5 Science-Backed Resume Tactics (PM, Engineer, Marketer)

Summary

In this video, Colin Le shares five proven principles to write a standout resume that lands interviews. These include using specific metrics to show achievements, keeping resumes concise (500-600 words), prioritizing the most relevant information, cutting fluff (buzzwords, clichés, and adverbs), and using the right job keywords. Drawing on data from over 125,000 resumes and insights from top experts, he provides actionable advice for creating resumes that appeal to recruiters and pass ATS filters. Whether you're a newcomer or a senior leader, these tips will help you craft a resume that highlights your value effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Show, don't tell: Use specific metrics to demonstrate your achievements. Quantifiable results make your resume stand out and increase your chances of getting an interview.
• 😀 Keep it concise: Resumes should be between 500-600 words and 1-2 pages. Overly long resumes are less likely to land interviews.
• 😀 Prioritize important information: Focus on your three best accomplishments for each role. Put the most relevant and impactful details at the top.
• 😀 Cut the fluff: Avoid buzzwords, cliches, personal pronouns, and passive language. Instead, show examples of your skills and achievements.
• 😀 Use the right job keywords: Match key job description terms in your resume to improve your chances with applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• 😀 Tailor your resume: Customize your resume for each job application, focusing on relevant skills and experiences that match the job description.
• 😀 Use clear formatting: Bold role titles and company names, left-align important details, and keep the layout clean. Avoid distracting graphics.
• 😀 Recruiters scan resumes quickly: They spend only seconds on each resume, so use formatting strategies like bolding key details to make your resume easily scannable.
• 😀 Avoid excessive use of team-based or subjective terms: Words like 'team player' or 'detail-oriented' are empty; replace them with concrete examples of leadership and results.
• 😀 Be mindful of your resume length: For every 5-10 years of experience, aim for a one-page resume. For senior roles, two pages are acceptable.
• 😀 Focus on measurable outcomes: Whether it's revenue growth, cost savings, or user engagement, always link your achievements to concrete, measurable results.

Q & A

Why is 'show don't tell' considered one of the most important principles for a resume?

'Show don't tell' is crucial because recruiters want to see measurable achievements. Including specific numbers can increase the chances of getting an interview by 40%. Numbers make accomplishments stand out and demonstrate your ability to measure and improve your work.

What are some examples of using numbers effectively on a resume?

Examples include: 'Led the launch of two new pricing tiers that lifted signups by 75%' or 'Designed marketing creative for the spring launch that beat the previous year's sales by 60%.'. These numbers highlight concrete achievements and their impact on the company.

How important is the length of a resume?

The ideal resume length is 500 to 600 words and should be confined to one to two pages. Resumes longer than 600 words are 43% less likely to land an interview. Keeping the resume concise helps recruiters quickly identify your top achievements.

What does research say about recruiters' behavior when reviewing resumes?

Research shows that recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds per resume and scan it in an F-shaped pattern. They focus on the left side of the page, looking for key brand names, role titles, and metrics, which is why it's important to prioritize the most relevant information at the beginning.

What is the recommended format for listing job achievements on a resume?

Job achievements should be listed in bullets, with the most impactful achievements at the top. You should state the accomplishment, show how success was measured, and describe how it was achieved. For example: 'Improved sales by 30% by streamlining the product launch process.'

What is the significance of keywords on a resume?

Keywords are essential to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and increase your visibility to recruiters. Adding critical job keywords was shown to improve hirability by 59%. However, they should be naturally integrated into the resume rather than crammed in at the top.

How should candidates prioritize information on their resume?

Candidates should prioritize the most relevant and impactful experiences, cutting older or less relevant information. This is based on the fact that recruiters spend little time on each resume and primarily focus on key achievements and metrics.

Why should buzzwords and clichés be avoided on a resume?

Buzzwords and clichés like 'team player' or 'detail-oriented' don't demonstrate actual skills and can make your resume feel generic. Instead of using these words, show examples of your skills in action, such as 'Led a cross-functional team to launch a product with $10 million at stake.'

How can one ensure that a resume is ATS-friendly?

To make your resume ATS-friendly, avoid using complex tables, images, or unusual formatting that can confuse the system. Focus on clear, simple formatting with keywords included in context and avoid cramming them at the top of the document.

How can someone make less well-known companies stand out on their resume?

To make lesser-known companies stand out, provide context about the company. For example, instead of just saying 'Tabby,' add a descriptor like 'Tabby, a $1.5 billion buy-now-pay-later platform.' This helps recruiters understand the significance of your experience.