Most resumes are rejected in seconds, and usually for avoidable reasons. This page covers how a recruiter actually reads a resume and what to fix before you send yours.
How a recruiter reads your resume
A first pass takes well under a minute. In that time the reader is checking three things: do you have the required skills, is there evidence you have used them, and is anything obviously wrong.
Everything that follows is about making those three answers easy to find.
Golden rules of resume writing
- Tailor it to the role. Match the vocabulary of the job description where it honestly applies.
- Lead with evidence. Projects and outcomes beat adjectives. “Built an inventory system used by 40 staff” beats “hardworking”.
- Quantify where you can. Numbers give claims weight.
- Keep it to one page as a fresher.
- Proofread twice, then have someone else read it. Spelling errors suggest carelessness about detail.
Writing bullet points that work
Start with an action verb, say what you did, and finish with the result:
- Weak: “Was responsible for the database.”
- Better: “Designed and maintained a MySQL database of 5,000 student records, cutting report generation time from hours to minutes.”
What to leave out
- Marital status, religion, and other details irrelevant to the work.
- A photograph, unless specifically requested.
- Reasons for leaving previous roles.
- Salary expectations, unless asked.
- Every subject you have ever studied.
- Skills you cannot discuss confidently in an interview.
Before you send it
- Read it aloud — awkward phrasing is easier to hear than to see.
- Check every date and number.
- Confirm your phone number and email are correct.
- Export to PDF and open it to check the layout held.
- Name the file with your own name, not “resume-final-2.pdf”.
Frequently asked questions
What are the golden rules of resume writing?
Tailor it to the role, lead with evidence rather than adjectives, quantify results, keep it to one page as a fresher, and proofread carefully.
Should I use a template?
A simple template is fine. Avoid heavily designed ones — automated screening systems often cannot read multi-column or graphic-heavy layouts.
How often should I update my resume?
After every project, certification or role change, while the details are fresh.