Is Your Résumé Ready for the Current Job Market? 8 Quick Fixes

1. Simplify the Layout.  

Before anyone reviews your qualifications, they notice how your résumé looks. A clean, well-organized layout communicates professionalism and attention to detail.  

Quick Formatting Tips from St. John’s University Career Services  

• One Page: The rule of thumb is one page for every 10 years of experience you have. Everything on your résumé should be recent and relevant to your career goals!
• Margins and Font Size: Use appropriate margins (0.5″–1.0″) and font size (10–12 point) to maintain readability.
• Grammar: Do not use the word “I” or other first-person pronouns, and use proper verb tense (past tense for previous experiences and present tense for current experiences).
• Be Consistent: Use bold, italics, and underline formatting to break up the text and make the document reader friendly, but maintain consistency throughout. 

Even minor errors can raise concerns, so proofread carefully to avoid typos or inconsistencies. 

2. Don’t Skip on the Basics.  

Résumés are frequently set aside due to missing or incomplete contact information. Always include 

• Full name
• City and state
• Professional email address (avoid your school account after graduation)
• Phone number 

If you add a LinkedIn profile, ensure it is complete and up to date. An unfinished profile can create a negative impression. 

3. Use Keywords Strategically.  

Most employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan résumés before a human ever sees them. If your résumé doesn’t reflect the job description’s language, it may never be reviewed.  

Consider maintaining a “master résumé” with all experience. Then, tailor each version by aligning your wording with the job posting, paying attention to repeated skills, values, or software. 

Example: If the job description lists “Excel modeling,” change “Worked with spreadsheets” to “Built financial models in Excel.” 

Spending 30–60 minutes tailoring your résumé can significantly boost visibility. 

4. Avoid ATS Formatting Pitfalls.  

Strong content can be lost if your résumé is not ATS-friendly. Keep your formatting simple: 

• Do not include photos, icons, or multiple columns;
• Place contact information in the body (not headers or footers);
• Use standard round bullets rather than decorative symbols; and
• Submit as a PDF unless otherwise instructed. 

Clear formatting helps ensure your résumé is read by both software and recruiters. 

5. Add Bullet Points That Show Impact. 

Employers want to see not only what you did, but the results you achieved. A helpful formula is 

Action Verb + Task + Result 

Less Effective: 
“Served food and beverages to guests at a restaurant.” 

Stronger: 
“Recorded orders for 50+ patrons nightly in a fast-paced environment, ensuring consistently high satisfaction ratings.” 

Numbers, percentages, and outcomes make your contributions stand out. 

6. Additional Sections That Tell a Story.  

While every résumé should include Education and Experience, additional sections can help present a fuller picture of who you are. The key is to go beyond simply listing items. Instead, show the impact or relevance of your involvement. 

Consider including 

• Volunteer Work: Instead of writing just “Volunteer, Local Food Pantry,” expand it to “Tutored 10+ peers weekly in economics, leading to improved test scores” or “Organized monthly food drives that supported 200+ families.”
• Leadership Roles: Don’t just say “Club President.” Try “Led a 15-member student marketing club, securing $1,500 in sponsorships for campus events.”
• Athletics or Campus Involvement: For example, “Captain of intramural soccer team; developed practice schedules and built team cohesion that led to two championship wins.”
• Research Projects: Highlight your role and results: “Conducted data analysis for faculty-led psychology study, contributing to a published article in an academic journal.”
• Certifications, Technical Skills, or Languages: Be specific: “Certified in Google Analytics” or “Fluent in Spanish; intermediate proficiency in French.” 

Avoid a generic “soft skills” list (e.g., teamwork, communication, leadership). Instead, let those qualities emerge naturally through your examples. 

7. Use AI Tools Wisely.  

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, can be helpful for refining phrasing or condensing lengthy descriptions, but they should never replace your own voice. 

A balanced approach is the 80/10/10 rule: 

• 80 percent your content (your real experiences and achievements)
• 10 percent AI assistance (refining language or shortening bullet points)
• 10 percent your final edits (ensuring it sounds like you) 

8. Add a Cover Letter (Even if it’s Optional).  

Even if they’re optional, cover letters are still one of the best ways to stand out. Think of them as the “voiceover” to your résumé. 

Keep it focused on three things: 

• Introduce yourself with enthusiasm: “As a marketing student passionate about digital strategy, I’m excited to apply for…”
• Connect your skills to the role: “As Social Media Coordinator, I increased engagement by 30 percent, a skill I’d bring to your team.”
• Close confidently: “I would welcome the opportunity to contribute and learn from your team.” 

Keep it to three or four paragraphs. Quality matters more than length. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

What are the most common résumé mistakes college students make? 
Some of the biggest issues are cluttered layouts, missing contact information, vague or generic bullet points, and not tailoring résumés to the job description. Many students also forget to proofread—typos or inconsistent formatting can be an instant red flag for employers. 

How can St. John’s University Career Services help improve my résumé? 
Career Services offers one-on-one reviews, workshops, and online resources to make sure your résumé is clear, professional, and tailored to your career goals. Advisers can help you refine your language, highlight your achievements with impact, and ensure your résumé passes through the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). 

Should I include campus involvement or internships on my résumé? 
Absolutely. Campus leadership roles, internships, volunteer work, research projects, and athletics can all demonstrate transferable skills that employers value. The key is to show the impact of your involvement. For example, instead of writing “Club Member,” highlight what you contributed or achieved. 

How long should a college student’s résumé be? 
For most undergraduates and new graduates, one page is the standard. Only expand to two pages if you have extensive research, graduate-level projects, or several years of relevant work experience. 

Does St. John’s University offer one-on-one résumé reviews or workshops? 
Yes. Career Services provides both. You can schedule an appointment for personalized feedback or attend workshops that cover résumé building, cover letter writing, and interview preparation. These resources are included as part of your student experience at St. John’s. 

Final Thoughts 

Your résumé is a living document that should grow and adapt as your experiences expand. By maintaining clean formatting, tailoring your content, writing results-driven bullet points, and using AI wisely, you can create a résumé that reflects both your skills and your potential. 

Need additional support?St. John’s Career Services provides resources and personalized reviews to help you put your best self on paper.