When it comes to landing interviews and making career moves, your resume is your first impression. But with so much conflicting advice online, it’s no wonder people are searching for resume help more than ever. If you’re trying to get a new job, knowing how to write a strong, tailored resume can make all the difference.
This guide answers the most common questions job seekers ask—from what is a resume to how long should a resume be, and even how to choose the best font for a resume. Whether you’re applying to your first internship or you’re a seasoned professional looking to find new roles, we’ve got you covered.
What Is a Resume?
A resume is a brief, professional summary of your education, experience, and skills. It’s not just a document—it’s a marketing tool designed to show employers why you’re the right fit for the job. While a CV vs resume comparison shows the CV as more detailed (often used in academia or international job markets), most U.S. employers expect a concise, customized resume tailored to the job you’re applying for.
For more information on CVs check out our blog post here.
How Long Should a Resume Be?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions. In most industries, your resume should be one page if you have less than 10 years of experience. Two pages are acceptable if you have more extensive achievements or you’re in a leadership role. If you’re unsure, look at recent resume examples in your field for reference—or let Hello I build a custom resume that meets current standards automatically.
What Are the Best Skills for a Resume?
Employers are looking for both hard and soft skills, so aim for a mix. Some great skills for a resume include:
- Project management
- Communication
- Time management
- Data analysis
- Leadership
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
These can vary depending on your industry. For example, a nursing resume might emphasize patient care and clinical experience, while a medical assistant resume should highlight administrative accuracy and multitasking skills.
Words to Describe Yourself Professionally
Choosing the right words to describe yourself can bring your resume to life. Avoid overused terms like “hardworking” or “team player” unless they’re backed by specific achievements. Instead, try:
- Analytical
- Adaptable
- Strategic
- Innovative
- Reliable
- Detail-oriented
Hello I can even help you generate personalized keywords that match the job description which is perfect for getting past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
What Is the Best Font for a Resume?
Keep it clean and professional. The best fonts for a resume are easy to read both on screen and in print:
- Calibri
- Arial
- Georgia
- Helvetica
- Garamond
Avoid anything too decorative, and make sure your font size is between 10 and 12 points for readability.
Resume Tips for Every Stage of Your Career
Whether you’re building a high school resume template with no formal experience or writing a nursing resume after 10 years in the field, the key is personalization. Every resume should reflect the role you’re applying for.
Here are a few tailored tips and examples:
- High School Resume Template: Focus on school projects, leadership roles, volunteer work, and part-time jobs. Use the same type of information for a college resume template.
- Nursing Resume: Highlight licensure, patient care metrics, and experience in specific departments.
- Medical Assistant Resume: Emphasize EHR software, scheduling systems, clinical support, and bilingual abilities if applicable.
Customize Your Resume for Each Job
Generic resumes don’t cut it anymore. To truly stand out, you need to tailor your resume to every application. This means adjusting your summary, keywords, and skills to align with the job description—especially if you’re trying to find new roles across industries or titles.
Ready for the Perfect Resume?
There’s a lot to consider when crafting the perfect resume—format, content, tone, length, and customization. That’s where Hello I comes in.
Hello I isn’t just a resume builder—it’s your personal resume assistant and career companion. It helps you:
- Get expert resume help
- Choose the best font for a resume
- Highlight the right skills for your resume
- Select the best words to describe yourself
- Build a custom resume for each job
- Answer all your questions like how long should a resume be and what is a resume
Try Hello I for FREE and take the guesswork out of job applications. Build a smarter, more personalized resume—and finally land the interviews you deserve! https://helloi.ai
