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A clear resume and a careful application help you get noticed. Small changes for each job can make a big difference.
This guide covers resumes, cover letters, applications, interviews, and avoiding job scams.
Resume basics
Your resume should be clear and easy to scan.
Summary
A short summary of your skills and goals.
Experience
List jobs with dates and accomplishments.
Education and skills
Add degrees, certificates and key skills.
Match the job
Each application should fit the job.
Read the posting
Note skills and requirements.
Use key words
Use words from the posting where they honestly fit.
Highlight relevant work
Move relevant experience higher.
Show results
Results tell employers what you can do.
Use action verbs
Start bullets with verbs like led, built or improved.
Use numbers you can back up
Mention customers served or hours saved if you can prove them.
Keep it honest
Never exaggerate.
Cover letters
A short cover letter helps.
Why this job
Explain why you want it.
Why you fit
Connect your skills to the job.
Keep it short
Three or four short paragraphs.
Applicant tracking systems
Many employers use software to screen resumes.
Simple formatting
Use simple layouts and common fonts.
Standard headings
Use headings like Experience and Education.
File type
Use PDF or Word as requested.
Interviews
Preparation builds confidence.
Research
Learn about the company.
Practice
Practice common questions.
Questions to ask
Prepare questions for the interviewer.
Job scams
Scams target job seekers.
Paying to work
Real employers do not charge for jobs.
Check deposits
Do not deposit checks and send money back.
Verify employers
Check company websites and contact information.
Writing strong bullet points
Bullet points under each job are where most hiring managers spend their time. A simple formula makes them stronger.
Action, task, result
Start with what you did, add what it was for, and end with what changed. For example: "Trained four new cashiers on the register system, cutting checkout errors during their first month."
Pick your best three to five
You do not need to list every duty. Choose the bullets that match the job you are applying for.
Replace weak phrases
Phrases like "responsible for" or "helped with" hide what you actually did. Say "managed," "scheduled," "fixed" or "answered" instead.
Keep tense consistent
Use past tense for past jobs and present tense for your current job.
Handling gaps, career changes and first jobs
Most people have something on their resume they worry about. A short, honest explanation is usually enough.
Employment gaps
You can list what you did during the gap, such as caregiving, school or volunteering, in one line. In interviews, explain briefly and then turn to what you are ready to do now.
Changing careers
Highlight skills that carry over, like customer service, scheduling or handling money, and any training you have done for the new field.
First job or little experience
List school projects, volunteer work, clubs, sports and informal jobs like babysitting or yard work. Reliability and willingness to learn matter to many employers.
Returning after time away
Refresh your skills with free online courses or library programs and list them under training.
Online profiles and references
Employers often look you up before calling.
Professional profiles
If you use a professional networking site, make sure your job titles and dates match your resume.
Public social media
Review what is public and remove anything you would not want an employer to see.
Choosing references
Pick two or three people who have seen your work, such as former supervisors, teachers or volunteer leaders. Ask them first and send them the job description.
Job offers and your rights
The process does not end when you get an offer.
Get the offer in writing
Ask for the pay, schedule, start date and benefits in writing before you quit another job.
Background checks
Under federal law, an employer must tell you in writing and get your written permission before getting a background report from a screening company. If they plan to reject you because of it, they must give you a copy of the report and a summary of your rights first.
Discrimination
Federal law prohibits job discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age 40 or older, disability or genetic information. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission takes complaints.
Pay questions
Some states and cities ban employers from asking about your past pay or require pay ranges in job postings.
Step-by-step: applying for a job
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Read the posting
Note the key skills.
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Update your resume
Match it to the job.
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Write a cover letter
Explain your fit.
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Proofread
Check spelling and names.
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Follow instructions
Submit exactly as requested.
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Track applications
Keep a list of where you applied.
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Prepare references
Tell references to expect calls.
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Follow up
Send a polite follow-up after a week.
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Prepare for interviews
Practice answers.
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Send thank-you notes
Thank interviewers.
Step-by-step: preparing for an interview
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Research the company
Read its website.
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Review the job
Know the duties.
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Prepare stories
Use examples from your work.
