Write an Incredible Resume: 5 Golden Rules!

Summary

In this video, Jeff shares key findings from a study by Austin Belcak, analyzing over 125,000 resumes to reveal what truly works in resume writing. The study highlights five important factors: the value of including a LinkedIn profile, the importance of matching relevant keywords and skills, the impact of measurable results, the ideal resume length, and avoiding buzzwords. Jeff discusses practical resume tips backed by data, helping job seekers optimize their resumes to stand out, with actionable insights that can immediately improve their chances of landing interviews.

Takeaways

• 😀 Resumes with a LinkedIn profile see higher interview rates, but only 48% of resumes include a LinkedIn profile.
• 😀 A bare-bones LinkedIn profile can hurt your chances, so ensure your profile has a professional headshot, detailed work experience, and meaningful connections.
• 😀 The gap in callback rates is smaller for higher-level job applicants, meaning a strong LinkedIn profile is more critical for entry-level positions.
• 😀 Only 51% of resumes include the necessary keywords and skills, with candidates missing important soft skills, which are key for job applications.
• 😀 Use online word cloud tools to identify and naturally incorporate important keywords from job descriptions into your resume.
• 😀 Measurable results significantly improve resumes, but only 26% of resumes included five or more measurable metrics, with many lacking any quantifiable results.
• 😀 The X-Y-Z formula for bullet points (Accomplished X as measured by Y, by doing Z) helps make your achievements stand out by showing measurable impact.
• 😀 The ideal resume length is between 475 and 600 words, with resumes outside this range having fewer interview opportunities.
• 😀 Avoid keyword-stuffing your resume. It’s about quality and relevance, not just quantity of keywords.
• 😀 Remove buzzwords, cliches, and fluffy content from your resume to make your experience more impactful and authentic.

Q & A

Why is Austin Belcak's study on resumes significant?

Austin Belcak's study is significant because it analyzed over 125,000 resumes, providing data-driven insights into what actually works in resume writing, eliminating guesswork and offering clear, actionable tips that can improve interview chances.

What is the first key finding from the study?

The first key finding is that resumes with a LinkedIn profile lead to higher interview rates. However, having a basic or underdeveloped LinkedIn profile can actually decrease the chances of getting an interview.

What should be included in a LinkedIn profile to make it effective?

An effective LinkedIn profile should include a professional headshot, a well-detailed work history, and meaningful connections. It should not be a bare-bones profile; it should reflect your qualifications and professional persona.

What is the ideal resume length, according to the study?

The ideal resume length is between 475 and 600 words, as research shows that resumes within this range saw double the interview rates compared to resumes that were shorter or longer.

What role do keywords play in a resume, and how can one ensure the right keywords are included?

Keywords are crucial because applicant tracking systems scan resumes for specific terms related to the job. To include the right keywords, candidates can use free word cloud tools to identify and incorporate relevant terms from job descriptions into their resumes.

How can soft skills be better incorporated into a resume?

Soft skills are often underrepresented on resumes. To improve this, candidates can research in-demand soft skills using reports like Udemy’s workplace trends or CNBC’s summary, and then incorporate them into their resume in a natural way.

Why are measurable results important on a resume?

Measurable results are important because they help quantify the value of a candidate's contributions. They make the impact of your work clearer and more impressive. For example, saying 'drove 30% year-on-year increase in sales' makes your achievements more tangible and appealing.

What is the 'XYZ formula' for writing resume bullet points?

The XYZ formula helps structure resume bullet points effectively. It goes as: 'Accomplished X as measured by Y, by doing Z.' For instance, 'Drove 2,500 organic signups to our monthly newsletter by A/B testing content layout and collaborating with co-marketing partners, representing a 43% quarter-on-quarter increase.'

How can candidates avoid using buzzwords and clichés in their resumes?

Candidates can avoid buzzwords and clichés by removing overused terms like 'team player,' 'hardworking,' or 'passionate.' Instead, they should focus on demonstrating their skills and achievements through specific examples that showcase their actual value.

Why is it important not to keyword-stuff a resume?

Keyword stuffing makes a resume sound unnatural and doesn't effectively highlight relevant skills. The goal is to match the keywords from the job description while ensuring the content remains coherent and focused on your accomplishments.