Guides
Resume and cover letter guides
Last updated: June 5, 2026
Plain, practical advice for writing a resume and cover letter that get read — by the software that scans them first and the person who reads them next. Like everything here, the guidance is honest: present your real experience well, never invent it.
How to write an ATS-friendly resume
Format a resume that applicant tracking systems can read: clean single-column layout, the right sections, honest keyword matching, and a checklist.
How to write a resume with no work experience
Build a strong first resume from school, projects, volunteering, and transferable skills — honestly, without inventing jobs you have not held.
How to write a cover letter
What to include, how long it should be, how to open it, and how to tailor it to a job — plus handling a gap or a career change.
Resume examples for different situations
Real example resumes and cover letters — general, job-tailored, senior leadership, and a career-changer with an honest gap — and what to notice in each.
Want to see the real output instead? Read the sample resumes and cover letters, or build a profile from a few questions.