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Practice
Practice with a friend.
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Plan logistics
Know the time and place.
Step-by-step: tailoring a resume to one job posting
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Copy the posting into a document
Save it, because postings often disappear after they close.
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Highlight the must-haves
Mark the skills, certifications and experience the posting lists as required.
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Highlight the nice-to-haves
Mark the preferred skills separately so you know what to mention if you have them.
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Match each must-have to your experience
Next to each one, write a job, project or class where you used it.
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Rewrite your summary
Write two or three lines that mention the job title and your strongest matching skills.
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Reorder your bullets
Move the most relevant bullets to the top of each job.
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Use the posting's words honestly
If the posting says "customer service" and you wrote "helping guests," use their wording where it is accurate.
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Cut what does not fit
Remove older or unrelated details to keep the page focused.
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Save with a clear file name
Use something like "FirstName-LastName-Resume.pdf."
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Read it out loud
Reading aloud catches missing words and awkward sentences.
Sample interview answer
An example of answering "Tell me about yourself."
Interviewer: Tell me about yourself.
You: I have five years of experience in customer service, most recently at a busy store.
You: I enjoy solving problems and helping customers.
You: I am looking for a role where I can grow into a team lead.
Interviewer: Why this company?
You: I like your focus on customer experience.
Sample cover letter
Use this as a starting point.
Dear [Hiring manager], I am applying for the [job title] position at [company]. I have [number] years of experience in [field], where I [accomplishment]. I am excited about this role because [reason]. I believe my skills in [skills] would help your team. Thank you for your time. I look forward to speaking with you. Sincerely, [Your name]
Example application tracker (illustrative)
This sample tracker uses made-up entries.
| Company | Job (example) | Date applied (example) | Status (example) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company A | Customer service (example) | March 1 (example) | Interview scheduled (example) |
| Company B | Office assistant (example) | March 3 (example) | Waiting (example) |
| Company C | Sales associate (example) | March 5 (example) | Follow-up sent (example) |
Example monthly budget worksheet (fill in your own numbers)
This blank-style worksheet shows one way to make room for job application costs. The sample amounts are examples only; replace them with your own.
| Category | Example amount | Your amount |
|---|---|---|
| Take-home income | $3,000 (example) | $____ |
| Housing | $1,100 (example) | $____ |
| Utilities and phone | $250 (example) | $____ |
| Food | $450 (example) | $____ |
| Transportation | $300 (example) | $____ |
| Insurance | $200 (example) | $____ |
| Debt payments | $250 (example) | $____ |
| Savings for surprise costs | $150 (example) | $____ |
| Everything else | $300 (example) | $____ |
| Left over (income minus all costs) | $0 (example) | $____ |
Follow-up schedule
Use this schedule as a rough guide for staying on top of a job application issue. Adjust it to any deadlines in your paperwork, which always come first.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Gather your documents and write a short summary of the problem. |
| Day 1 to 3 | Contact the other side and ask for what you want, in writing. |
| About 1 week later | Follow up if you have not heard back, and note the date. |
| About 2 weeks later | Send a firmer written follow-up with a clear deadline. |
| After the deadline | Escalate to a manager, a complaint office or another outside option. |
| Ongoing | Keep every reply and update your notes after each contact. |
Helpful tips
Resume tips
- Keep it to one or two pages.
- Use clear headings.
- Use action verbs.
- Proofread.
Application tips
- Follow instructions.
- Tailor each application.
- Track applications.
- Follow up politely.
Interview tips
- Arrive early.
- Dress appropriately.
- Bring copies of your resume.
- Ask questions.
Keeping a paper trail
Good records are the single most useful tool in any job application problem. They turn "he said, she said" into facts you can point to.
Use one folder
Keep a paper folder or one digital folder for this issue only. Put every bill, letter, receipt and screenshot in it, named with the date first so it sorts in order.
Write things down the same day
After every phone call, write the date, time, the person's name, what they said and what happens next. Notes made the same day are much more believable than memories weeks later.
Prefer writing over talking
When something important is agreed on the phone, send a short email that says "To confirm our call today..." and repeat the key points. That creates a record the other side can correct if they disagree.
