Resume Writing Strategies and Tips

I just reviewed 150 resumes. Here’s my brutally honest tips for writing a better resume from the perspective of a hiring manager: 1. Keep it to one page. Make me want to learn more in the interview. Don’t make me scroll because chances are, I won’t. 2. Save it as a PDF. Don’t let applicant systems turn your carefully formatted Microsoft Word resume into a disaster. 3. Put the most important info at the top. Don’t make me hunt for it because I won’t. And unless you’re an inexperienced new college grad, your university and degrees don’t belong at the top. 4. Skip the “Core Competencies” list at the top. If you must have it because you think applicant systems love that (not sure if they do), do it at the bottom. Also if you have 30 core competencies, you might be mistaken about what a “core” competency is. 5. No photo. This isn’t Instagram. Plus you’re wasting so much precious space. 6. Update your LinkedIn. I will check it if I’m on the fence or can’t really understand your resume. Even better if you have professional references and recommendations from colleagues and managers. 7. Include what the company does when listing your past jobs. Saves me a Google search, if I’ve got the energy to do that. 8. Tailor your summary to the role. Generic = forgettable. If you have biotech experience and you’re applying to a biotech company, put that in bold in the first line. 9. Write a cover letter that’s actually unique. If you’re going to bother writing one, make sure it really shines. Longer does not actually mean better. 10. If you share a portfolio, make sure it’s current and well-designed. Outdated work hurts you more than it helps. 11. Use standard formatting. Full length text, left to right. Company and job titles together. Circlar bullet points for your work impact. No two-column or four-quadrant designs. Think less Canva, and more Google Doc Arial 11 point font single-spaced. It is so difficult to read a resume that has information all over the place. To my fellow seasoned hiring managers, did I miss anything? For those weekend warriors working on their resumes and looking for their next role, I hope this helps! #resume #jobsearchtips #hiringtips

I’ve searched for a job/internship almost every year since 2019. Hundreds of my applications resulted in silence and rejection. The most painful rejections were the emails that hit my inbox 0.0000005 seconds after submitting an application. Haha I used to submit the same resume (one outlining everything I’ve ever done) for every job, thinking more information = better chances. That didn’t work. After spending hours customizing hundreds of resumes and submitting applications, I realized that resumes are not a one-size-fits-all. The language, skills, and responsibilities that stand out in one industry might not matter at all in another, especially with AI. When I finally learned how to tailor my resume to each industry, I started getting more responses. Through trial and error, these are some resume tips that helped me land multiple interviews + offers this year: 1️⃣ Tailored by the field - I started creating separate resumes for different industries (program growth, tax, marketing, etc) - Also tailored by the company type: startup, non-profit, corporate, etc.  - I ended up with 4 different resumes that were my go-to depending on the position I applied to 2️⃣ Quantified impact - Highlighting the results worked better than just outlining my responsibilities  - Include percentages, metrics hit/surpassed, # of clients served, etc.  - “Prepared 100+ tax returns in one quarter, securing $XXX,XXX in refunds” rather than “Prepared tax returns.” 3️⃣ “Strategically” formatted - Removed graduation year to reduce bias - Moved education to the top (this helped while I was still in uni) - Used bold headers + clear spacing to keep it clean 4️⃣ Proofread & got feedback - Grammarly = lifesaver - Went to career centers + non-profit that offers career coaching 5️⃣ Included a portfolio - Created mine with Canva <3 - Hyperlinked to the top of my resume - Feel free to use mine for reference: https://lnkd.in/dKNKY94b 6️⃣ Action verbs > filler words - Started bullets with developed, led, increased, streamlined instead of “responsible for.” Other tips:  - Learn what transferable skills to include  - Rename your resume to “FirstLastName_Marketing_Resume” instead of “RESUME_FINAL_2” - Keep track of your “professional receipts” throughout the year 📌 Resume resources: - Harvard University: https://lnkd.in/gCZb-bfZ - University of California, Berkeley: https://lnkd.in/gdyZ5hmp  - Massachusetts Institute of Technology: https://lnkd.in/gzFznJ83  - University of Pennsylvania: https://lnkd.in/gJtVhpNJ  - Columbia University: https://lnkd.in/gmK9ack6 Tailoring resumes is such a tedious and overwhelming process, especially after you’ve done it a million times. I’m happy to help anyone review or edit their resume + share any additional useful info! 💫

