10 Ways to Refresh Your Resume for 2025

Feb 5th, 2025 | Hire Wire

A New Year brings new goals and new horizons. As we start to reminisce on years past it’s natural for people to re-evaluate their future. What better time to refresh your resume? Employers are restructuring and are looking at the job market with a fresh outlook. Additionally, employers are internally asking their employees to submit resumes for new opportunities within their organization. Here are some helpful tips for people looking to give their resume a fresh makeover.

1. Tailor Your Resume to the Job

· Customize your resume for an ideal position you have in mind. Before you submit your resume, highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the specific job description.

· Use keywords from the job posting, as many companies use AI systems to scan resumes.

2. Start with a Strong Header

· Include your full name, phone number, email address, LinkedIn profile (if applicable), and any relevant online portfolios or websites.

· Make sure your email address is professional.

3. Emphasize Achievements Over Duties

· Instead of just listing job responsibilities, highlight specific accomplishments and results you achieved in each role.

· Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 20%" or "Managed a team of 10").

4. Use Bullet Points for Clarity

· Organize your work experience into concise bullet points rather than large paragraphs.

· Focus on clarity and readability—employers often skim resumes.

5. Highlight Skills and Certifications

· Create a separate section to list relevant technical and soft skills (e.g., project management, Microsoft Excel, leadership).

· Include certifications, licenses, or specialized training that’s relevant to the job.

6. Keep It Concise

· A resume should typically be one page, especially for those with less than 10 years of experience. If you have more experience, two pages is acceptable.

· Remove any outdated or irrelevant information.

7. Use Action Verbs

· Start each bullet point with strong action verbs, such as "Led," "Developed," "Implemented," "Improved," etc.

· Action verbs make your contributions more dynamic and impactful.

8. Proofread for Errors

· Carefully proofread your resume for spelling, grammar, or formatting mistakes.

· Consider asking a friend or professional to review it for additional feedback.

9. Use Professional Formatting

· Stick to a clean, easy-to-read layout with a standard font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman) and size (10-12 pt).

· Avoid using excessive colors or graphics unless you’re applying for a creative position (e.g., graphic designer).

10. Address Gaps of Employment

· Double-check the dates of your employment and ensure you address and explain gaps in employment. (e.g. laid off, or restructuring)

By following these tips, you can effectively give your resume a refreshed appearance.