How to Write a Resume That "Works" | Resume Writing Tips to Get Hired

How to Write a Resume That “Works”

I’ve been fielding a lot of questions lately from my career coaching clients about resumes..

“I feel like my resume has too much on it… can you help me?”

“I do a lot… but I don’t feel like my resume reflects that.

“Can you help me write a resume that works?”

(That one is my favorite).

The fact of the matter is: when it comes to finding a new job, your resume IS your first impression. And – I’m sure I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know – your resume needs to not just be an accurate reflection of you and your skills and experience – it needs to make you look like a freaking rockstar.

The good news is, with the right adjustments and optimizations, this is totally doable!

Here are some of my best tips for writing a resume that “works.”

My Best Resume Tips

Having worked in corporate marketing for 8+ years, both in-house and at agencies, I’ve conducted 100s of interviews. I know what employers are looking for, how to tailor your resume to their expectations, and make you stand out as a top-notch candidate.

In the last 3+ years that I have been assisting professionals with career coaching, as well as resume, cover letter, and Linkedin profile optimization, I’ve found that the same recommendations tend to come up over and over again. Here are some of the best adjustments you can make to YOUR resume to help you stand out (as well as some intel about how the hiring process works from my friends who work in the HR and recruiting world).

If you have your address on your resume, remove it.

Despite popular belief, there is no need to include your address on your resume. In fact, this could actually prevent you from getting interview requests and job offers if employer pre-judges that you live too far away. And you don’t want to give a potential employer any more information to judge you on than is necessary to get you in the door for an interview.

The goal of your resume is to get an interview – not to get hired.

My acting teacher once shared a philosophy that COMPLETELY changed by outlook on auditioning. When you have an audition, your goal isn’t to get the part – your goal is the get the callback.

Equated to job interview terms – the goal of your resume is to get your the interview – not to get you the job. Don’t feel like you need to share your entire life story on your resume; that’s what interviews are for.

Many people struggle with where to draw the line of their experience and attributes in putting together their resume. My rule of thumb is this: include no more than 5 bullet points (tops!) per individual work experience/position listed on your resume, and make sure every single bullet point serves a unique purpose.

Include as many “hard skills” as possible – including software & platform experience

“Soft” skills are important. Heck – I’m the first person to argue the value of being “confident,” “driven,” “self-directed,” or a “problem solver.” These qualities are very important AND great aspects to your hire-ability.

However – if you include too many of them, it looks fluffy.

The more “hard keywords” you can include in your resume, the better. Many job applications and resumes (especially from mass job posting sites that receive hundreds-to-thousands of resumes per day, like Indeed.com), go through a digital screening software that looks for specific keywords before they even get in the hands (or in front of the eyes) of an actual person.

By “hard keywords” I mean anything from specific software experience to business skills. I always recommend having a “Skills & Experience” section where you can literally bullet out specific skills to they are easy to read (for both humans and machines).

Know your story (and stick to it).

You’ve probably heard of the concept of a “Unique Value Proposition” or “Unique Selling Proposition” in business. Your UVP/USP is the thing that defines you and makes you unique from ANY other business. Or in this case – different than any other job candidate.

Are you a “numbers” person, but also an artist?

Are you a master communicator who’s won awards for your public speaking prowess?

Are you so passionate about web developing and software engineering that you’re working on developing your own app?

Find what makes you unique – and lean into it. You will be tempted to list EVERY single skill you have on your resume, and I want to encourage you to fight that temptation. If you include too MUCH information you run the risk of coming across very generalized on paper.

More Resume & Interview Preparation Resources

Want more resume & interview prep tips? Check out these resources: