Let's Build the Resume That Works !

The job market is flooded with talent, yet only a few resumes make it past the initial screening. What sets those successful candidates apart? It's not just experience—it's how they communicate that experience. Let’s break down the steps to building a resume that doesn't just get noticed, but truly works.

What Do Recruiters Look for in Your Resume?

Recruiters sift through countless resumes, often in just seconds, to find the right fit for the job. So, what exactly are they searching for when they look at yours? Here are the key factors recruiters focus on:

1. Relevant Experience – Does your past work align with the job you're applying for?
2. Clear Impact – Can they see measurable results in your achievements?
3. Skills and Keywords – Are the required skills and role-specific keywords present?
4. Easy-to-Read Format – Is your resume clean, concise, and scannable?
5. Career Progression – Does your experience show growth and adaptability?
6. Feasibility of Successfully Passing a Tough Interview Process – Does your resume demonstrate problem-solving abilities, technical expertise, and the adaptability required to excel in a rigorous interview setting?

Tailoring your resume to meet these expectations can drastically improve your chances of standing out.

Key Important Points to Keep in Mind While Building Your Resume

Keep It Clean and Concise: Use Templates

Using the right template can make your resume more readable and help recruiters quickly identify key information at first glance. A well-structured format not only highlights your skills and experience but also ensures that applicant tracking systems (ATS) can parse your resume accurately. An organized template increases your chances of making a strong first impression and getting noticed.

Actionable Tip: Use template for your resume.

Tailor Your Resume to the Role

A generic resume is a missed opportunity. Hiring managers want to know why you’re the perfect fit for their job, not just any job. Tailoring your resume for each role demonstrates that you understand the company's needs and shows how your skills align.

Actionable Tip: Highlight relevant experience based on the job description. Use keywords that resonate with the role. Skip not relevant experience.

Start with Impact

Hiring managers don't have time to read every word. Your resume should speak in results, not just responsibilities. Instead of "worked on a team to develop an app," say "led the development of an app that increased user retention by 20%."

Actionable Tip: Use metrics and outcomes to quantify your work.

Relevant Experience Over Quantity

Don’t write a long list of everything you know. Instead, tailor your resume by mentioning the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Focus on the expertise that directly ties into the role you're applying for.

Actionable Tip: Carefully read the job description and highlight 3-5 core skills or experiences that are repeatedly mentioned. Make these the focal point of your resume.

Show Career Progression

Your resume should tell the story of your growth. Show how you’ve taken on more responsibility, learned new skills, and expanded your expertise over time.

Actionable Tip: Highlight promotions, leadership roles, and new skills that reflect your advancement in your career.

Leverage Keywords

Many companies use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to filter resumes before a human even sees them. This means that the right keywords can make or break your chances of getting noticed.

Actionable Tip: Analyze the job description for essential keywords and incorporate them into your resume naturally.

Add Coding Profile

If you're applying for a general software role at MAANG companies, it's crucial to include your coding profile, with LeetCode being the preferred choice. Coding profile provides recruiters with confidence that, if given the opportunity, you can successfully crack the interview, as it reflects your problem-solving skills and preparation.

Actionable Tip: Include your coding profile in your resume and list your rating along with the number of problems you've solved in the awards/achievements section.

Proofread and Edit Ruthlessly

Spelling mistakes or poorly written sentences can cost you a dream job. Proofread multiple times and ask a peer to review it too.

Actionable Tip: Read your resume out loud to catch awkward phrasing and errors. Get it reviewed by friends.

By focusing on these points, you’ll create a resume that resonates with recruiters, passes the ATS filter, and gives you a strong shot at landing the job.

If you'd like to have your resume reviewed by me, feel free to drop it here: Link