Resources
Resume research and playbooks.
Deep dives on ATS strategy, resume optimization, and cover letters. Use these guides to sharpen your story before you build your resume.
What you will learn
- How to build resumes that match job descriptions.
- ATS formatting rules that prevent auto-rejection.
- Cover letter structure that supports your resume.
- How to prioritize skills for each role.
Topic cluster
2025 job market optimization series
A connected set of guides that map where hiring is growing and how to tailor your resume for those roles.
Series
The US Job Market in 2025: Where Resume Optimization Matters Most
A data-backed map of hiring volume, growth sectors, and keywords that matter most for resumes in 2025.
Series
Healthcare Resume Keywords and Credentials That Matter in 2025
Role demand, keyword priorities, and credential placement strategy for healthcare resumes in 2025.
Series
AI, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Resume Keywords for 2025
Where tech hiring is still growing and how to reflect it with the right keywords.
Series
Best US Metros for Job Seekers in 2025: Volume vs Growth
Which metros have the most postings and where growth is fastest in 2025.
Series
Top Skills and Certifications Employers Search for in 2025
Technical and soft skills, plus certifications that show up most in 2025 postings.
Guide
Why January Is the Best Month for Job Searching (2026 Guide)
A data-backed 2026 guide to the January hiring surge, how to time your search, and how to win in peak competition.
Guide
How to Explain a Career Gap on Your Resume: Scripts for Every Situation (2026)
Specific 2026-ready scripts for explaining career gaps on resumes, cover letters, and interviews across 12 situations.
Guide
Resume After a Tech Layoff: The Complete 2026 Recovery Guide
A practical 2026 guide to rebuilding your resume after a tech layoff, explaining the gap confidently, and standing out in a crowded market.
Guide
How to Write a Resume After Being a Stay-at-Home Parent: The Complete 2026 Guide
A complete return-to-work resume guide for stay-at-home parents, including formats, summaries, ATS tactics, and gap framing.
Guide
AI, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Resume Keywords for 2025
Where tech hiring is still growing and how to reflect it with the right keywords.
Guide
Best US Metros for Job Seekers in 2025: Volume vs Growth
Which metros have the most postings and where growth is fastest in 2025.
Guide
Healthcare Resume Keywords and Credentials That Matter in 2025
Role demand, keyword priorities, and credential placement strategy for healthcare resumes in 2025.
Guide
Top Skills and Certifications Employers Search for in 2025
Technical and soft skills, plus certifications that show up most in 2025 postings.
Guide
The US Job Market in 2025: Where Resume Optimization Matters Most
A data-backed map of hiring volume, growth sectors, and keywords that matter most for resumes in 2025.
Guide
Unemployment Benefits Guide
A complete guide to navigating unemployment benefits, from filing your claim to handling appeals and continuing your job search.
Guide
The Complete Guide to Salary Negotiation
Data-backed strategies for negotiating job offers, with scripts, frameworks, and industry-specific tactics that help you capture $1M+ in lifetime earnings.
Guide
Cover Letter Playbook
A simple structure for cover letters that reinforce your resume and close the gap.
Guide
ATS-Friendly Resume Checklist
Formatting rules and structural guidelines that help your resume pass ATS screening.
Guide
The Complete Resume Tailoring Guide
A 5-step framework for tailoring resumes that generate 3-6x more interviews, with industry-specific examples and common mistakes to avoid.
Tools
Validate your ATS score before you apply.
Use the ATS checker to see where your resume is missing key skills and keywords.