Looking to make your resume shine and grab attention? With over a decade of recruitment experience and having reviewed nearly 250,000 resumes while working for industry giants like Amazon, Accenture (Avanade), Cognizant, and various startups through my agency, Proven Patterns, I’ve seen what truly makes a resume stand out. Here are some top tips to help you create a powerful resume that will leave a lasting impression: ☑ Keep It Concise: Aim for 2-3 page resume when possible. Focus on your most relevant experiences and achievements without overwhelming the reader. ☑ Tailor for Each Job: Customize your resume for every position you apply for. Incorporate keywords from the job description and highlight skills and experiences that match the role. If you don't have enough time at least match the resume summary section with the job description. ☑ Showcase Achievements: Use specific numbers and examples to quantify your accomplishments. Instead of saying "improved sales," say "boosted sales by 20% within six months." ☑ Professional Format: Opt for a clean, professional layout with consistent fonts and spacing. Save the flashy graphics for creative fields. ☑ Include a Strong Summary: Start with a compelling summary that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. Make it engaging and tailored to the job you're targeting. ☑ Highlight Skills: Clearly list your core skills and competencies. Be honest and focus on those that are directly relevant to the position. ☑ Proofread Carefully: Ensure your resume is free from typos and grammatical errors. A polished resume reflects attention to detail and professionalism. ☑ Add a Personal Touch: Include a brief section on your interests or volunteer work. This can help convey your personality and values beyond your professional skills. Your resume is your first impression; make it count! 🚀 If you found these tips useful, please repost ♻ and follow me, Kumud Deepali R. for more insights and advice on jobs and career!

I got interviews from companies like Amazon, SAP, Siemens, etc., and everyone talks about resumes with a STAR format and quantifying impact. But what about the resume details that actually make a difference? Based on what’s worked for me, I’m sharing a few overlooked (but practical) tips that can help you. Let’s dive in 👇 1. Use U.S. Letter Size & Thoughtful Formatting: 🧠 Why it matters: Many ATS systems and recruiters in the U.S. are used to U.S. letter format(8.5x11, not A4). A4 may cause layout issues, especially with margins and alignment on different systems. 🎯 How to do it: ▪️ Use 0.9–1.15 line spacing, and margins of 0.5 to 1 inch for a perfect balance. Helps your content breathe without looking bare. ▪️Design psychology: Cramped resumes feel overwhelming; too much white space feels empty. ▪️Some candidates try to trick ATS by adding keywords in white text, invisible to humans. It’s detectable, unethical, and can actually get you blacklisted. 2. Human-First, Then ATS-Friendly 🧠 Why it matters: You’re not interviewing with an algorithm. Recruiters, often not from your domain, are the first to read your resume. 🎯 How to do it: ▪️Use clean formatting, consistent font sizes (10.5–12 pt), and easy-to-skim sections. Make sure your sentences make sense to anyone and not just someone technical. ▪️AI can help refine your wording, but always proofread for clarity and tone. Include context when numbers alone aren’t clear: ❌ “Increased sales by xy%” sounds great but without context, it’s meaningless.  So, add scope + baseline if you can: ✅"Boosted monthly sales by xy% within xy months by introducing a GTM strategy across 2 digital channels." 3. Pass the 6-Second Scan with Story-Driven Bullets 🧠Why it matters: Recruiters skim resumes fast, often under 6 seconds, so your bullet points need to do more than just list tasks. (PS: Studies show recruiters scan resumes in an F-shaped pattern: left to right, top to bottom. The top third of your resume (the “hot zone”) gets the most attention.) 🎯 How to do it: ▪️Start each bullet with the intent or principle behind the action (e.g., “Customer Obsession,” “ETL Pipelines”). ▪️Avoid robotic phrasing like: ❌“Built a dashboard to track engagement metrics.” Instead, make it strategic: ✅Customer Obsession: Launched in-product surveys in Excel to surface user pain points, leading to a 22% increase in feature engagement. Hope this helps!  Please share what worked for you, or if you need a template. #ResumeTips #ProductManagement #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #InternationalStudents #TechCareers #EarlyCareer #LinkedInTips

Getting "ghosted" or receiving a generic rejection after spending hours on an application is incredibly draining. If you feel like your resume is disappearing into a "black hole," it is often not a reflection of your talent - it’s a sign that your strategy needs a technical tune-up. Today’s hiring process is driven by speed and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). If your resume is "pretty" but not formatted correctly, it can be filtered out before a human ever sees it. Don’t get discouraged; get strategic. Here are 4 ways to ensure you stop getting overlooked: 1. Simplify Your Formatting Modern resumes prioritize clarity over design. To ensure your resume is readable by both humans and technology, follow these rules: - Use a single-column layout and avoid columns, tables, or sidebars. - Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. - Avoid graphics, icons, or headshots that can confuse scanning software. - Keep critical info out of headers/footers, as some systems skip these areas. 2. Ditch the "Objective" for a "Summary" Outdated objective statements focus on what you want. Instead, use a 3-4 sentence Professional Summary that focuses on what you bring to the employer. Highlight who you are professionally, your core strengths, and the value you provide. 3. Use Keywords from the Job Description ATS systems look for specific language from the job posting. If those keywords are missing, your resume may never be seen. - Identify required skills, software tools, and industry terminology. - Use both long-form and short-form terms, such as "Customer Relationship Management (CRM)". - Leverage AI to identify the keywords the ATS will prioritize. 4. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Tasks Recruiters often spend less than 30 seconds skimming a document. They want to see results, not just a list of responsibilities. - Quantify your impact whenever possible because numbers get attention. - Strong Example: "Reduced monthly reporting errors by 20% by implementing a standardized review process". - Weak Example: "Responsible for monthly reports". The Bottom Line: A modern resume combined with a short, targeted cover letter is a powerful job search strategy. This combination helps you get past the filters and get seen by recruiters faster. #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #ResumeTips #Hiring #CareerGrowth #ATS

