How to Write a Resume in 2026 | Step-by-Step Guide + Examples

Writing a resume that gets you hired requires more than listing your job history. The best resumes in 2026 are ATS-optimized, achievement-focused, and tailored to each job. With 98% of Fortune 500 companies using Applicant Tracking Systems to screen candidates, your resume must be strategically crafted to pass automated filters before a human ever sees it.

75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before reaching a recruiter, and hiring managers spend an average of just 7.4 seconds reviewing each resume that does get through.

Source: Jobscan 2025 State of the Job Search Report

This guide will walk you through the 8 essential steps to create a resume that beats the bots and impresses hiring managers. Whether you're a recent graduate or seasoned professional, these strategies work across all industries.

Step 1: Choose the Right Resume Format

The reverse-chronological format is the gold standard for 2026. This format lists your work experience starting with your most recent position, which ATS systems are specifically designed to parse. Recruiters also prefer it because it clearly shows career progression.

The three main resume formats are:

*Reverse-Chronological (Recommended): Lists jobs from newest to oldest. Best for most job seekers with consistent work history.
*Functional: Focuses on skills rather than work history. Use with caution as recruiters often distrust this format.
*Hybrid/Combination: Blends skills and chronological elements. Good for career changers with relevant transferable skills.

Pro Tip

Stick with reverse-chronological unless you're making a major career change. It's the most ATS-friendly format and what 90% of recruiters expect to see.

Step 2: Write a Compelling Professional Summary

Your professional summary is prime real estate. ATS systems weight this section heavily because it contains concentrated keywords and qualifications. Think of it as a 3-4 line elevator pitch that immediately communicates who you are, what value you bring, and why you're qualified.

A strong summary includes your job title, years of experience, key skills, and a notable achievement. Avoid generic statements like 'hard-working professional seeking opportunities' - instead, lead with specific, quantifiable value.

Results-driven Software Engineer with 5+ years of experience building scalable web applications. Led development of microservices architecture that reduced system latency by 40%. Proficient in React, Node.js, and AWS.

Step 3: Optimize for ATS with Strategic Keywords

Over 75% of recruiters use keyword filters to sort applicants. If your resume doesn't contain the right keywords, it won't make it past the ATS - no matter how qualified you are. The solution is to mirror the language in the job description.

99.7% of recruiters use keyword filters in their ATS to prioritize applicants.

Source: Jobscan State of the Job Search 2025

How to optimize for ATS:

*Use exact phrases from the job posting - if they say 'project management,' don't write 'initiative leadership'
*Include both acronyms and full terms (e.g., 'Search Engine Optimization (SEO)')
*Match the job title exactly in your summary or experience section
*Use standard section headings like 'Work Experience' and 'Education'
*Avoid tables, graphics, and unusual formatting that ATS can't parse

Step 4: Quantify Your Achievements

The biggest mistake job seekers make is listing responsibilities instead of achievements. Hiring managers don't care what you were supposed to do - they want to know what you actually accomplished. Transform every bullet point into a results-focused statement with specific numbers.

Before and after examples:

*Before: 'Responsible for sales' → After: 'Generated $1.2M in annual revenue, exceeding quota by 125%'
*Before: 'Managed social media' → After: 'Grew Instagram following from 5K to 50K in 6 months, increasing engagement by 200%'
*Before: 'Improved processes' → After: 'Reduced month-end close time from 15 days to 9 days through automation'

Pro Tip

Use the formula: Action Verb + Task + Result. Start bullets with strong verbs like 'Increased,' 'Developed,' 'Led,' 'Reduced,' or 'Generated.'

Step 5: Highlight In-Demand Skills

Skills-first hiring is now the standard, with 45% of job postings prioritizing skills over degrees. Your skills section should include a mix of hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal qualities) relevant to the role.

AI literacy is the #1 fastest-growing skill according to LinkedIn's 2025 Skills on the Rise report, with 70% of job requirements expected to change in the coming years.

Source: LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report 2025

Top skills employers want in 2026:

*AI Literacy - Understanding how to use AI tools effectively (even in non-tech roles)
*Analytical Thinking - Problem-solving from multiple angles with logical solutions
*Communication - Clear writing and articulation in digital environments
*Adaptability - Flexibility to learn new skills and pivot when needed
*Data Analysis - Making data-informed decisions

Step 6: Include Relevant Certifications and Education

Employers increasingly value continuous learning over traditional degrees. Online certifications, bootcamps, and industry courses show commitment to growth. List your highest degree, but also highlight relevant certifications that match the job requirements.

For your education section, include school name, degree, field of study, and graduation year. If you graduated more than 10 years ago, you can omit the year to avoid potential age bias.

Step 7: Keep It Clean and Scannable

With only 7.4 seconds of recruiter attention, your resume must be instantly scannable. Use a clean, minimalistic design with plenty of white space. Stick to professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Georgia in 10-12pt size.

Formatting best practices:

*One page for most candidates (two pages acceptable for 10+ years experience)
*0.5-1 inch margins on all sides
*Consistent formatting throughout (same bullet style, date format, etc.)
*Clear section headers that are easy to scan
*PDF format to preserve formatting (unless the employer requests .docx)

Step 8: Tailor for Each Application

Never send the same resume twice. Each application should be customized to match the specific job posting. Reorder your skills to prioritize what the employer wants, adjust your summary to address their needs, and include keywords from the job description.

Candidates who tailor their resume for each application are 50% more likely to get an interview than those who use a generic resume.

Source: CareerBuilder Survey 2024

Pro Tip

Create a master resume with all your experience, then trim it down for each application. This ensures you always have relevant content to pull from.

Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Don't make these errors:

*Including an objective statement (use a professional summary instead)
*Adding 'References available upon request' (it's assumed and wastes space)
*Using personal pronouns like 'I' or 'my'
*Including personal information like age, marital status, or photo (in the US)
*Using AI to write your entire resume without editing for authenticity - 53% of hiring managers flag AI-generated content as a red flag

How long should my resume be?

One page is ideal for most job seekers. If you have 10+ years of relevant experience or are in academia, two pages is acceptable. Never exceed two pages unless you're applying for a federal position.

Should I include a photo on my resume?

In the United States, no. Photos can lead to unconscious bias and are not expected. However, in some European and Asian countries, photos are standard - research local norms if applying internationally.

What file format should I use?

PDF is preferred because it preserves formatting across all devices. However, some older ATS systems prefer .docx - check the job posting for specific instructions.