---
name: resume-builder
description: |
  Comprehensive resume creation guide covering format selection, ATS optimization, action verb library, achievement quantification, industry-specific templates, skills section design, education formatting, employment gap strategies, and page length decisions.
  Use when the user asks about resume builder, or needs help with comprehensive resume creation guide covering format selection, ats optimization, action verb library, achievement quantification, industry-specific templates, skills section design, education formatting, employment gap strategies, and page length decisions.
  Do NOT use when the request requires professional specialized advice or falls outside the scope of resume builder.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "career interview-prep resume-writing"
  category: "career-development"
  subcategory: "job-search"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Resume Builder
## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- User asks about resume builder
- User needs guidance on resume builder topics
- User wants a structured approach to resume builder

**Do NOT use when:**
- Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance
- User needs emergency assistance

## Questions to Ask the User First

1. **What is your target role/job title?**
2. **What industry are you in or targeting?**
3. **How many years of experience do you have?**
4. **Do you have a specific job posting you are applying to?** (critical for keyword optimization)
5. **What format are you currently using?** (chronological, functional, hybrid, or unsure)
6. **Do you have any employment gaps to address?**
7. **Are you changing careers or industries?**
8. **What is your highest level of education?**
9. **Do you have the job description for the role you want?**
10. **What are your top 3 achievements in your career so far?**
---
## Step 1: Format Selection

### Chronological (Recommended for Most People)
```
- Steady career progression in the same field
- No significant employment gaps
- Applying for a role in the same industry

STRUCTURE:
1. Contact Information
2. Professional Summary
3. Work Experience (reverse chronological)
4. Education
5. Skills
6. Optional: Certifications, Awards, Volunteer Work
```

### Functional (Skills-Based)
```
- Career changers
- Significant employment gaps
- Re-entering the workforce
- Military-to-civilian transition

STRUCTURE:
1. Contact Information
2. Professional Summary
3. Skills and Accomplishments (grouped by skill category)
4. Work History (brief, dates only)
5. Education
6. Certifications

career timeline. Use the hybrid format instead when possible.
```

### Hybrid / Combination (Often Best Choice)
```
- Career changers with relevant skills
- Moderate employment gaps
- Senior professionals with diverse experience
- Anyone wanting to highlight both skills AND progression

STRUCTURE:
1. Contact Information
2. Professional Summary
3. Key Skills / Core Competencies
4. Work Experience (reverse chronological with achievements)
5. Education
6. Optional: Certifications, Projects, Awards
```

### One Page vs. Two Pages
```
ONE PAGE:
- Less than 10 years of experience
- Entry-level or early career
- Career changer (focus on relevant experience)
- The role does not require extensive experience

TWO PAGES:
- 10+ years of relevant experience
- Senior or executive-level roles
- Technical roles requiring detailed project descriptions
- Academic or research positions (CV may be longer)

NEVER:
- 1.5 pages (either cut to 1 or fill to 2)
- More than 2 pages (unless academic CV)
- Smaller than 10pt font to force everything onto one page
```
---
## Step 2: Contact Information
```
CONTACT SECTION TEMPLATE:

{{FIRST NAME}} {{LAST NAME}}
{{City, State}} | {{Phone}} | {{Email}} | {{LinkedIn URL}} | {{Portfolio URL}}

RULES:
[x] Use a professional email (firstname.lastname@email.com)
[x] Include LinkedIn if profile is complete and matches resume
[x] Include portfolio/GitHub if relevant to the role
[x] City and State are sufficient (no full street address)
[ ] Do NOT include: photo, age, marital status, SSN
[ ] Do NOT use an unprofessional email address
```
---
## Step 3: Professional Summary

### Summary Formula
```
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY TEMPLATE:

{{TITLE/ROLE}} with {{X}} years of experience in {{INDUSTRY/FIELD}}.
{{KEY ACHIEVEMENT or SPECIALTY}}. Skilled in {{TOP 3 RELEVANT SKILLS}}.
{{WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TARGET ROLE}}.

RULES:
- 2-4 sentences maximum
- Include quantified achievements
- Mirror keywords from the job description
- Do NOT use first person ("I")
- Do NOT use objective statements ("Seeking a position where...")
- Tailor for each application
```
---
## Step 4: Work Experience

### Achievement Writing Formula: XYZ Method
```
"Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]."

FORMULA:
{{ACTION VERB}} + {{WHAT YOU DID}} + {{QUANTIFIED RESULT}} + {{HOW/CONTEXT}}
```

