Resume
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Refresh your resume right after taking a new role.
Recalling details of the prior job is easier while they are fresh. You may need to update it later for layoffs or better prospects.
4 people, independently
- Update your CV immediately whenever your job changes rather than waiting until you are actively looking for a new role.2
- Update your resume immediately when you earn new certifications, publications, awards, or professional memberships.1
Highlight achievements and outcomes on your resume instead of merely listing job duties.
Recruiters seek impact, not just responsibilities; duty lists often look similar across candidates.
11 people, independently
Store a local version of the job listing for any role you pursue.
Employers may remove postings before reaching out, leaving only your resume as reference; requesting a resend can appear unprepared.
7 people, independently
Use bullet points of no more than two lines to describe your experience instead of writing paragraphs.
Paragraphs are often fluff.
one person who lived it
Frame your accomplishments using keywords found in the job description.
Many companies use software to sift through applications based on keywords from the ad.
3 people, independently
List your actual job function on your resume rather than the formal corporate title if the latter is misleading.
It is more honest.
one person who lived it
Write a strong cover letter to complement your resume.
It makes a huge difference.
one person who lived it
Quantify your accomplishments with specific numbers, percentages, or revenue increases.
Specific metrics show verifiable impact better than general statements of responsibility.
3 people, independently
Highlight internships as valid experience when applying for jobs requiring 1-2 years of experience.
One person was hired for a role requiring 1-2 years of experience with only 9 months of internship experience.
one person who lived it
15 more on this
If you are computer literate, list Microsoft Word and Excel on your resume with the confidence that you can learn the specifics once hired.
Computer literacy allows you to figure out the software after getting the job.
one person who lived it
Keep a separate list of accomplishments to help with salary negotiations and resume updates.
It helps negotiate raises by showing what you've done for the company and helps put relevant stuff on a resume.
one person who lived it
Remove PhDs from your resume if they make you appear too specialized for lucrative positions outside of teaching.
Having a PhD can disqualify you from numerous high-paying roles because employers view you as too specialized.
one person who lived it
Call your previous employer to confirm the exact job title they have on record for you.
to avoid issues with background check companies over technicalities
one person who lived it
Spell out gaming achievements in corporate language, such as describing community management and conflict resolution, because HR may not connect the dots.
HR departments often cannot infer the transferable skills from gaming roles without explicit explanation.
one person who lived it
Omit prominent college education details if you have over a decade of work experience, unless you are changing careers.
College is considered filler after a decade of work.
- Exception applies if you are changing careers.
one person who lived it
Keep keywords from job descriptions but reword them rather than copying and pasting verbatim.
Copying directly can look lazy or obvious.
one person who lived it
When applying for jobs that nominally require a generic four-year degree, avoid explicitly highlighting specific online courses on your CV if you lack that degree.
Listing specific classes highlights your lack of a degree, reminding the interviewer that you don't meet their requirements.
one person who lived it
Update a daily work journal with major accomplishments and new responsibilities before you leave for the day.
Managers often do not remember all of your contributions.
one person who lived it
Use the original job description as a starting point for listing duties on your resume.
It provides specific language for your responsibilities.
- Does not work if you were given bait-and-switch duties after starting.
- Your actual responsibilities may be much more than what you applied for.
one person who lived it
Ensure your resume is well-formatted and free of typos.
Poorly formatted resumes or those with many typos may be tossed immediately regardless of qualifications.
one person who lived it
Use job descriptions to identify specific requirements, such as clinical hours, for specialized applications like med school.
Job descriptions cover important expectations and cautions relevant to admission requirements.
one person who lived it
Keep a master resume containing all your professional history to easily tailor applications for specific roles.
5 people, independently
Edit saved job descriptions to include specific accomplishments and remove wordy or generic language.
It avoids looking like a copy-paste job and allows you to add duties you performed that weren't originally listed.
one person who lived it
Include a mix of responsibilities showing importance and accomplishments showing impact on your resume.
Different employers want to see different information; some focus on responsibility while others focus on difference made.
one person who lived it