I’ll admit – I’m impatient. When I have an idea, a desire, or a big goal, I want to see results fast. I don’t like to wait.  Over the past several months at Career Impressions: Executive Resume Writing, I’ve been working on business improvements.  To achieve goals, I’ve needed to hire help.  So I created a plan and reached out to resources.  Those who replied with customized details demonstrating an understanding of my needs, with clearly outlined solutions, examples, and results, got my attention.  Those who responded quickly and got to the point fast = even better.   However, those that replied with generic details or basic follow-ups = were passed up by me. Employers feel the same when they read resumes. They want to be spoon-fed solutions to their needs. They want to feel heard. They need to see proof of results.  Employers are also short on time and may be a bit impatient (like me), so job seekers who can address needs and get to the point quickly = even better.   How can you ensure your resume addresses the reader's needs and provides value quickly?  1. Read the job posting carefully. Identify requirements and write ‘apples to apples. ’ For example, if the job requires skills in sales growth = provide examples of personal sales growth success with metrics! 2. Bring some big, related career wins to the forefront of the file. Don’t make the reader hunt through dense resume content for facts that matter most. Connect the dots early in the file and spotlight relevant impacts and offerings. 3. Write succinctly and get straight to the point. Avoid drowning the reader in long, detailed narratives. Tighten language and strategically place information throughout the file in a way that guides the reader through offerings.  Make everything easy to absorb. 4. Cut out anything unrelated. If an example or content does not matter to the job at hand…or if you don’t think it will matter to the eventual reader (employer): remove it or improve it! Ultimately, you need to write your resume to demonstrate you are the candidate of choice in the most succinct and significant way possible. Your resume often only has one chance to impress. Make it count!

I’ve seen this resume advice floating around for years... “Just copy as many keywords as possible from the job description.” Some even suggest hiding those words in white text to “trick” the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Let’s set the record straight. That’s not how it works. Recruiters don’t filter for buzzwords like “team player” or “strong communicator.” Those phrases won’t get you noticed. In fact, they often make your resume sound generic. What does get you noticed? Clarity and impact. Employers want to see evidence. Not adjectives. They’re scanning for: ✅ Quantifiable results — measurable achievements that show your leadership impact ✅ Relevant expertise — technical or functional strengths directly tied to the role ✅ Strategic alignment — a clear narrative that connects your experience to their business goals Your resume should speak the language of outcomes, not empty descriptors. Because at your level, you’re not just applying for a job. You’re positioning yourself as a solution. Forget the tricks. Focus on showcasing your value in a way that’s impossible to overlook. #ExecutiveCareers #Leadership #CareerAdvice #JobSearchStrategy #ResumeTips

If you are a mid to senior-level manager and wondering why you are not getting interview calls, it might be because of your resume. A resume for an entry-level position highly differs from when you are aiming for a mid to senior-level position, and it must be strategically crafted. Incorporate these 9 strategies while you are preparing your resume. ➡ Ensure Consistency:   - Craft a narrative that flows smoothly, addressing any gaps to enhance reliability and consistency. ➡ Showcase your leadership skills:   - Emphasize advanced skills tailored for a senior-level position, including strategic planning, executive leadership, and effective decision-making. ➡ Craft a Snapshot Summary:   - Develop a concise and impactful summary that provides a quick snapshot of your current work, proficiency, your value and career aspirations. ➡ Include Key Details:   - Incorporate relevant information aligning with your target position, avoiding the addition of irrelevant details. ➡ Ensure a Concise Presentation:   - Maintain a succinct resume, limited to two or three pages, utilizing bullet points for clarity while avoiding visuals like graphs or tables. ➡ Employ Strategic Storytelling:   - Organize your resume strategically, write clear headings and sub-points to present a cohesive and logically structured career story. ➡ Keep It Error-Free:   - Eliminate spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, and seek input from others if necessary. ➡ Quantify Your Achievements:   - Showcase your success by quantifying achievements using statistics and numerical data, providing concrete evidence of your impact. ➡ Be Authentic:   - Emphasize your authenticity by showcasing your true self, unique qualities, and strengths, avoiding jargons & exaggerations. #linkedintopvoice #resumetips #resume ------------------------------------------ Hey, I'm Sridevi Ravichandran! 👋 I'm your Career Strategy Coach, Trainer, and Professional Resume Writer. I design personalized career strategies for Job seekers, Mid- to Senior-level professionals, and Executives and help them achieve their Unique Career Goals. If you like what you are reading and are seeking real-time career insights, not generic advice, follow me Sridevi Ravichandran and succeed in your career.