### How to Quantify Achievements
```
QUANTIFICATION GUIDE:
MONEY:
- Revenue generated: "Generated $500K in new business"
- Cost reduced: "Cut operational costs by $200K annually"
- Budget managed: "Managed $3M annual marketing budget"
- Savings delivered: "Saved 2,000 labor hours per year through automation"

PERCENTAGES:
- Growth: "Increased sales by 45%"
- Improvement: "Improved customer satisfaction scores by 30%"
- Reduction: "Reduced defect rate from 8% to 1.5%"
- Efficiency: "Decreased processing time by 60%"

SCALE:
- Team size: "Led a cross-functional team of 15"
- User base: "Served 50,000+ daily active users"
- Volume: "Processed 10,000 transactions per day"
- Scope: "Rolled out program across 12 global offices"

TIME:
- Speed: "Delivered project 3 weeks ahead of schedule"
- Frequency: "Published 4 articles per week"
- Duration: "Maintained 99.9% uptime for 18 months"

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE EXACT NUMBERS:
- Use ranges: "Managed 15-20 client accounts"
- Use estimates: "Approximately $100K in cost savings"
- Use relative terms: "Largest account in the division"
- Use before/after: "Grew team from 3 to 12 in two years"
```

### Work Experience Template
```
WORK EXPERIENCE ENTRY:

{{JOB TITLE}}
{{COMPANY NAME}} -- {{City, State}}
{{Start Month/Year}} -- {{End Month/Year or Present}}

- {{ACHIEVEMENT 1 -- strongest, most relevant to target role}}
- {{ACHIEVEMENT 2 -- quantified result}}
- {{ACHIEVEMENT 3 -- demonstrates different skill}}
- {{ACHIEVEMENT 4 -- if space allows and adds value}}

RULES:
- 3-6 bullet points per role (more for recent, fewer for older)
- Start each bullet with a strong action verb
- Quantify wherever possible
- Focus on ACHIEVEMENTS, not job duties
- Tailor bullets to the target job description
- Most recent 10-15 years of experience
- Remove or abbreviate roles older than 15 years
```
---
## Step 5: Action Verb Library

### Leadership and Management
```
Directed, Led, Managed, Oversaw, Supervised, Coordinated, Guided,
Mentored, Recruited, Trained, Delegated, Spearheaded, Championed,
Orchestrated, Mobilized, Steered, Navigated, Empowered
```

### Achievement and Results
```
Achieved, Exceeded, Delivered, Accomplished, Earned, Attained,
Surpassed, Outperformed, Won, Captured, Secured, Generated,
Produced, Realized, Maximized
```

### Creation and Innovation
```
Created, Designed, Developed, Built, Launched, Established,
Founded, Initiated, Introduced, Pioneered, Engineered, Architected,
Invented, Formulated, Conceptualized
```

### Improvement and Optimization
```
Improved, Enhanced, Optimized, Streamlined, Accelerated, Increased,
Boosted, Strengthened, Revitalized, Modernized, Transformed,
Upgraded, Refined, Revamped, Restructured
```

### Analysis and Problem-Solving
```
Analyzed, Evaluated, Assessed, Identified, Diagnosed, Resolved,
Investigated, Researched, Audited, Forecasted, Mapped, Modeled,
Determined, Validated, Synthesized
```

### Communication and Collaboration
```
Presented, Negotiated, Facilitated, Collaborated, Communicated,
Advised, Advocated, Influenced, Persuaded, Liaised, Articulated,
Bridged, Partnered, Aligned
```

### Cost Reduction and Efficiency
```
Reduced, Decreased, Eliminated, Consolidated, Cut, Saved,
Minimized, Lowered, Simplified, Automated, Centralized
```

### VERBS TO AVOID
```
Responsible for, Duties included, Helped, Worked on, Assisted with,
Participated in, Tasked with, Involved in, Handled

