(This isn't just advice - it's what actually works after reviewing 15,000+ resumes.)
The 5-Second Resume Test
Recruiters decide fast. Your resume must instantly show:
🔹 Who You Are: Senior UX Designer | Fintech Specialist (Not "Seeking opportunities")
🔹 What You Offer: 3 core skills under your name (e.g., "Figma | User Research | SaaS")
🔹 Why You're Unique: One standout achievement (e.g., "Reduced onboarding drop-offs by 65%")
1. The Summary That Actually Gets Read
Forget objectives. Write a 3-line pitch that answers:
1. Your expertise: "Data analyst with 4+ years in e-commerce"
2. Your superpower: "Built dashboards that cut reporting time by 70%"
3. Your goal: Looking to leverage Python/SQL at a scaling startup"
❌ "Hardworking team player seeking growth"→ Ignored
✅ "Growth marketer who scaled 2 startups to 7-figure ARR. Expert in paid ads & email funnels. Seeking to drive acquisition at a Series B tech company."
2. Bullet Points That Land Interviews
The Formula: [Power Verb] + [What You Did] + [Metric] + [Business Impact]
Examples:
- Increased trial-to-paid conversion by 30% by redesigning onboarding flows (added 250K ARR).
- Cut customer support tickets 40% by creating self-help video guides.
PRO TIP: Start bullets with led, grew, reduced, optimized - not responsible for.
3. Beat the ATS (Applicant Tracking System)
Do This:
- Mirror exact phrases from the job description
- Put skills in a dedicated section (Tools: Salesforce, Tableau, Google Analytics)
- Use standard headings ("Work Experience", not "My Professional Path")
Avoid:
- Tables/graphics (they break ATS parsing)
- Headers/footers (often get cut off)
- Icons (♂️→ shows as empty boxes in ATS)
4. The Hidden Section That 90% Miss
Add "Key Projects"if you:
- Are early-career (show academic/freelance work)
- Changed industries (highlight transferable skills)
- Want to showcase technical abilities
Example:
"Portfolio Website: Built with React, drives 20+ client inquiries/month"
5. Design Rules That Don't Fail
✅ Fonts: Arial/Calibri (10-12pt)
✅ Length: 1 page (<5 yrs) or 2 pages (executive)
✅ File Name: "FirstName_LastName_JobTitle.pdf" (Not "Resume2024.pdf")
🚫 Better to Avoid (Unless Relevant):
- Photos (unless modeling/acting)
- "References available" (they'll ask)
- High school details (if you have a degree)
The Final Check: Ask "So What?"
For every line, ask: "Would this make a hiring manager care?" If not, cut or rewrite it.
Want a Recruiter to Rewrite One Section for Free?
We'll take your weakest bullet point and transform it into an achievement that gets interviews.
