What Makes a Good Resume in 2025?

Your resume is your personal billboard. In today's hyper-competitive job market (helloooo AI screening and 3-second skims), having a sharp, well-crafted resume isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re a recent grad, career switcher, or seasoned pro, your resume needs to instantly show hiring managers why you are the person they need to call.

At US Enhanced Personnel, we’re all about helping candidates put their best (and most relevant) foot forward.

Here’s your 2025-ready playbook:

Step 1: Know What It’s Really For

Your resume is not a life story. It’s a marketing tool. The goal? Make the hiring manager say, "We need to talk to this person." Prioritize what’s most relevant to this job. Assume you’ve got 7 seconds to wow them: make them count.
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Step 2: Pick the Right Format (for you)

Chronological

• Best if you have a steady work history in the same field.
• ATS-friendly, clear career progression
• Not ideal for career changers or employment gaps
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Functional

• Focuses on skills vs. timeline.
• Great for career pivots or gaps
• Can confuse recruiters, not ideal for ATS

Hybrid (Our top pick for 2025!)

• Combines the best of both—skills and experience
• Customizable, strategic, and impressive when done right
• Harder to write; avoid if you’re entry-level or all over the map

Step 3: Customize for Every Role

You know what doesn’t work? One-size-fits-all resumes. Hiring teams can spot them instantly.

• Use keywords from the job description.
• Mirror the language and skills they prioritize.
• Highlight only the most relevant wins.
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Step 4: Write a Bangin’ Summary

Ditch the generic “results-driven professional” fluff. Instead, give us 3-4 punchy lines that tell your story:

• Who you are professionally
• What you’re great at
• A key win or trait that’s hard to ignore
• Why you’re excited about this role or industry

Step 5: Show Your Results, Not Just Your Duties

A great resume says, "Here’s how I made a difference."

• Use action verbs + data: “Increased retention by 20% through revamped onboarding.”
• Think impact, not job description.
• Awards, promotions, glowing metrics? Show them off.
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Step 6: Keep It Clear and Concise

• Use bullets, not paragraphs.
• Avoid jargon unless it's industry-specific and necessary.
• Stick to one page unless you’ve got 10+ years of super relevant experience.

Step 7: Proof It Like a Pro

• No typos. No wonky formatting. No inconsistencies.
• Read it out loud.
• Use tools like Grammarly.
• Ask a friend (or us!) to give it a once-over.

Your resume opens the door, but your brand keeps it open. Keep your LinkedIn polished, your network active, and your skills evolving. A resume is your ticket in—but if you want the VIP lounge, bring strategy, clarity, and a little bit of swagger.
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Want feedback from real recruiters (not robots)? Reach out to US Enhanced Personnel. We’d love to help you level up.

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