Over the past 4 years, I’ve reviewed over 100 resumes written by law students, and I always see the same handful of mistakes. This is AFTER both the student and their school’s Career Office have signed off and think the resume is “final.” ➡️ Please do not rely on Career Services to proofread your resume. That is not their job. The job is yours alone. So I created this checklist for you. It targets the 10 mistakes I see the most often. Please make sure your resume passes this checklist BEFORE you send out to any legal employer! CHECKLIST 1: Don’t tell me what your responsibilities were; tell me what you DID. Generalities are dirt. Specifics are gold. Make your resume interesting for your reader! 2: Use a readable font. Write in a font size that will be easy for your reviewer to read, and keep in mind that people over 40—including this one—cannot see tiny print. The last thing you want to do is make your reader work hard! 3: Don’t repeat that you did an activity for the company or your school when that is clear from the context. In a bullet entry under a job at a school or firm, you don’t need to specify you did something for the school or firm, and the context makes doing so redundant. 4: Be as concise as possible in your experience entries. Remove articles (the, a, an) before nouns. Convert “of the” clauses to possessives. See Dear 1L ch 13.3 for further guidance and examples. 5: Align your date ranges perfectly with the right margin. If you aren’t using a template (and I hate templates), you will need to set your right-facing tabs. See Dear 1L ch 13.2. 6: Use en-dashes for your date ranges. Note that lawyers do not use spaces around en-dashes, but as long as you are 100% consistent with your spacing throughout, doing so is not wrong per se for resume purposes. 7: Be consistent with your bullet formatting. Don’t mix square and circle bullets. Make sure all bullets are an identical size. 8: Be consistent with your vertical spacing. Err on the side of having more vertical spacing to make clear where one entry block ends and the next starts. Don’t cram entry blocks up against each other vertically. Adding a return that’s shorter than a full, 12 pt return can free up space. 9: Be consistent with your use of bold/italics & commas and other punctuation marks. These are probably the hardest nits to catch. Do a separate proofread to look exclusively for these types of inconsistencies. Consider using a magnifying glass. 👉 Look out especially for inconsistent bolding of commas and periods and inconsistent use of straight and curly quotes. 10: Don’t use adverbs. Don’t tell me that you “meticulously prepared” or “diligently organized” things. It makes me think you’re exaggerating. (But if you received particular recognition for your meticulousness or diligence, do mention that!) *** I hope this helps. I am sending so much luck to all of my new 2Ls during this stressful job-application period! 💌 Amanda

As someone who has reviewed resumes for over a decade, I want to take a moment to offer a few tips for those wondering why their resume isn’t leading to callbacks. 1. Ensure that your resume objective is relevant to the role you’re applying for. I often see resumes that simply don't fit the role. For example, if you’re applying for an administrative assistant position but your objective is tailored to IT, I, as a recruiter, will be concerned that my role doesn't match your long-term goals. Editing and saving different versions of your resume for each role can be tedious, but alignment with the role is crucial for callbacks. 2. Verify that the dates on your resume are accurate. It’s a significant waste of time during a phone interview to discuss date discrepancies. Moreover, if you lack the attention to detail to remember when you stopped working somewhere, it raises concerns about your overall thoroughness. Continuously update your resume to maintain its integrity and keep your employment dates and responsibilities fresh in your mind. 3. Highlight your achievements on your resume. Mention any additional training, awards you've won, improvements you've implemented, and processes you've established for your employer. Your resume should not only list what you did but also how well you did it. It can be helpful to review your resume with a trusted friend from your previous job to ensure you haven’t forgotten any of your outstanding achievements. 4. Avoid overusing jargon on your resume. Recruiters might not be familiar with all the specifics of your industry. While including acronyms and industry-specific terms can showcase your expertise, they may confuse someone who is not the first person to review your resume. If you cannot articulate your experiences in a way that someone outside of your industry can understand, you may find it challenging to secure callbacks and perform well in interviews. I think a great best practice is to have someone outside of your industry review your resume to ensure clarity. These are just a few tips I’ve gathered from reviewing thousands of resumes. There are many excellent resources available to help improve your resume- use them! AI, resume writers, and friends in talent acquisition can all help! Job hunting can feel like a full-time job — I’ve been there. Remember, your resume plays a critical role in getting you noticed, so take advantage of these resources and let your resume represent you effectively.