Resume Tips from a Top Career Coach

Now is a good time to update your resume following Andy Jassy, Amazon CEO’s announcement regarding the shrinking of the company’s workforce in the next year, which AI will replace. This doesn’t mean AI will replace you, but why not take AI training and follow my resume tips for job security, job growth, career pivots, if you’re entering the workforce, or if you find yourself suddenly unemployed.

I Won’t Write Your Resume

I will not write your resume for you. Here’s why: I paid a few thousand for an updated resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. Shortly after, the parsing rules shifted, led by…AI. Her templates had minor coding that had to be undone.

Instead, I empower my clients to write their resumes. I provide the resume tips, which I am giving here for free. Next, we schedule a session where I detail what needs work or what is wonderful after fully reviewing it. Then, I provide redlining where I have suggested edits, and I will give it one last preview once the edits are completed.

This way, you can adapt your resume and cover letter for each job opportunity because the job descriptions change. I build your confidence and do not keep you reliant on anyone else. Yes, some people can write it for you, but read on for more resume tips to discover why you’ll have to update it repeatedly anyway.

I’m the Top Career Coach

Yes, I’m the top career coach. My years of corporate, managerial, executive, and teaching experience, combined with customer service, entrepreneurship, education, passion, creativity, empathy, and coaching certification, make me a top career coach. I have been there and done that, and as a hiring manager, I understand the details I am to provide.

Applicant Tracking System

In general, for many online applications, most large companies rely on ATS screening before a human receives it. Using the job description, the system scans for matching keywords, titles, skills, certifications, and relevant experience. Resume tip: Utilize the keywords from the job posting and customize your resume (specifically the top third section). If your resume doesn’t match enough of the criteria, it might never reach a recruiter.

Recruiter or Human Resource Scan

If your resume makes it past the ATS, a recruiter or a member of the HR department will do a quick 6-10 second scan to examine your qualifications, if your resume is easy to read, and if you have relevant experience listed in the first half of the page. For example, they inspect:

• Your name and headline

• Job titles that match the role and the three bullet points under it

• *Most recent jobs with dates and a clear timeline (no confusing gaps - fudge if needed)

• Relevant education and certifications

• Hard skills or tools used (especially in tech or specialized fields)

• Clean formatting — avoid blocks of dense text

• Bold or stand-out keywords

  
  

*I have a massive issue with a recruiter or hiring manager questioning gaps in the timeline. People should never, EVER, feel a need to explain the personal problems that might have caused gaps, such as raising children, illness, family illness, death in the family, divorce, and relocation. The same goes for revealing your age or whether you have children. These questions are a red flag and must never be asked, and you can be refused to answer if they are.

Hiring Manager Review

Congratulations. If the recruiter likes what they have read, you have made it to the final review with the hiring manager, before you are contacted for a series of interviews. Here is where your resume receives a deeper, more critical inspection. They will look for specific accomplishments and results, such as actionable deliverables relevant to their team and the company’s mission and goals, clarity, and professional presentation. They may only read the top half for early career roles or one page for others.

Final Resume Tips

·      Keep your resume one page long (two for senior positions).

·      Adjust your resume for each submission according to the job description.

·      Use a strong headline or summary that targets the job.

·      Include a skills section with keywords from the job post.

·      Use bullet points with measurable results, not generic job duties.

·      Be ATS-friendly and avoid tables, graphics, and odd fonts.

Recommended Templates

Templates are available everywhere, some free, others at a minimal cost. Most offer students a discount or a free account with professional capabilities. However, whichever you choose will still be less expensive than paying a resume writer. ChatGPT or other AI can assist with keywords or resume writing suggestions. Some options are Canva, Microsoft Create, Adobe Express, or Google Docs.

A quick search can match you with your needs.

Difference Between CV and Resume

The resume is as detailed above; concise, one to two pages long, tailored to the job description.

The CV or curriculum vitae is used for academic, research, and medical professions. It is several pages long and provides a full history and comprehensive overview of your entire career, including academic achievements, publications, and relevant details.

Free Discovery Call

Schedule your complimentary discovery call to learn how a resume review or career coaching session can benefit you.

I AM NOT A LICENSED THERAPIST OR PSYCHOLOGIST. COACHING SESSIONS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THERAPY OR MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING. We focus on the present and future. I provide personalized support and strategies to help you achieve your career goals and self-evaluate your progress. Together, we work towards your ultimate success. Schedule your free consultation now!

Do you want to work in the beauty field? My book, The Future Professional's Guide to Cosmetology, answers all your questions about the industry. Email your inquiries to coachingwithmsd@gmail.com or call me at 732-800-6416 (during Eastern Standard Time business hours).

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©Deirdre Haggerty 2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It is unlawful to reproduce this article or any part without the author’s prior written permission and consent.