The Harsh Truth:

Your Resume Isn't As Good As You Think

Remember when we were in grade school, and our English teachers drilled into us the importance of grabbing the reader’s attention? Well, when it comes to resumes, the same rule applies. Your resume is more than just a document—it’s your personal marketing tool. And like any good marketing piece, it needs to capture attention quickly. The secret? Focus on the WIIFM—"What's in it for me?"

You might be wondering, “How do I make my resume stand out?” It starts with quantifiable metrics—the 3, 4, 5, or #, $, %. These numbers highlight your experience, accomplishments, and overall impact. If you’re anything like many of the veterans I’ve worked with, you probably find it uncomfortable to talk about your accomplishments, unless it’s in jest among friends while we bash one another's branch of service. But here’s the thing—when it comes to resumes, you’ve got to get comfortable with showing off (just a little!).

Think about it: how many awards or evaluations have you either written or received throughout your military career? In every one of them, there were quantifiable metrics, and those should shine on your resume. Of course, you’ll want to balance this with the qualifiable—your soft skills that bring value to an employer. But remember, it’s those hard numbers that make your resume stand out in a sea of applicants.

Tailoring Your Resume: Fix Their Pain Points

Tailoring your resume to each job isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a requirement. When you read a job description, your goal is to clearly communicate how you can solve the company’s pain points. If they’re hiring, it means they have a problem, and your resume should show how you’re the solution.

Here’s a practical example: if the job description is asking for an "Account Manager," but your resume says "Sales Manager," you should consider tweaking the language to reflect what they’re looking for. It might seem like a small change, but it could be the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked.

ATS: Not as Scary as You Think

We’ve all heard about the big, scary ATS (Applicant Tracking System) that’s supposed to weed out resumes before they even hit a human’s desk. But the truth is, while some companies use AI to prioritize candidates, the majority aren’t using it in the way the internet makes it seem (at least not yet). Instead of worrying about beating the system, focus on making your resume align with the job description.

If a job posting says "puppy," but your resume says "small dog," it’s time to make a change. Just kidding—but seriously, if the job description uses specific language, use that language in your resume. This simple adjustment can help you get past the initial screening and into the hands of a recruiter.

Knockout Questions: The Silent Resume Killers

Ever applied for a job only to get an immediate rejection email? It might not be your resume that’s to blame—it could be the knockout questions. These are those sneaky yes/no or dropdown questions during the application process that can disqualify you in a flash. They’re based on the non-negotiable requirements listed in the job description, so make sure you read the entire posting and understand what’s required before applying.

Tools of the Trade: My Top Recommendations

I’ve had the privilege of working with many talented resume writers and organizations, and I want to highlight a few of my favorites:

• Best Military Resume: Led by Brad Tachi, this is the first resume writing service I know of that focuses on Federal Resumes, while also doing fantastic work with civilian and corporate resumes. It’s my go-to recommendation for veterans and transitioning service members. Best Military Resume.
• JobScan: One of the first on the scene, JobScan is a tried-and-true platform that helps job seekers optimize their resumes using AI. I’ve been using it for over five years, and it’s great for non-veterans and college graduates. You can even use my affiliate link: JobScan.
• SkillSyncer: Created by an Army Veteran, this tool is an ATS and word optimizer that’s both effective and user-friendly. Bonus: they offer a free year of premium membership to veterans—just message [email protected]. SkillSyncer.

PS. If you are a post 9/11 enlisted veteran check out NextOp Vets we'd love to help you with your resume as well as find & secure meaningful employment: NextOp.