Start here · Essential guide
Resume Basics for Any Career Stage
A plain overview of what a resume is for, which sections it usually includes, and how to lay it out so a busy reader can find what matters quickly.
Communication
Resumes and Applications
General principles for resumes, cover letters and application materials.
Choosing and Approaching References
How to decide who should vouch for you, how to ask them respectfully, what to give them, and how to thank them whatever the outcome of the application.
Explaining Gaps and Career Changes
How to describe employment breaks and career pivots honestly and briefly on a resume, in a cover letter and in interviews, without over-explaining.
Proofreading Application Documents
A practical checklist for catching typos, inconsistencies and factual slips in your resume, cover letter and forms before you submit them.
Resume Formats Compared
Compare chronological, functional and hybrid resume layouts, with the strengths and drawbacks of each and guidance on which fits your situation.
Tailoring Application Materials to a Role
How to adjust your resume and cover letter for each opening by changing emphasis and wording, while keeping every claim accurate and your own.
Writing a Cover Letter That Adds Something
What a cover letter can say that a resume cannot, how to structure a short and specific letter, and what to leave out so it is worth the reader's time.
Writing Strong Resume Bullet Points
How to turn job duties into clear, accurate resume bullets that show what you did and what resulted, without exaggeration or invented numbers.
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