Write an Incredible Resume: 5 Golden Rules!

Summary

The video script discusses the importance of crafting an effective resume based on an analysis of 125,484 resumes by Austin Belcak. Key findings include the significance of having a LinkedIn profile, with only 48% of resumes featuring one, and the underuse of important keywords and skills, with candidates averaging only a 51% match. Measurable metrics are shown to improve outcomes, yet only 26% of resumes include them. The ideal resume length is identified as 475 to 600 words, with 77% of resumes not meeting this criterion. Lastly, the use of buzzwords and cliches is discouraged, as 51% of resumes contained such content. The speaker, Jeff, provides practical tips for improving resumes, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive LinkedIn profile, the inclusion of relevant hard and soft skills, quantifiable results, appropriate resume length, and avoiding generic language.

Takeaways

• 📈 Include a LinkedIn profile on your resume to increase interview rates, but ensure it's comprehensive and professional.
• 🔍 Match your resume with the right keywords and skills from the job description to pass applicant tracking system filters.
• 📊 Incorporate measurable metrics in your resume to make your achievements more tangible and understandable to employers.
• 📝 Aim for a resume length between 475 and 600 words, as this range is associated with higher interview rates.
• 🚫 Avoid using buzzwords, cliches, or incorrect pronouns, as they dilute the value of your resume.
• 💼 A professional headshot and banner, informative work detail, and meaningful connections are crucial for a strong LinkedIn profile.
• 🔑 Use online word cloud tools to identify and naturally include the most frequent keywords from the job description in your resume.
• 📈 Highlight both hard and soft skills, with a focus on the latter which are often underrepresented in resumes.
• 📉 Understand that the importance of a strong LinkedIn profile is more pronounced for entry-level job seekers.
• 📌 Apply the X-Y-Z formula for resume bullet points to clearly communicate your accomplishments.
• ✅ Tailor your resume to the job by ensuring it contains the necessary keywords and skills, and by avoiding generic or irrelevant content.

Q & A

What was the main reason for excitement about Austin Belcak's findings on resume tips?

The excitement was due to the fact that Austin Belcak's findings were based on an analysis of 125,484 resumes, which provided data-driven insights that can reduce the subjectivity often found in resume advice.

What percentage of resumes included a LinkedIn profile according to Austin's study?

Only 48% of resumes included a LinkedIn profile.

What is the significance of having a comprehensive LinkedIn profile?

A comprehensive LinkedIn profile can significantly increase the chances of landing a job interview, whereas a basic or bare bones profile may actually decrease those chances.

What are the three key components of a strong LinkedIn profile?

The three key components are having a professional headshot and LinkedIn banner, an informative work detail section, and a significant effort in building meaningful connections.

How does the inclusion of measurable metrics in a resume impact its effectiveness?

Resumes that include measurable metrics are more likely to improve outcomes as they make a candidate's value easier to understand and quantify.

What is the ideal length for a resume according to the study?

The ideal resume length is between 475 to 600 words.

Why is it important to include keywords from the job description on a resume?

Including keywords from the job description helps a resume pass through applicant tracking systems that filter out candidates based on specific keywords and experiences.

What is the X-Y-Z formula for writing effective resume bullet points?

The X-Y-Z formula is 'Accomplished X as measured by Y, by doing Z', which helps to clearly communicate a candidate's achievements.

What percentage of resumes in the study included buzzwords, cliches, or incorrect pronouns?

51% of resumes included buzzwords, cliches, or incorrect pronouns.

Why is it recommended to avoid using buzzwords and cliches in a resume?

Buzzwords and cliches are unnecessary and can detract from the message of a resume, making it less impactful and memorable to recruiters and hiring managers.

What is the recommended approach to including soft skills on a resume?

One should look at workplace trends reports or summaries to identify the top in-demand soft skills that are applicable to their field and include those in the resume.

What is the suggested method to ensure a resume stays within the optimal word count range?

Using the word count tool in Word or Google Docs to ensure the resume stays within the 475 to 600 word range.