The Job Search Game-Changer: Health Check Your Resume and LinkedIn

Is Your Resume Getting You Noticed? Let’s Talk Resume Health Checks, LinkedIn, and Landing the Interview

Are you sending out job applications and hearing nothing but crickets? You’re not alone. Many people pour time into job applications, only to wonder why their resumes aren’t grabbing employers’ attention. As someone who reviews hundreds of resumes daily, I can tell you—most need a refresh! A resume health check could be just what you need. Here’s how you can make sure your resume (and LinkedIn profile) stand out for all the right reasons, whether you’re just starting out, making a career change, or re-entering the workforce.

Why Your Resume (and LinkedIn Profile) Matter More Than Ever

A resume isn’t just a list of previous jobs; it’s your first introduction to a potential employer and a chance to show your unique skills and accomplishments. And, in today’s digital world, LinkedIn is equally important—think of it as your live, online resume. Not all jobs are advertised; many hiring managers and recruiters (myself included) turn to LinkedIn to find candidates who fit the bill, sometimes even before posting a job opening. If your profile is polished, accurate, and mirrors your resume, you increase your chances of being found by recruiters and hiring managers.

Think of your resume as a pitch deck—a presentation for a client you’re eager to win over. If you handed over your resume right now, would it impress them? Does it look like a polished, standout document you’re proud to present or just a plain Word doc that blends in and misses the mark on highlighting your best selling points? Your resume is one of the most important personal branding tools you have, so give it the attention it deserves to help you land your next role.

1. Start with the Basics – Use a Template, Keep It Simple

Using a resume template can make a huge difference, especially if you’re unfamiliar with formatting. Templates help you keep your resume clean, structured, and professional. Free resources like Canva , Microsoft Create and SEEK offer designs that are easy to fill out. Choose one that’s simple and easy to read.

On LinkedIn, keeping it simple means focusing on relevant experience, education, and skills rather than cramming in every detail. A clear structure can make your profile and resume both look polished and appealing to recruiters.

2. Double-Check Spelling, Grammar, and Professional Language

Errors stand out, whether on a resume or LinkedIn. Use tools like Grammarly or MS Word’s spell checker, and give everything a read to ensure your language is professional and clear. It’s often worth asking a friend to take a look too—an extra pair of eyes can spot things you might have missed.

3. Write a Quick Personal Summary – It’s Your 30-Second Intro!

At the top of your resume and LinkedIn, add a short personal summary: two or three lines that capture who you are and what you’re after. Think of this as your quick “hello!” to employers. Even if your experience doesn’t follow the classic career path, your summary is where you can highlight what superpowers you bring to the table.

Need some inspiration? Try something like: “I'm a reliable team player with an extensive background in customer service, retail and education and a passion for learning and growing others. Ready to bring people skills, my strong eye for detail and problem-solving ability to a fast-paced, collaborative organisation.” It’s short, sweet, and shows hiring managers that you’re prepared to add value.

4. Show the Details That Count – Because Details Do Count!

Your work experience section isn’t just for job titles and dates—this is where you add the good stuff. For each role, mention your title, when you started and ended (month and year), and include a summary of what you did. Whether it’s a side gig, volunteering, freelance work, or even a project from school, everything counts if it shows you put your skills to work!

And don’t just list tasks! Go for achievements: think “Helped boost customer satisfaction by 20%” instead of “Assisted customers.” The more specific, the better. Employers love to see results, and this is your chance to shine.

5. Skills and Keywords – Yes, Keywords Matter!

Here’s the secret sauce: keywords! Check the job ad and match the language in your resume and LinkedIn profile to what employers are looking for. Even better, focus on skills that translate to the new job—things like “reliable,” “adaptable,” or “team player” are always winners. But - just make sure you do have these skills.

Don’t forget LinkedIn’s “Skills & Endorsements” section. Add these keywords there too—it not only boosts your profile but also shows that others recognise these strengths in you.

6. Education and Certifications – Give Your Learning a Shoutout

For education, keep it simple: list the school, your degree or course, and the dates. If you’ve taken any online courses or earned certifications (even things like First Aid, Food Handling or hold a Working With Children's Check), throw those in too. They show you’re committed to learning and development, which employers love. And keep this info updated on both your resume and LinkedIn.

7. Make Your Contact Info Accessible – No Mystery Here

Don’t make employers hunt for your contact info. List your phone number, city, email, and LinkedIn profile at the top of your resume. Just keep the email professional—YourName@gmail.com is perfect; PartyKingTequilaShots1995@yahoo.com , not so much. And since LinkedIn gives you a direct line to industry connections, it’s a great place to add a professional touch and make it easy for people to reach out.

8. Keep It Concise

A one-page resume often does the trick, especially if you’re just starting out or shifting careers. If you’ve got a solid history, two to three pages are fine—just stick to relevant experience. Think of your resume as a highlight reel, not a documentary. On LinkedIn, you can include more detail but keep it easy to skim with bullet points and the best bits of your experience.

Bonus Tip: Networking – It’s Not About Collecting Contacts

Networking isn’t about adding as many people as possible; it’s about forming genuine connections. Use LinkedIn to connect with people in fields you’re curious about, follow companies you’d like to work for and engage with industry posts. Even a small network of the right connections can open doors to new opportunities and insights.

A polished resume and LinkedIn profile can be game-changers in your job search. They make you stand out, boost your confidence, and set you up for success. So give them the attention they deserve—this is your big chance to make a stellar first impression. Go make it count!