Build a Resume That Gets Interviews
Your resume needs to quickly show employers what you can do, the value you bring, and why you're a strong 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?
A strong resume should:
- 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
Then a short example:
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.
Use AI Wisely
AI can help. Your resume still needs to sound like you.
AI tools can be useful for:
- identifying skills and keywords in a job description
- brainstorming stronger ways to describe accomplishments
- tightening lengthy resume bullets
- comparing your resume with a specific job posting
Don't ask AI to invent accomplishments, skills, metrics, or experience you don't have.
Always review and personalize AI-generated language before putting it on your resume.
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?
Bring your resume to a PurposeWorks Job Seekers Network Monday meeting for practical job search help and guidance.
Want to go deeper? Your strongest resume starts with knowing the value you offer. Learn how to identify and communicate your strengths, accomplishments, and personal brand. [Build Your Personal Brand] That will eventually link beautifully to the 2–3 page Personal Brand Worksheet
Once you’ve updated your resume following our recommendations and followed the process and directions outlined above, submit your resume requesting a review to info@purposeworks.org.