How to Make a Resume That Gets You Hired Fast

Your resume is your first impression. In just a few seconds, hiring managers decide whether you’re worth an interview. If your resume doesn’t stand out, you may never get a callback — no matter how qualified you are.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, writing a resume that truly represents your skills can be tricky. That’s why we’ve created this detailed guide to help you build a resume that gets attention and interviews.

1. Start with a Strong Format

Recruiters spend an average of 6–7 seconds scanning each resume. That’s not much time. So your formatting must make it easy to read:

• Use clear headers (Education, Work Experience, Skills, etc.)

• Choose a clean font like Arial or Calibri (size 10–12)

• Use bullet points instead of paragraphs

• Keep it to 1 page for most applicants (2 if you have extensive experience)

💡 Pro tip: If formatting feels like a hassle, use a resume builder. One of the best tools is Resume101, which offers professional templates that HR managers love.

2. Write a Compelling Summary

Your resume summary (or objective) goes at the top and should tell employers who you are and what you bring.

Example (for a marketing specialist):

Creative and data-driven marketing professional with 3+ years of experience in digital campaigns, SEO, and content marketing. Proven ability to boost engagement by 35%.

Avoid buzzwords like “go-getter” or “hard worker.” Focus on concrete results and measurable impact.

3. Focus on Achievements, Not Duties

Hiring managers don’t just want to see what you did — they want to see what you accomplished. Replace vague descriptions with real outcomes:

Instead of:

• Managed social media accounts
  Say:

• Increased Instagram followers by 40% and engagement by 22% in 6 months

Use action verbs like “led,” “developed,” “improved,” “streamlined,” and quantify results whenever possible.

4. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job

Don’t send the same resume everywhere. Always match your resume to the job posting:

• Use the same keywords from the job description

• Highlight experience that directly relates to the role

• Move the most relevant sections to the top

For example, if you’re applying for a software developer role, put your technical skills and projects first.

5. Use Keywords to Beat ATS

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before a human sees them. If your resume lacks the right keywords, it may be rejected automatically.

To beat ATS:

• Mirror the job description

• Use exact job titles, skills, and software names

• Avoid images, fancy formatting, or unusual fonts

Not sure how to do this? Try Resume101’s resume builder — it’s optimized for ATS, saving you hours of guesswork.

6. Highlight Transferable Skills

Even if you’re switching industries or applying for your first job, you have valuable skills. These may include:

• Communication

• Teamwork

• Problem-solving

• Project management

• Time management

List them under a “Skills” section or weave them into your experience.

7. Don’t Forget Soft Skills and Certifications

If you’ve taken online courses, earned certifications, or volunteered, these can strengthen your resume — especially for entry-level positions.

Include:

• Google Analytics or HubSpot certifications

• Languages spoken

• Courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy

• LinkedIn Learning credentials

Adding these shows that you’re committed to learning and growing professionally.

8. Proofread and Get Feedback

One typo can ruin your chances. Always:

• Use a spell checker

• Read it out loud to catch awkward phrasing

• Ask a friend or mentor for a second opinion

Or better yet — use a professional editing service or resume platform that double-checks for grammar and structure issues.

9. Use a Professional Resume Builder (Optional but Powerful)

If you’re short on time or just want a polished, job-ready resume — consider using a tool like Resume101.

Why Resume101?

✅ Templates approved by HR professionals
✅ ATS-friendly formatting
✅ Easy drag-and-drop builder
✅ Free preview before download
✅ Instant resume generation

With Resume101, you can build a resume in 10 minutes — without worrying about layout, keywords, or formatting.

Final Thoughts

Creating a great resume doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on formatting, tailoring your experience, using keywords, and showcasing achievements, you’re already ahead of the curve.

But if you want a shortcut to a professional-looking, high-impact resume, try Resume101. It’s fast, affordable, and designed to help you land interviews — faster.