Build a Resume That Gets Interviews
Not getting interviews? Your resume may not be clearly showing employers the value you bring. Whether you are building a resume from scratch or strengthening the one you have, these tools can help you communicate your experience, accomplishments, and fit for the role.
Use the tools below to build or strengthen your resume, tailor it for specific opportunities, and make sure it is ready for today's hiring process.
Start with a Strong Resume
What makes a strong resume?
Have a clear target.
Make it easy to understand the type of role you're pursuing.
Focus on results, not just responsibilities.
Show what changed because of your work.
Match the opportunity.
Tailor your resume to the skills, experience, and language relevant to each position.
Be easy to scan.
Use clear headings, straightforward formatting, and readable text.
Tell the truth.
AI can help you refine your resume, but the experience, skills, accomplishments, and voice should accurately represent you.
Show Your Impact
Don't just tell employers what you did. Show the difference you made.
Strong resumes demonstrate accomplishments and results. PurposeWorks uses CAR Statements to help you identify those stories.
Challenge → Action → Result
INSTEAD OF:
Responsible for onboarding new employees.
TRY:
Redesigned onboarding materials and manager expectations, reducing new-hire ramp up time by 30%.
Tailor Your Resume for the Job
One resume shouldn't be sent to every job.
Before applying:
Review the job description.
→
Identify the employer's priorities.
→
Compare them with your experience.
→
Adjust your resume to highlight the strongest match.
Use the employer's terminology when it accurately describes your experience. Prioritize the skills and accomplishments most relevant to that particular position rather than trying to include everything you've ever done.
Many employers use applicant tracking systems to organize and search applications. Clear formatting and relevant terminology can help both the technology and the people reviewing your resume understand your fit for the position.
Using AI to work on your resume?
AI can help you identify relevant skills in a job description, strengthen accomplishment statements, and tighten your writing. Don't let it invent experience, skills, or results. Always review AI-generated language to make sure it accurately represents you.
Download Your Resume Tools
Resume Checklist
Use this before applying to make sure your resume is clear, targeted, results-focused, and ready to send.
Resume Template
Need a starting point? Use our editable template to organize your experience and accomplishments.
Reference Sheet Template
Get your professional references organized before an employer asks for them.
Need More Resume Help?
Ready for feedback on your resume?
Once you've worked through the Resume Checklist and made your updates, request a PurposeWorks resume review.
Not sure where to start?
Join us at a Monday Job Seekers Network meeting for practical job-search help and guidance.
