Your resume is often the first thing recruiters see. It’s your chance to make a good impression and open doors. Keep it concise, ideally one page. Only stretch to two if you have a ton of relevant experience.

Focus on key achievements. Use metrics where possible: ‘increased system efficiency by 30%’ is more impactful than just saying ‘optimized the system’. This shows you can add tangible value. List technologies you’ve used, but don’t just name-drop them. Add context. For example, instead of saying ‘used Python’, say ‘developed a data processing tool in Python that reduced load times by 25%’.

Tailor your resume for each job application. Generic resumes blend in with the crowd. Look at the job description and match your skills and experiences to the required qualifications. That might mean emphasizing certain projects over others, or even tweaking your job titles if your roles are a bit informal. Just be honest about your experience.

Consider the layout. Clean, easy-to-read formats are best. I’ve seen too many resumes that are cramped or full of unusual fonts. Stick to standard sections: summary, skills, experience, education. Add a personal project section if relevant—employers love seeing passion projects.

Finally, keep updating it. Every time you finish a project or learn a new tool, add it. It’s easier to maintain when your resume is fresh. I’ve found it really helps when it’s time to apply for new roles.