Resume building 101
How to Build a 2026 Resume That Passes ATS And Gets a Recruiter’s Attention in 10 Seconds
As we step into 2026, the resume landscape has shifted. Hiring teams are cautious, applicant volume is high, and AI-driven ATS systems are screening candidates before a human even sees their name.
At Thrive & Co., we review hundreds of resumes every month and the résumés that rise to the top all have one thing in common: they’re clean, human, skills-forward, and easy to skim in seconds.
Here’s how job seekers can build a resume that works in today’s market.
1. Keep Your Format Clean, Simple, and ATS-Friendly
ATS systems still struggle with complicated designs. Your resume should make it easy for technology and people to understand who you are.
Do:
Use one column, clear headings, simple fonts
Submit as .docx unless the employer requests a PDF
Keep spacing clean and consistent
Avoid:
Graphics, icons, photos
Multi-column layouts
Templates that look beautiful but confuse ATS
A clean format communicates confidence and clarity two qualities recruiters value immediately.
2. Lead With a Skills-Forward Structure (A Key 2026 Trend)
Employers are hiring for capability, not just job titles. Your résumé should highlight your strongest skills right at the top.
Include:
A short, human professional summary in your voice
A “Core Skills Snapshot” with 8–12 role-specific skills
A clear list of the tools and tech you’re comfortable with
This helps both ATS and recruiters understand what you bring fast.
3. Use Keywords Naturally, Not Robotically
Keyword matching matters for ATS, but stuffing your résumé with jargon makes it look AI-generated.
Blend keywords into real accomplishments, such as:
“Managed a CRM pipeline of 120+ accounts and increased retention by 15% through proactive outreach.”
This reads authentically while still supporting ATS scanning.
4. Make Your Experience Skimmable in Under 10 Seconds
Recruiters skim resumes before they commit to reading that’s the reality of 2026 hiring.
Strengthen your first impression by making sure your most recent role includes:
Bolded job titles
3–4 high-impact bullet points
Measurable results
Clarity in what you owned, led, or improved
Your resume should help a recruiter understand your value instantly.
5. Show Impact, Not Tasks
Modern resumes are outcome-driven, not duty-driven.
Instead of:
“Responsible for managing accounts”
Use:
“Grew Ontario portfolio revenue by 18% through targeted prospecting and strong client relationships.”
Impact builds credibility and sets you apart from other applicants.
6. Add an AI + Tech Tools Section (A Must for 2026)
Companies want to know you’re comfortable using AI tools even at a basic level.
Include platforms like:
ChatGPT / AI research tools
CRM systems
Data, scheduling, or automation tools
This signals that you’re ready for the modern workplace.
7. Keep It Human, Recruiters Can Tell the Difference
AI-generated resumes feel generic, vague, and overly polished. Recruiters notice immediately.
Your résumé should sound like you:
Use language that reflects your style
Include achievements only you could write
Avoid filler buzzwords
Authenticity builds trust and trust gets interviews.
Your Résumé Is Your Story, Not a Template
In 2026, job seekers stand out by communicating clearly, writing honestly, and showing measurable impact. A strong resume is not about perfection. It’s about clarity, relevance, and confidence and making it easy for both ATS and a human recruiter to see your strengths instantly.
Thrive & Co. believes in empowering professionals through intentional, human-first career tools. If you refine your resume using these principles now, you’ll start Q1 strong and position yourself for more opportunities all year long.
