How to Write a Professional Resume in 2025 (5 Dos and 5 Don’ts)

Writing a resume in the current job market can feel super overwhelming, but it doesn't have to! After years of working remotely, teaching professional development, and writing resumes for clients, I’ve learned what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to creating a polished resume.

In this post, I’m sharing 5 resume dos and 5 don’ts to help you write a confident and effective resume that gets you noticed. And if you’re looking for clear, easy-to-edit resume templates, check out the resume templates on my Stan Store. They're modern, fully editable, and come with free matching cover letter and reference list templates!

5 Resume Dos (What You Should Do)

1. Keep Your Resume to One Page

You might have years and years of great experience (and I bet you do), but your resume doesn’t need to include everything to be effective. Unless you’re applying for an academic or executive-level role, one page is usually enough to showcase your most relevant experience and make a strong impression — especially since hiring managers often skim resumes in seconds.

I’ve only ever used a one-pager because it helps me focus on my top 3 most applicable roles and cut out what isn’t essential. This isn't a strict rule, so if you need more space to showcase your value, go for it. Just make sure every line earns its spot. Remember: you get to share more details during the interview — your resume is just the first step!

2. Include a Summary Section

A short professional summary at the top of your resume quickly explains who you are, the value you bring, and what you’re looking for. Think of this as your quick elevator pitch. In 2–3 sentences, highlight your experience, main skills, and what kind of role or opportunity you're seeking. For example: “Experienced writer and educator with a background in content creation, professional development, and teaching. Seeking remote opportunities in writing, education, and digital content strategy."

3. Use a Professional Email and File Name

Always use a professional email address (preferably your name), and avoid old or overly casual emails like “travellover22@email.com”. On top of this, when saving your resume, name the file something like: Firstname-Lastname-Resume.pdf. This looks more professional, and when you attach your resume to an email or upload it to a portal, the clear file name makes it super obvious what the document is.

4. Use Strong Action Verbs

Be confident in your work and the way you present it! Start each bullet point with an action verb like “managed,” “developed,” or “led.” Action verbs make your contributions clear and powerful, while phrases like “responsible for” or "tasked with" don’t communicate your role and value as directly or strongly. Use words that highlight your impact and show ownership over the work you do.

5. Proofread Carefully

Nothing hurts your first impression like typos or grammar mistakes. Before a hiring manager gets to meet you, they meet your resume, and you want your attention to detail to shine through. Always read your resume out loud, use a spell checker, and have a friend or family member review it. If you’re feeling stuck, I'm always here to help. You can connect with me directly for resume writing support!

5 Resume Don’ts (What to Avoid)

1. Don’t Use the Same Resume for Every Job

Instead of using one single resume to apply for every job, tailor your resume to the industry you're applying for. Some people will tell you to customize your resume for each job, but who has the time for that? Not me anyway. I keep multiple versions of my resume for different job types or industries (like teaching, writing, etc.), so I can easily send a version that’s already tailored for that field — no need to rewrite it every time. This way, you’re highlighting the most relevant experience for that type of work, and making it easier for hiring managers to see why you're a great fit.

2. Don’t Include Personal Details

Feel free to skip personal information like your age, gender, marital status, or full address on your resume. Realistically, you only need your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile or portfolio (if you have one). It's more important to protect your privacy, and companies can easily get your personal details when they're needed later in the hiring process. Plus, sharing your address can expose you to location bias (where employers might make assumptions based on where you live) and put your personal information at greater risk in online applications.

3. Don’t Use Slang or Casual Language

You're applying for professional work, so write clearly and professionally. Use full words (not abbreviations), and avoid overly casual language. Think of your resume as a formal document — write it like you’re presenting yourself to a potential client or manager, not like you’re texting a friend. Professional definitely doesn’t have to mean stiff or boring, but it does mean polished, straightforward, and easy to read.

4. Don’t Add Fluff

Your resume should be easy to skim and should paint a clear picture of your experience, so avoid writing long paragraphs or adding outdated and irrelevant details. That volunteer role from 10 years ago? If it’s not relevant, skip it! Instead, focus on clear bullet points (3–5 per role) that highlight your responsibilities and achievements. Focus on what matters most to the jobs you’re applying for.

5. Don’t Use Overly Complicated Templates

Don't get me wrong, fun and creative resume layouts can look amazing! But sometimes ATS (applicant tracking systems) can’t read them properly, and they might distract hiring managers from the more important parts of your resume. If you're applying for a creative role where design matters, go for it! Otherwise, stick to clean, minimalist templates that are fully editable and easy to read.

Final Thoughts

Creating a standout resume doesn’t have to feel stressful or complicated. By following these simple dos and don’ts, you’ll have a professional resume that grabs attention and opens doors!

If you want to save time and ensure your resume looks polished and modern, try out the easy-to-edit resume templates in my shop. And if you need extra support or want a custom resume tailored just for you, connect with me — I’m here to help you land those interviews and take the next step in your career!