Tips for Resume and Interview Success

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! 💫

Searching for a new career opportunity can be challenging, especially in a job market that may not feel as candidate-friendly as it once did. In my line of work, I’m frequently asked to provide career guidance and resume/interview feedback. There aren’t any hidden secrets to landing a job, but there are consistent guidelines and best practices I tend to share when someone asks, “How can I improve my interview performance?” or “Can you review my resume and offer some advice?” 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗜 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲: 1. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝗜𝘀 𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 — 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝘆. Keep it tight. Keep it relevant. Keep it results-driven. Lead with impact, not responsibilities and quantify whenever possible. 2. 𝗧𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿 > 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 Spraying 200 generic applications rarely works. Adjust keywords to match the job description. 3. 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗜𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 Recruiters live there. Clear headline (what you actually do + value you bring). Turn on “Open to Work” (privately if you prefer). 4. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝘀 𝗮 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 — 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝘁. Being good at your job ≠ being good at interviewing. Prepare 5–7 strong stories (STAR format works for a reason). Be able to explain impact clearly. 5. 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝘁. You can train the "day to day", you can’t train attitude.  • Coachability  • Ownership  • Clear communication  • Self-awareness  • Problem-solving mindset Technical skills get you in the room. Soft skills close the offer. 6. 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗨𝗽 (𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗕𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲) A short thank-you email after an interview still goes a long way. It doesn’t need to be long. Just thoughtful and specific. 7. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀. Clean up public social media. Make sure your digital footprint aligns with how you present professionally. 8. 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 — 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀. You don’t need to ask for a job. Ask for:  • Advice  • Perspective  • Industry insight 9. 𝗥𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗜𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 This one’s important. Many hiring decisions come down to:  • Very specific team needs  • Internal candidates  • Budget changes  • Timing 10. 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 Do your research:  • Compensation ranges  • Skill demand  • Industry trends It makes negotiation smarter and more confident.

Before I landed my current role here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), I went through an incredible journey, one that tested my patience, resilience and faith in the process. I successfully passed demanding technical interviews and secured other offers with three major international oil & gas giants across the UAE, Qatar and Iraq. I even had the opportunity to attend eye-opening interviews with a global mining leader in Australia and a renowned power generation company in the United Kingdom. But the truth? I wasn’t an overnight success. I became part of that well-known statistic “10 applications to get 1 interview and 10 interviews to land 1 job.” In total, I applied to over 100 roles across the globe. Every rejection, silence and shortlisting taught me something valuable. And today, I’d love to share a few insights that might help those currently walking the same path: 1. Trust the process. Just like marriage, you don’t decide overnight. Let the journey unfold naturally. 2. Know the real goal of each step. The resume isn’t meant to get you the job, it’s meant to get you the interview. 3. Be honest. Don’t oversell or sugarcoat. Authenticity lasts longer than exaggeration. 4. It’s okay to say “I don’t know.” Follow it with: “But give me time, and I’ll learn it.” That’s true professionalism. 5. For technical interviews, focus on the bigger picture. Understand trends, company direction and how your role adds value, not just the theory. 6. For international roles, learn the culture. Small gestures of respect go a long way, especially in face-to-face interviews. 7. Don’t overprepare. They want to meet you, not your rehearsed version. Remember, even interviewers aren’t perfect. 8. Don’t assume they’ve read your resume. Many review it during the interview, help them connect the dots. 9. Build relationships with recruiters. Stay in touch. One conversation can open future doors. 10. Remember it’s a journey, not a battle. Enjoy the process, celebrate small wins and keep growing along the way. To everyone still applying, interviewing, and waiting for that one “yes”, keep going. Every rejection is simply redirection to where you truly belong. #InterviewTips #JobHunting #CorporateCultures #OfficeHacks #OilAndGas #Instrumentations #ProcessAutomation

This week, I met with 15 job seekers. While each had their own powerful story, clear patterns emerged about what's working (and what's not) in today's job market. Here are data-backed takeaways to help anyone currently in a job search: 📌 Job Platforms Matter LinkedIn remains the most popular, but response rates are low (2.3%). Better options: GovernmentJobs (13.6% response rate), HelloWork (5.4%), and Wellfound (5.3%). Diversify your job search platforms. 📌 Tailored Resumes Are Crucial Candidates with tailored resumes are 2.2x more likely to secure interviews than those with generic resumes. Successful resumes feature slightly fewer bullet points but include richer, quantified details. 📌 Skills Sections: Less is More Interview-winning resumes listed about 5% fewer skills, emphasizing relevance and clarity. Over-listing certifications reduces interview likelihood by approximately 17%. 📌 Resume Summaries Work Over 90% of successful resumes include concise, impactful summaries. The best summaries lead with your most impressive achievement, clearly showing value to employers. 📌 Don't Neglect the "Why Us?" Section when applying on Wellfound Detailed, personalized answers in the "What interests you about this company?" section can significantly improve interview chances. It's the first thing employers see on their end. I'm continuing to offer a few free 1:1 job search consultations weekly (as my schedule allows), and I now have a network of others who are doing the same Career coaches and recruiters: If you can help, comment below. Let’s help job seekers navigate smarter. Like and reshare this data-backed advice to help others stay informed.

Interviewing is a skill.  And like any skill, it gets better with a system. Great candidates get rejected every day, not because they lack skills, but because they show up unprepared. Here’s a straightforward, no-nonsense framework to help you successfully prepare: 1️⃣ Before the Interview: Set the Foundation Your prep work speaks before you do. 🔹 Resume Strategy ↳ Customize for each role. One-size-fits-all doesn’t work. ↳ Cut outdated or irrelevant details. ↳ Show career growth clearly with a reverse-chronological format. ↳ Mirror keywords from the job posting. 🔹 Research Basics ↳ Learn about the company via their website, social media, and press. ↳ Review your interviewer's LinkedIn profile. ↳ Explore customer forums, reviews, and product discussions. 🔹 Story Bank ↳ Prepare 2–3 stories that reflect your top strengths. ↳ Have one solid example of how you handled failure. ↳ Back everything up with data, not just opinions. 2️⃣ During the Interview: Make It Count You only get one shot at a first impression. 🔹 Answer Smart ↳ Use the CAR Method to respond with structure: ↳ Challenge: What was the problem? ↳ Action: What did you do? ↳ Result: What changed because of it? ↳ Don’t ramble. Get to the point and stay relevant. 3️⃣ After the Interview: Finish Strong Many candidates drop the ball here. 🔹 Follow Up ↳ Send a thank-you email within 24 hours. ↳ Keep it short, clear, and professional. ↳ Reaffirm interest, but don’t come across as needy. 🔹 Negotiation ↳ Don’t accept the first offer without discussion. ↳ Know the full comp package—benefits, equity, PTO. ↳ Be prepared to walk if needed. ↳ Keep conversations going with other opportunities. Bottom line: Interviews aren’t about perfection. They’re about preparation. While others wing it, stick to a process. ♻️ Share this post with your network to help them secure their interview success. ➕ Follow Ben Henley for actionable tips on finding your best work.

In today’s job market, blending in is the same as being invisible. Want to stand out and land that dream role? Start here.    Here's 12 tips to stand out in a crowded job market    1. Know the Company Inside Out  Don’t just glance at their website, dig deep. Understand their goals, values, and latest projects.  ✅ Action Tip: Spend 15 minutes researching their latest news and mention it during your interview.    2. Customize Every Application  One-size-fits-all resumes get tossed. Tailor your resume and cover letter for every role.  ✅ Action Tip: Highlight three skills or experiences from the job post in your application.    3. Use the Right Keywords  Match your resume language to the job description to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS).  ✅ Action Tip: Add key phrases like “team leadership” directly from the job listing to your resume.    4. Follow Up  A thank-you email shows you’re thoughtful and eager.  ✅ Action Tip: Send a thank-you within 24 hours. Reference something specific from the interview.    5. Quantify Your Successes  Numbers stand out. Instead of “managed sales,” write “increased sales by 20% in six months.”  ✅ Action Tip: Add measurable results to each role on your resume.    6. Ask Real Questions  Show genuine interest with meaningful questions about the role or company’s future.  ✅ Action Tip: Prepare two thoughtful questions, like “What’s the team’s biggest goal this year?”    7. Build a Clean Online Presence  Employers check LinkedIn and social media—keep it professional.  ✅ Action Tip: Update your LinkedIn profile and share an industry-related post.    8. Reach Out and Network  Don’t rely on job boards alone. Connect with employees or recruiters.  ✅ Action Tip: Message two people at each company where you apply, explaining your interest.    9. Prepare for Basic Interview Questions  Practice answering common questions like “Tell me about yourself” confidently.  ✅ Action Tip: Write down and rehearse answers for the top five interview questions.    10. Be quick to respond  Recruiters like quick responses. Don’t make them wait days for a response.  ✅ Action Tip: Set notification alerts for incoming messages    11. Show Off Soft Skills  Employers value adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving. Share examples.  ✅ Action Tip: Prepare a story about a time you solved a problem or overcame a challenge.    12. Proofread for Perfection  A typo can ruin your chances. Double-check everything.  ✅ Action Tip: Print your resume and review it on paper to catch errors.    Follow these steps, and you’ll stand out. Each action shows you’re thoughtful, prepared, and serious about the job.    Which of these is the most helpful for job seekers? Share below! ⬇️    ♻️ Repost to help your network.  ➕Follow Ricardo Cuellar for more content like this.   

Here’s a quick Q3 reminder for job seekers: Never underestimate the power of small steps when it comes to: → Learning new skills → Revamping your resume → Building your professional network Small steps might seem insignificant at first, but they can lead to significant progress over time without overwhelming your daily routine. ✅ 3 tips to enhance your networking: >>> Identify your strengths: Make a list of what you can offer to others. Reflect on your top achievements and skills, and think about how they might benefit those you connect with. >>> Start with familiar faces: Reach out to friends, colleagues, or acquaintances in your community. Shared interests and local connections can be a great foundation for expanding your network. >>> Utilize online resources: Tools like LinkedIn or networking apps can streamline your efforts. Explore platforms that match your interests and needs for effective networking. ✅ 3 ways to upgrade your resume: >>> Highlight Achievements: Focus on quantifiable results and accomplishments rather than just duties. Use metrics to showcase your impact. >>> Tailor for Each Role: Customize your resume for each job application. Align your skills and experiences with the specific requirements of the job description. >>> Use Keywords: Incorporate industry-specific keywords and phrases to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catch the attention of hiring managers. ✅ 3 ways to polish your interview skills: >>> Practice with Purpose: Conduct mock interviews to refine your responses. Focus on delivering concise and impactful answers. >>> Research and Prepare: Understand the company’s mission, values, and recent developments. Prepare questions that show your genuine interest and knowledge about the company. >>> Body Language Matters: Pay attention to your non-verbal cues. Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and project confidence through your body language. Taking one step at a time can make a big difference. Just start with the basics and build from there. You've got this! #interviewquestions #interviewpreparation #interview #linkedinforcreators

🌟 Stand Out in Your Job Search 🌟 As a recruiter, I've had the pleasure of engaging with numerous talented professionals in claims and customer service. I am passionate about helping individuals enhance their interview skills and refine their resumes. Today, I'm excited to share some valuable tips to help you stand out in your job search and leave a lasting impression: 1️⃣ Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. A targeted resume can make all the difference! 2️⃣ Leverage LinkedIn: Optimize your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo, a strong headline, and detailed descriptions of your experiences. Engage with industry content and connect with professionals in your field. 3️⃣ Prepare for Interviews: Dive deep into researching the company and the specific role you're applying for. Familiarize yourself with common interview questions and craft insightful questions to pose to the interviewer. Anticipate behavioral interview questions and practice responding using the STAR method to effectively showcase your experiences. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and eagerness to make a meaningful contribution. 4️⃣ Network Effectively: Attend industry events, webinars, and networking sessions. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities and provide valuable insights into your desired field. 5️⃣ Follow Up: Send a thank-you email to express your gratitude and reaffirm your interest in the position. A well-crafted follow-up can create a lasting positive impression. If you don't have the interviewer's email address and feel comfortable, consider asking them directly for it. Alternatively, you can request the recruiter to forward your email on your behalf. 6️⃣ Stay Positive and Persistent: Job searching can be challenging, but perseverance pays off. Stay motivated, keep refining your approach, and remember that each step brings you closer to your goal. Remember, your dream job is out there, and with the right strategy, you can make it yours. Wishing you all the best in your job search journey! What are your top job search tips? Share them in the comments below! 👇 #JobSearchTips #CareerAdvice #InterviewPreparation #Networking #ResumeWriting

Hi to all who are actively job seeking. Here is a plan that could help you. Strategic and Productive. A highly effective plan to immediately boost your job search and interview success: 1. Sharpen Your Focus - Pick 3–5 job titles you’re targeting (e.g., "Marketing Specialist," "Growth Marketing Manager"). - Pick industries or company types you're excited about (e.g., SaaS, biotech, finance). - Focus prevents you from spraying and praying. 2. Refresh and Customize Your Resume - Update your resume for EACH job (small tweaks matter: match the keywords to job descriptions). - Top of your resume: Add a professional summary (2–3 lines, laser-focused on your value). - Tailored resumes get 2–3x more callbacks. 3. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile - Headline: Not just “Looking for opportunities” — instead, highlight your superpower (e.g., “Marketing Specialist | Driving Growth Through Digital Strategy”). - About section: 4–5 sentences summarizing who you help and how. Open to Work: Turn it on for recruiters (private or public). - Recruiters check LinkedIn first. 4. Smart Application Strategy - Apply to 5–10 roles/week (not 50!). Prioritize high-fit roles. - Spend more time on customizing and networking into those jobs (not mass-applying). - Quality over quantity wins. 5. Warm Up Your Network - Message former managers, coworkers, classmates: “Hi [Name], I’m exploring new marketing roles — if you hear of any openings, I’d love to reconnect!” - 80% of jobs are filled through some form of networking. 6. Interview Preparation (Every Day) - Prepare 2–3 strong achievement stories (STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result). - Practice answers to common questions like: “Tell me about yourself.” “Why are you a fit for this role?” “Describe a challenge you overcame.” -Confidence = Preparation × Practice. 7. Stay Positive and Track Progress - Track jobs you applied to (Google Sheet or Trello board). - Celebrate small wins (even a recruiter reaching out = momentum). - Reframe rejection: It’s redirection, not failure. - Positive energy is magnetic during interviews. Ok, Quick Recap: ✅ Target sharply ✅ Customize resume + LinkedIn ✅ Apply smartly ✅ Activate your network ✅ Practice interviews ✅ Track wins and stay positive #JobSearch #CareerJourney #OpenToWork #JobSeekerSupport #JobHunt #CareerOpportunities #MarketingJobs #NowHiring #ResumeTips #CareerChange #Networking #CareerAdvice #JobSearchTips #ProfessionalGrowth #NewBeginnings

I reviewed 1,000+ resumes and this is what separates interview-winning resumes from the rejection pile: specificity beats generality every single time. Stop saying "managed customer requests">> start proving your impact with numbers that recruiters actually care about.* Most job seekers write what they were responsible for. Top candidates write what they accomplished. Here's the framework how I break down the metrics Before → After examples: "Cost reduction" → "Reduced operational costs from 50% to 20% while maintaining 99% SLA" "Managed requests" → "Handled 150+ tickets weekly with 95% satisfaction rate" "Improved quality" → "Increased quality score from 92% to 98%, ranking top 10% globally" "Cross-team collaboration" → "Partnered with Product & Sales to launch 3 features serving 10K+ users" "Process improvements" → "Automated reporting workflows, saving 10 hours weekly" → Numbers prove impact, not just effort   → Before/after metrics show progression   → Specific details help recruiters visualize your value. Remember, we don't work in the role you are in. Explain to people in a simplest ways if possible.  Quick action steps: 1. Review your current resume bullets 2. Ask: "What measurable outcome did this create?" Consider the impact on people, processes, or business goals 3. Replace vague terms with specific metrics.  4. Include timeframes when possible For Product roles, focus on user impact, feature adoption, and business metrics. For Trust & Safety roles, quantify case volumes, accuracy rates, and policy compliance. Your resume isn't a job description—it's a showcase of your value proposition. Your resume starts the conversation and guides you through interviews. Need help making your resume interview-ready? I provide 1:1 resume + LinkedIn reviews. DM me for details.