```
---
## Step 6: ATS Optimization

### How ATS Works
```
ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) FACTS:

WHAT ATS DOES:
- Scans resumes for keywords matching the job description
- Ranks/scores candidates based on keyword match
- Parses resume sections (experience, education, skills)
- Filters candidates before a human ever sees your resume

ATS OPTIMIZATION RULES:

FORMAT:
[ ] Use standard section headings (Work Experience, Education, Skills)
[ ] Use a simple, clean layout (no tables, text boxes, or columns)
[ ] Save as .docx or .pdf (check job posting for preference)
[ ] Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Times New Roman)
[ ] Do not put critical info in headers/footers (some ATS skip these)
[ ] Do not use images, graphics, icons, or charts

KEYWORDS:
[ ] Mirror exact phrases from the job description
[ ] Include both acronyms AND spelled-out versions (e.g., "SEO (Search Engine Optimization)")
[ ] Use the job title from the posting in your summary
[ ] Include required skills verbatim from the posting
[ ] Use industry-standard terminology

CONTENT:
[ ] Include full company names (not just abbreviations)
[ ] Use month/year date format consistently
[ ] Spell out numbers under 10 but use digits for metrics
[ ] Include location for each employer
```

### Keyword Extraction Process
```
ATS KEYWORD EXTRACTION:

Step 1: Copy the job description into a document
Step 2: Highlight these categories:

HARD SKILLS (technical, tools, software):
{{LIST_FROM_JOB_DESCRIPTION}}

SOFT SKILLS (communication, leadership, etc.):
{{LIST_FROM_JOB_DESCRIPTION}}

INDUSTRY TERMS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
{{LIST_FROM_JOB_DESCRIPTION}}

ACTION/RESPONSIBILITY KEYWORDS:
{{LIST_FROM_JOB_DESCRIPTION}}

Step 3: Count frequency -- words mentioned 2+ times are HIGH PRIORITY
Step 4: Naturally incorporate these keywords into your resume
Step 5: Verify by searching your resume for each keyword

KEYWORD PLACEMENT PRIORITY:
1. Professional summary (highest weight)
2. Most recent job experience bullets
3. Skills section
4. Job titles (if your actual title can be legitimately adjusted)
```
---
## Step 7: Skills Section Design

### Skills Section Template
```
SKILLS SECTION FORMAT:

Option A: Simple List (Best for ATS)
Technical Skills: Python, Java, SQL, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, REST APIs
Tools: Jira, Confluence, Git, Jenkins, Terraform
Methodologies: Agile/Scrum, DevOps, TDD, Microservices Architecture

Option B: Categorized (Best for readability)
Programming: Python, Java, JavaScript, SQL, Go
Cloud & Infrastructure: AWS (EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS), Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform
Data: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, Apache Kafka, Spark
Methodologies: Agile/Scrum, CI/CD, TDD, Domain-Driven Design

Option C: Proficiency Levels (Use cautiously)
Expert: Python, AWS, SQL, System Design
Proficient: Java, Kubernetes, Terraform, GraphQL
Familiar: Go, Rust, GCP

RULES:
[ ] Only include skills you can discuss confidently in an interview
[ ] Prioritize skills listed in the job description
[ ] Group logically (technical, tools, methodologies, languages)
[ ] Do NOT use progress bars or star ratings (ATS cannot read them)
[ ] Include both the tool name and category where useful
[ ] Remove outdated or irrelevant skills
```
---
## Step 8: Education Section
```
EDUCATION SECTION TEMPLATE:

FOR RECENT GRADUATES (within 5 years):
{{Degree}} in {{Major}} -- {{Minor if relevant}}
{{University Name}}, {{City, State}}
Graduated: {{Month Year}} -- GPA: {{X.X}} (include if 3.5+)
Relevant Coursework: {{Course 1, Course 2, Course 3}}
Honors: {{Dean's List, Summa Cum Laude, etc.}}
Activities: {{Relevant clubs, leadership roles}}

FOR EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS:
{{Degree}} in {{Major}}
{{University Name}}, {{City, State}} -- {{Year}}

RULES:
- List degrees in reverse chronological order
- Include GPA only if 3.5+ and within 5 years of graduation
- Remove high school once you have a college degree
- Include relevant certifications in a separate section
- For ongoing education: "Expected {{Month Year}}"
```
---
## Step 9: Employment Gap Strategies

### Addressing Gaps
```
GAP STRATEGIES:

1. USE YEARS ONLY (for gaps under 12 months)
   Instead of "Jan 2022 - Aug 2022" then "May 2023 - Present"
   Use "2022" then "2023 - Present"

2. FILL WITH RELEVANT ACTIVITY:
   - Freelance/Consulting: "Independent Consultant (2022-2023)"
   - Education: "Professional Development (2022-2023): Completed
     AWS Solutions Architect certification, Google Data Analytics
     Certificate"
   - Caregiving: Brief mention in cover letter if comfortable;
     no obligation to explain on resume
   - Health: No need to disclose; focus on what you did during
     the gap that is relevant

3. ADDRESS PROACTIVELY IN SUMMARY:
   "Returning to [industry] after [brief, positive framing] with
   updated skills in [relevant skills]."

4. EMPHASIZE WHAT YOU DID:
   - Volunteered
   - Took courses
   - Worked on personal projects
   - Freelanced
   - Cared for family (optional to disclose)

5. FOCUS THE CONVERSATION ON VALUE:
   The goal is to briefly explain the gap and quickly redirect
   to what you bring to the role.
```
---
## Step 10: Industry-Specific Templates

### Technology
```
TECH RESUME TEMPLATE:
{{NAME}}
{{Contact Info}} | {{GitHub}} | {{Portfolio}}
SUMMARY
{{Role}} with {{X}} years in {{specialty}}. {{Key achievement with metrics}}.
Skilled in {{tech stack matching job description}}.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Languages: {{list}}
Frameworks: {{list}}
Cloud/Infrastructure: {{list}}
Tools: {{list}}
Databases: {{list}}
EXPERIENCE
{{Title}} | {{Company}} | {{Dates}}
- {{Built/Scaled/Architected}} {{what}} resulting in {{metric}}
- {{Led/Managed}} {{team/project}} delivering {{outcome}}
- {{Improved/Optimized}} {{system}} by {{percentage/amount}}
PROJECTS (if early career)
{{Project Name}} | {{Technologies Used}} | {{Link}}
- {{What it does and what you accomplished}}
EDUCATION
{{Degree}} | {{University}} | {{Year}}
CERTIFICATIONS
{{Cert Name}} -- {{Issuing Body}} -- {{Year}}
```

### Business / Marketing / Finance
```
BUSINESS RESUME TEMPLATE:

{{NAME}}
{{Contact Info}} | {{LinkedIn}}

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
{{Role}} with {{X}} years driving {{business outcome}} in {{industry}}.
{{Revenue/growth achievement}}. {{Leadership/strategic capability}}.

CORE COMPETENCIES
{{Skill 1}} | {{Skill 2}} | {{Skill 3}} | {{Skill 4}}
{{Skill 5}} | {{Skill 6}} | {{Skill 7}} | {{Skill 8}}

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
{{Title}} | {{Company}} | {{Dates}}
- {{Drove/Grew/Generated}} {{business result}} by {{percentage/amount}}
- {{Led/Managed/Directed}} {{team/initiative}} resulting in {{outcome}}
- {{Developed/Implemented}} {{strategy/program}} achieving {{metric}}

EDUCATION
{{MBA / Degree}} | {{University}} | {{Year}}

CERTIFICATIONS & AFFILIATIONS
{{CFA, CPA, PMP, Google Analytics, HubSpot, etc.}}
```
---
## Resume Review Checklist
```
FINAL RESUME REVIEW:
CONTENT:
[ ] Professional summary is tailored to the target role
[ ] Each bullet point starts with a strong action verb
[ ] Achievements are quantified wherever possible
[ ] Keywords from the job description are included
[ ] No spelling or grammar errors
[ ] No personal pronouns (I, me, my)
[ ] Dates are consistent in format
[ ] Contact information is current and professional
FORMAT:
[ ] Consistent formatting (fonts, spacing, bullet styles)
[ ] Sufficient white space (not cramped)
[ ] Font size 10-12pt for body, 14-16pt for name
[ ] Margins 0.5-1 inch
[ ] File saved as PDF (unless .docx requested)
[ ] File name: "FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf"
[ ] No graphics, images, or non-standard formatting
ATS:
[ ] Standard section headings used
[ ] No tables, text boxes, or columns
[ ] Skills match job description keywords
[ ] Both acronyms and full terms included
OVERALL:
[ ] Would a stranger understand your value in 6 seconds?
[ ] Does every line earn its space on the page?
[ ] Is the most important information at the top?
[ ] Would you hire this person based on this resume?
```
---
*This skill provides resume writing guidance. For executive-level roles or specialized industries, consider working with a professional resume writer who specializes in your field.*


## Output Format

```
RESUME BUILDER OUTPUT
=====================

Section 1: Assessment / Analysis
- Key findings
- Recommendations

Section 2: Action Plan
- Step-by-step guidance
- Timeline if applicable

Section 3: Resources
- Relevant references
- Next steps
```

## Example

**Input:** "Help me get started with resume builder"

**Output:** A structured resume builder plan tailored to the user's specific situation, following the process outlined above.

## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
- **Out of scope requests:** Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
- **Conflicting requirements:** Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.
