How to Write a Professional Resume That Gets You Hired Faster - Episode 007
If you’re getting back out into the job market, you’re going to need a resume, plain and simple.
The first step to getting noticed is nailing your resume. Not just writing one—writing a powerful, strategic, and unmistakably YOU resume that doesn’t sound like it was spit out by a corporate jargon generator.
I’m breaking down exactly how to write an incredible resume that opens doors, showcases your value, and gets past both robots and real humans.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
The exact formula to write bullet points that wow recruiters
Tips on beating the bots (ATS) with keywords that get your resume seen
Advice on tailoring your resume for different roles—without reinventing the wheel
Examples of what to say (and what to avoid), plus resume formatting best practices
Real talk on cover letters, career mistakes, and even email address red flags
Pssst, get a head start by getting my free resource with checklists for resume do’s and don’ts, tips, and a step-by-step guide.
Resumes Are Just One Piece of the Puzzle—But an Important One
Before we get into formatting and keywords, here's the truth: your resume is only part of the story. Recruiters also check your LinkedIn, portfolio, online presence, even your tone in emails. (Melody once lost an opportunity because of a typo in her thank-you email. Yes, really.)
So while resumes matter—a lot—they’re one piece of a larger employable brand. The good news? With the right tools and awareness, you can sharpen every piece of that brand.
Why Resumes Get Overlooked (and What to Do About It)
Here’s the harsh reality:
Most resumes don’t get seen by a human.
If they do, you’ve got seven seconds to make an impression.
And automated screening systems (ATS) are not always fair or accurate.
But you’re not powerless. You can optimize your resume to work smarter, not harder—with one major strategy:
Use the "Make, Save, Achieve" Rule
Want your resume to stand out? Every bullet should say what you:
Made (e.g., revenue, processes, results)
Saved (e.g., time, money, resources)
Achieved (e.g., milestones, growth, measurable impact)
Instead of:
Led internal communications for the team.
Try:
Led internal comms for a 12-person team, improving message open rates by 27% and decreasing email churn by 15%.
Quantify everything. Recruiters love numbers—they help paint a clear picture of your contribution.
Keywords Matter. Here's How to Find the Right Ones.
Because most resumes are scanned by ATS software, you need strategic keywords embedded in your resume. Here’s how to find them:
Search job descriptions in your desired field and highlight common skills.
Use LinkedIn to check profiles of people in your dream role.
Ask ChatGPT to analyze top job listings or profiles and give you a keyword list.
Pepper them naturally into your resume. Don’t keyword-dump—keep it authentic.
Formatting 101: What Every Resume Needs
Here’s a simple, effective structure:
Name + Contact Info + LinkedIn/Website
2-line professional summary (tailored to each job!)
Education (only include high school if you’re early in your career)
Certifications (only if relevant)
Professional Experience
List: Company, Title, Dates
2-3 bullets: Key Responsibilities
2-3 bullets: Quantified Key Achievements
Skills + Programs Proficient In
(Optional) References Available Upon Request
Pro Tip: Tailor your summary and keywords per job you apply for. Yes, it’s tedious. Yes, it’s worth it.
Cover Letters: Yay or Nay?
Mixed bag here. Some hiring managers care, some don’t. But if they ask for one—use it as your secret weapon. Customize it. Inject personality. And yes, let ChatGPT help draft it if you’re stuck (just don’t copy-paste blindly).