Take photos and screenshots
Photos show condition and dates. Screenshots capture web pages, prices and account screens that may change later.
How to write a clear complaint
If you need to complain about a job application issue, a short, calm, specific message gets better results than a long angry one.
- Say who you are and give any account, order or reference number.
- Describe what happened in a few sentences, with dates.
- Say exactly what you want: a refund, a repair, a correction or an explanation.
- Give a reasonable deadline, such as 10 or 14 days.
- List what you attached, and send copies, never your originals.
Read it once more before you send it. Remove anything insulting, and keep a copy of what you sent and when.
Where to escalate if you get nowhere
If the business or person does not fix the problem, there are usually outside places to turn. Which one fits depends on the issue and where you live.
Your state attorney general or consumer protection office
Most states take consumer complaints online. They may contact the business for you, and complaints help them spot patterns.
Federal agencies
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) handles complaints about banks, credit cards, loans and debt collectors. The Federal Trade Commission takes fraud and scam reports at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Licensing boards
Many trades and professions are licensed by the state. A licensing board can look into complaints about a licensed business.
Small claims court
For smaller money disputes, small claims court is built for people without lawyers. Dollar limits and filing fees differ by state, so check your local court's website.
Your card issuer
If you paid by credit card, you may be able to dispute a charge for goods or services you did not receive as agreed. Contact your issuer quickly, because there are time limits.
Staying calm and organized
Money and paperwork problems are stressful. A simple routine makes them feel smaller.
- Set one short time each week to work on it, instead of worrying about it every day.
- Do the hardest call first, while you have the most energy.
- Write down your next single step before you stop for the day.
- Ask a trusted friend or family member to read important letters before you send them.
- Celebrate small wins, like getting a reference number or a written answer.
Call log template
Copy this into a notebook or a notes app and fill in one block for every call about your job application issue.
Date and time
Write the date and the start time of the call, and how long you were on hold if it was long.
Who you spoke with
Get a first name, a department and, if they have one, an employee or agent ID.
What was said
Summarize what you asked for and what they told you, in your own words.
Reference number and next step
Ask for a reference or ticket number every time, and write down who is doing what next and by when.
Protecting yourself from scams
Scammers often target people who are already dealing with a stressful job application problem. A few habits protect you.
Slow down
Scammers push urgency, saying you must act today or lose out. A real business will give you time to read and think.
Check who you are dealing with
Look up the business's phone number and website yourself instead of using a number from a text, email or pop-up. Call that number to confirm.
Watch how they want to be paid
Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps to strangers or cryptocurrency are strong warning signs. These are hard or impossible to get back.
Guard your personal information
Do not give your Social Security number, bank login or one-time passcodes to anyone who contacted you first. Real companies do not ask for your passcodes.
Report it
If you think you were targeted, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general. If money was taken, call your bank or card issuer right away.
Free and low-cost help
You do not have to figure out a job application problem alone. Many sources of help cost little or nothing.
211
Call or text 211, or visit 211.org, to find local help with bills, food, housing and other needs in many parts of the country.
Legal aid
Legal aid organizations give free legal help to people with lower incomes. Search for legal aid plus your state, or visit LawHelp.org.
Public libraries
Librarians can help you find forms, print documents, use computers and locate local services.
Nonprofit credit counseling
Nonprofit credit counselors can help you make a budget and look at your options. Look for agencies affiliated with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and ask about fees up front.
Government websites
Official sites end in .gov. They offer free forms and guides, so be cautious of sites that charge for things the government gives away.
Reading the fine print
Contracts and terms for job application matters often hide important details in small type. These are the parts worth slowing down for.
Automatic renewal
Look for words like "renews automatically" or "continuous service." Note the renewal date and exactly how to cancel.
Fees and penalties
Search the document for "fee," "charge" and "penalty." Late fees, cancellation fees and processing fees add up.
Cancellation terms
Find how much notice you must give, how you must give it and whether any money is refundable.
Arbitration clauses
Some contracts say disputes must go to private arbitration instead of court, and may limit group lawsuits. Know whether yours does before you sign.
Changes to terms
Some agreements let the company change terms with notice. Check how they will notify you.
Signatures and blanks
Never sign a document with blank spaces. Draw a line through empty spaces or write "N/A," and get a copy of what you signed.
Questions to ask yourself first
Before you act on a job application problem, a few minutes of thinking helps you choose the right path.
What outcome do I want?
Decide whether you want money back, a repair, a correction, more time or just an answer. A clear goal makes every message shorter and stronger.
What is my deadline?
Look for dates in your paperwork, such as due dates, response windows or warranty end dates. Deadlines decide what you must do first.
What proof do I have?
List the documents, photos and messages that support your side. If something is missing, ask for copies now.
What is it worth to me?
Weigh the money involved against the time and stress. Sometimes a quick partial fix is worth more than a long fight.
Who can help?
Think about who you could ask for advice, from a knowledgeable friend to a free local help program.
Job application checklist
Use this list.
- ☐ Posting read
- ☐ Resume updated
- ☐ Cover letter written
- ☐ Proofread
- ☐ Submitted correctly
- ☐ Tracked
- ☐ References informed
- ☐ Follow-up sent
- ☐ Interview prepared
- ☐ Thank-you sent
Questions to ask before you agree to anything
Asking these questions before you sign or pay can prevent most job application surprises.
- ☐ What exactly is included in the price?
- ☐ What is not included, and what could make the price go up?
- ☐ Can I have that in writing?
- ☐ What happens if I cancel or change my mind?
- ☐ Is there a warranty or guarantee, and what does it cover?
- ☐ Who do I contact if there is a problem later?
- ☐ When is payment due, and what payment methods are accepted?
- ☐ Are there any fees for paying late or paying early?
- ☐ How long will this take?
- ☐ Can I take a day to think it over?
Documents to keep
Keep these.
| Document | Why it matters | How long to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Resume versions | Shows what you sent | Until hired |
| Cover letters | Tracks applications | Until hired |
| Job postings | Shows duties | Until hired |
| Offer letters | Shows terms | During employment |
| References | For future applications | Ongoing |
Red flags
Be careful.
- Jobs requiring payment.
- Check deposit requests.
- Offers without interviews.
- Requests for bank info early.
- Emails from free accounts claiming big companies.
When to get professional help
Get help in these cases.
- You need career counseling.
- You believe you faced job discrimination.
- You were scammed.
- Resume
- Summary of work and skills.
- Cover letter
- Letter explaining your fit.
- ATS
- Applicant tracking system.
- Action verb
- Verb showing what you did.
- References
- People who vouch for you.
- Interview
- Meeting with an employer.
- Offer letter
- Job offer in writing.
- Networking
- Building professional connections.
- Job posting
- Advertisement for a job.
- Accomplishment
- Result from your work.
- Chronological resume
- A resume that lists jobs from newest to oldest.
- Functional resume
- A resume organized by skills rather than by job.
- Behavioral question
- An interview question asking how you handled a past situation.
- Background check
- A report on your history, such as work or criminal records, prepared by a screening company.
- EEOC
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the federal agency that enforces job discrimination laws.
Frequently asked questions
How long should my resume be?
One or two pages for most people.
Do I need a cover letter?
It helps when requested or allowed.
What is an ATS?
Software that screens resumes.
How do I follow up?
Send a short email after a week.
Should I include references?
Provide them when asked.
How do I avoid scams?
Never pay for jobs and verify employers.
What should I wear?
Dress for the company's culture.
How do I explain gaps?
Briefly and honestly.
Should I tailor my resume?
Yes, for each job.
What file type should I use?
Follow the posting's instructions.
How do I prepare for interviews?
Research and practice.
Should I send thank-you notes?
Yes, within a day.
How do I explain an employment gap?
Briefly and honestly, such as caregiving or school, then talk about what you are ready to do now.
Can an employer run a background check without asking me?
If they use a screening company, federal law requires them to tell you in writing and get your written permission first.
Should I use a functional resume?
It can help career changers, but include a short job list because many employers prefer a chronological layout.
A tailored application shows employers you are serious.