Short Resume Writing Guide

Do you need resume writing instruction?

I have a short tutorial for you, then.

“What should a well-written resume have?” – this is the question I get daily.

Many of you are asking for a template and a piece of specific advice on how to update your resume.

Templates can work if you know your target job (job title), but if you feel lost, it's always best to take a highly personalized and objective approach when writing a resume and working with a professional.

I’ve designed a visual below that, as a guide, will hopefully help you get an idea of what to change in your resume and how to handle all the career information you have.

These tips are general and applicable to a majority of roles and professional levels.

However, some positions (like academic, executive, and VP) need a different approach, and the resume structure would be different.

The most important things to pay attention to:

✅ Your resume must be clear, concise, easy to read and find relevant info.

✅ Always include a professional title under your name—your target role or a more general title (depending on your goal)—so employers won’t have to guess what your profession is.

✅ Keep it short, include bullets, and do not try to list everything you’ve done, your resume shouldn’t look like a novel but like a strategically written tool to get you an interview.

In the end, be honest - does your resume truly represent YOU?

Are you honest about all the info?

If you are fed up (like I am 🙄) with resume “shortcuts” and “tricks” incompetent people preach online, maybe it’s time for a reality check and addressing an interesting trend I’ve noticed lately.

Since the market is tough and we are witnessing many layoffs, some job seekers are embracing the idea of “polishing” their resumes a bit to land an interview.

It goes from exaggerating their skills or experience to straight-up lying on their resumes.

This is never a good idea; no matter how helpless your job search might seem, do not choose to take this route.

And here is why:

❗ Employers will always do a background check, even if it’s after the offer was signed.

❗ You might get an interview, but discovering any misinformation during an interview will cost you your reputation. Employers and recruiters do talk, and they even make notes and lists of undesirable candidates.

So, if you have 2 years of experience, and the job requirement is 3 years, don’t put 3 on your resume just to land an interview.

Be honest about it, reach out to the job poster, and ask if they would consider you (if you meet all other qualification requirements). Sometimes, this requirement is non-negotiable (for whatever reason, the hiring manager wants someone with 3 years of experience for that role), but it also might happen that they will value your honesty and give you a chance.

Here is how to write the most important resume sections: