Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not official career advice. Always verify current requirements through the official Washington State Employment Security Department website.
A well-prepared resume can significantly shorten the time between leaving one position and starting another, especially when someone is currently receiving washington unemployment support.
Why Your Resume Matters More in 2025
Employers now use automated systems to scan documents before human review. Simple formatting and clear language help pass these initial filters.
Key Sections Every Resume Should Include
- Contact information at the top (name, phone, email, city – no full address needed)
- Brief professional summary (3–4 sentences describing your main skills and experience)
- Work history in reverse chronological order
- Skills section with specific tools and abilities
- Education or relevant training at the end
Tailoring Tips for Washington State Employers
- Highlight experience with local industries: technology, aerospace, agriculture, logistics, or retail
- Use action verbs: managed, improved, coordinated, developed, supported
- Include numbers when possible: “supported team of 12”, “processed 100+ orders daily”
- Keep the document to one or two pages maximum
Common Formatting Rules That Work Best
- Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) size 10–12
- Save and send as PDF to preserve layout
- Avoid photos, graphics, or tables that confuse scanning software
- One-inch margins on all sides
Examples of Strong Bullet Points
Instead of: “Responsible for customer service” Write: “Resolved 50+ customer inquiries per shift while maintaining positive feedback score above 95%”
Instead of: “Did data entry” Write: “Entered and verified 500+ records weekly with 99.8% accuracy rate”
Where to Get Help in Washington State
- WorkSource centers offer resume workshops in almost every county
- Public libraries provide computers and templates
- Many community colleges host career resource labs open to residents
- Online state tools include resume-building guides
Taking one afternoon to update this document often leads to more interview requests within weeks.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only. Program details and job-search rules change regularly. Refer to the official Washington State Employment Security Department for the latest guidance.