, photos may still be expected — research the norms for your specific target market.
How do I handle employment gaps?
Employment gaps are increasingly common and less stigmatised than they were a decade ago. Be honest about gaps, brief in your explanation, and focus on what you did during that time — freelance work, caregiving, education, or skills development all have legitimate value. Never lie about dates.
How many jobs should I include?
Include the last 10–15 years of relevant experience. Earlier roles can be grouped into a single line: “Earlier career: Various roles in X sector (2000–2010), available on request.” Relevance matters more than completeness.
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