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Resume Dos and Don’ts: How To Write a Great Resume

Monday, October 18, 2021

Last updated November 14, 2025
 

Resumes are crucial in the world of business. When you’re applying for a job, your resume is often the first thing a potential employer looks at. How you present yourself in your resume could be the difference between landing the job of your dreams and not getting invited in for an interview. So how can you go about grabbing an employer’s attention? Experts at the Carlson Business Career Center shared some dos and don’ts for your next job search.
 

How Can You Create an Effective Resume?

  1. Use Keywords from the Job Posting
    When you’re putting together your resume for a job, pay careful attention to the job postings that interest you. Look for keywords in the job description and include those words—or examples of your experiences in those areas—where relevant in your experience or skills sections.
  2. Highlight Specific Career Accomplishments
    Instead of only listing your job duties in your experience section, highlight some of your major accomplishments, and be specific. Instead of saying you “increased sales,” include by how much and over what time frame. Writing you “increased sales by 33% in the first six months” lets hiring managers know much more about both your experience and your job performance.
  3. Write with Active, Concise Language
    While being specific, be sure to use active language without extraneous words. If your resume is too long or can be hard to read in places, shorten your sentences with more powerful words and ideas that are more concise. Simple sentences with easy-to-understand terms are the way to go.
  4. Proofread Your Resume
    This may seem like a simple step, but giving your resume another look or having a friend read it over can go a long way. An embarrassing typo or mistake could cost you a chance to interview.

Resume Tips — Key Takeaways

  1. Customize your document to show employers exactly why and how you fit their specific role.
  2. Use the same keywords found in the job posting to match your experience with the employer's description.
  3. Use numbers to make your accomplishments real, recognizable, and concrete.

 

What Resume Mistakes Should You Avoid?

  1. Making It Too Long
    Unless you’re at the C-suite level, most resumes should be one or two pages long. Hiring managers may be looking over dozens or even hundreds of resumes for the same position, so write in a concise manner. The strongest resumes are often brief and to the point.
  2. Including Experience That Is Not Relevant
    Unless it’s an entry-level position, there likely is no reason to include your experience as a summer lifeguard. Keep your experience on your resume relevant to the job you’re applying for.
  3. Using Cliche or Jargon
    Unless they’re specifically mentioned in the job description, avoid cliche phrases like “team player” or “detail-oriented.” Many of these types of phrases are overused and ring hollow nowadays.
  4. Listing Your GPA (If Experienced)
    If you have years of experience in your industry, hiring managers likely don’t need this information. Many will only care about your highest level of education and what and where you studied.

By following these dos and don’ts, you can make your resume more focused, easier to read, and better aligned with the role you want. For additional guidance, consider having a trusted colleague review your resume or exploring career services that offer feedback and support.

 

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