Resume Tips

A strong resume helps us get to know your experience, skills, and what you could bring to NHA®. Whether you’re applying for a role at one of our schools or at the Service Center, use these tips to highlight your strengths and make your resume stand out.


Content Tips

  • Use Action Verbs: Begin each bullet point with strong action verbs that show your contributions, such as “taught,” “led,” “created,” “supported,” “improved,” or “implemented.”
  • Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use numbers to show results (e.g., "Increased sales by 25%" or "Reduced costs by $10,000 annually").
  • Focus on Relevance: Tailor your resume to each job application by emphasizing experience and skills most aligned with the role.
  • Avoid Jargon: Use language that is professional but understandable by someone outside your specific field.
  • Be Honest: Avoid exaggeration; employers often verify credentials and experience.

Technical Tips

  • Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Use relevant keywords from the job description to clearly show how your skills and experience align with the position.
  • File Naming: Include your name in the file name (e.g., John-Doe-Resume).
  • Hyperlinks: Make sure your LinkedIn or portfolio links are clickable in digital formats.

Design Tips

  • Keep it Clean: Use a simple, professional design with clear headings and plenty of white space for readability.
  • Font Choice: Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman at 10–12 points.
  • One Page: Keep it to one page if you have less than 10 years of experience. Use two pages only if absolutely necessary.

Polishing Tips

  • Proofread: Carefully check for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. Ask someone else to review it.
  • Consistency: Ensure uniform formatting, such as alignment, bullet styles, and date formatting (e.g., "Jan 2026–Dec 2026").
  • Custom Summary: Include a brief 2-3 sentence summary or objective at the top if switching industries or for specialized roles.

Bonus Tips

  • Include Keywords: Use terms from the job description to align your skills and experiences directly with the position.
  • Show Growth: Highlight promotions, added responsibilities, or other signs of professional development.
  • Professional Activities: Mention industry-related groups, conferences, or relevant hobbies.
  • Testimonials: If space permits, include a short quote from a performance review or client feedback.