Resume Format FAQs
Resume tips – and mistakes to avoid – in 2026
A good resume is the key to finding a job. It’s your first impression and determines if you’ll get an interview. In a tight job market, recruiters are often flooded with resumes for every job. If you’re wondering how to get an interview, a great resume is the first step.
Resume FAQs for a modern resume
What does a strong resume really need to include to be noticed?
The most important thing your resume should include are the same words (keywords) that the company used in the job posting. Most companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job listings and applicants. This system pre-screens the applicants to make the hiring process more efficient. To help the hiring manager interview the most qualified candidates, the ATS matches keywords from your resume with keywords in the job description. If your resume doesn’t match the job description, you’re likely to be passed over, even if you might be qualified.
How should my resume be formatted?
Proper formatting is extremely important to getting through ATS review. Use these tips to ensure your resume is understandable by an applicant tracking system:
- Be simple. Applicant tracking systems get “confused” by fancy formatting
- Don’t use images, graphics, tables, or columns
- Don’t use text boxes
- Do use bullet points
- Don’t focus on pretty – ask yourself if someone can scan your resume and have the most important information jump out at them immediately
Do colors, graphics, or creative layouts help or hurt your resume?
Unfortunately, colors, graphics and creative layouts make it harder for the applicant tracking system to understand your resume. When applying online, keep it simple! Basic resume formatting is best.
What type of resume is best – chronological, functional or hybrid?
Although there is a place for all types of resumes, generally a chronological resume is best. It is the easiest for a recruiter to understand. Most recruiters only look at a resume for 5 – 10 seconds before deciding if a candidate is worth further consideration, so anything you can do to make your resume easy to scan and understand is important.
How should I explain a gap in my resume?
Many people have gaps in their resume. The best way to deal with a gap in your employment is to list the time you were out of work within your employment timeline and explain what you were doing. You don’t need to provide a lot of detail, but if, for example, you took time off to care for a family member, the recruiter will understand.
How long should a resume be?
The right length for a resume really depends on how much work experience you have. Anyone over the age of 40 will probably struggle to create a one-page resume. In that case, two pages are fine. However, you generally don’t want your resume to be longer than two pages. A resume isn’t a laundry list of everything you’ve done; it’s a highlight of your career accomplishments.
How much work history should be on a resume?
You only need to list the last 10 – 15 years of work history with detail on your resume. If your career spans more than 10 – 15 years, you can add a section for relevant work history without a lot of detail and then mention the additional work experience in your cover letter.
How should I include my education on my resume?
It is very important to mention your education on your resume. When listing your education, be clear about what was achieved. If you took college classes but did not finish the degree, list it as credits towards a degree. For example, you could say, “Completed 64 credits towards a Business Administration degree.”
Are there things people think should be included on a resume – but actually shouldn’t?
You do not need to include anything personal on your resume. You should not list your date of birth, social security number, or hobbies. You should include your phone number and the city where you live, but you do not need your exact street address. You can also remove references or “references available upon request” from your resume.
How much does spelling, formatting and grammar really affect hiring decisions?
Spelling, grammar and punctuation matter very much. Your resume will probably not get past the ATS with typos and if it somehow does, it’s likely to be rejected by the recruiter. Be sure to ask someone you trust to review your resume or stop by a Goodwill Workforce Connection Center. We’re here to help!
How should someone switching careers write a resume?
It can be a lot harder to write a resume when you are changing jobs because you need to show the recruiter that you are capable of a job without having direct experience in that field – yet. The best solution is to build your resume around transferable job skills. It’s also very important to make sure your resume is tailored to the job you’re looking at. This can be challenging to do for yourself. The career specialists at any Goodwill Workforce Connection Center can help you figure out how to describe your skills and experiences in a way that will demonstrate your abilities in your new field.
What advice would you give to someone who feels overwhelmed or discouraged by their job search?
First of all, know it’s not you. Many people are having a difficult time finding a job. I always encourage people to keep networking and keep learning. There are many free courses offered through public libraries and other online resources. Goodwill Workforce Connection Centers offer StrengthsFinder Workshops, which can help you better identify and explain how your natural talents can benefit a potential employer. StrengthsFinder workshops are free and offered regularly at public locations, such as libraries. Check the events page on our website to see if there’s a workshop scheduled near you.
Where should job seekers go to get hands-on resume help right now?
Goodwill Workforce Connection Centers offer free, hands-on, personalized advice for job seekers in the greater Milwaukee and Chicago areas. Whether you are looking for your first job, trying to change jobs, rejoining the workforce after retiring, or trying to get back to work after a layoff, we’re here for you!