MOAA is marking the launch of its new Job Board with a three-part series offering key tips for networking, résumé writing, and interview preparation. The second entry is below.

The perfect résumé will showcase how your skills match the needs of your future employer. But preparing that résumé is a skill in and of itself.

Not sure where to start? Check out these 10 tips, and find dozens more articles at MOAA’s Application and Résumé Help page.

1. Tailor Your Résumé for Each Job. Match keywords from the job description and highlight relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments for that specific role. Tools like Jobscan or a word cloud generator can help you spot keywords in job postings.

2. Focus on Results, Not Responsibilities. Instead of vague phrases like “Responsible for managing projects,” cite quantifiable achievements – “Increased customer retention by 20%,” for example, or “Managed a $500,000 budget with 10% cost savings.”
 
3. Use a Clean, Modern Format. Start with contact information, then a succinct summary, then relevant experience, all in one or two pages. Use bold headings, bullet points, and lots of white space (1-inch margins). Avoid graphics, fancy fonts, colors, or columns that can confuse applicant tracking systems.

4. Keep It Recent and Relevant. Focus on the last 10 to 12 years of experience and remove outdated or expected skills (MS Word, Windows, etc.). If you need to go further back, consider a hybrid résumé format).

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5. Highlight Core Skills. Include a “Skills” section with hard skills like technical capabilities (Excel, Salesforce, Python, etc.), language proficiency, and similar relevant training. Avoid generic soft skills like “team player” unless backed by examples.

6. Use Strong Action Verbs. Start bullets with words like led, managed, created, designed, improved, launched, analyzed, or negotiated. Avoid weak verbs like “helped” or “worked on.”
 
7. Include Education and Certifications. If you’re using a two-page résumé, list your highest degree first at the end of the second page (omit years and grade-point average). List relevant certifications (PHR, Google, etc.) near the summary on the first page.

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8. Proofread. Twice. Spelling or grammar mistakes may trigger an instant rejection. Use Grammarly or ask a friend to review.

9. Mind Your Format. Save and send your résumé as a PDF to keep your formatting intact across all devices.

10. Add a Headline. A one-liner at the top can frame your value. Some examples:

• Marketing Analyst | Data-Driven | Experienced in Campaign Optimization
• Seasoned Project Manager | Experienced Risk Management Leader | Critical Thinker
• Strategic Communicator | Senior Program Manager | Deliberate Planner
• Proven Leader | Energetic Leader | Project Manager | Excellent Communicator
• Experienced Security Professional | Creative Problem Solver