Resume Blog
Is Your Resume Telling the Right Story? How to Craft a Resume That Actually Works
Welcome to the SAVAL blog, where we keep hiring human, smart, and effective.
Let’s talk about one of the most important tools in your career toolkit: your resume.
I often get friends, colleagues, and even candidates I interview, ask to provide feedback on their resumes. While I’m not a resume writer, I’m great at reading them and evaluating their efficacy and impact, or lack of. So here it is, a quick guide to make it better.
A resume isn’t just a list of places where you’ve worked. It’s your story. It’s how you show the value you bring and why you're the right person for the job. Whether you’re actively job hunting or just thinking ahead, your resume should make employers say, “We need to talk to this person.”
Here’s how to make that happen.
1. Know What Your Resume Is Really For
Your resume is more than a formality; it’s your first impression. It's how you introduce yourself, show what you're capable of, and stand out in a sea of similar backgrounds.
Pro tip:
Tailor your resume for each role. One-size-fits-all doesn’t work when the goal is to get noticed. (I know that’s not what we want to hear, but it’s reality)
2. Choose the Right Format for Your Story
Not every career path fits in a box or in one page, and your resume shouldn’t have to either.
Consider these formats:
• Chronological – Best if you have a steady work history in one field
• Functional – Great for career changers or if you’ve had some gaps
• Combination – Ideal if you have diverse skills and a solid history
3. Lead with a Strong Summary
This is your elevator pitch. Just a few lines, right at the top, to catch attention fast.
• What you’re great at
• What you’ve achieved
• What kind of role you’re seeking
Example:
Marketing strategist with 10+ years of experience boosting online engagement and growing brand visibility. Known for creative campaigns that drive measurable results.
4. Don’t Just List Responsibilities, Show Results
Hiring managers want to see impact, not just job duties. Use numbers and results wherever possible.
Instead of:
“Responsible for managing the sales team.”
Try:
“Led a team of 8 sales reps to increase quarterly revenue by 35%.”
If you made something better, faster, cheaper, or more efficient, say it clearly.
5. Include Relevant Skills and Keywords
Want to make it past the bots (ATS)? Want a hiring manager to immediately know you’re a fit? Then use the same language they use in the job post.
• Create a skills section
• Sprinkle keywords naturally into your experience
• Match your wording to the job ad when possible
6. Keep Your Design Simple and Polished
A clean layout shows professionalism and respect for the reader’s time.
• Use a modern, readable font (no scripts or Comic Sans)
• Stick to one or two pages
• Organize with bold headings and plenty of white space
Remember, design should support your content, not distract from it.
7. Proofread Like It’s a Job Interview
Because in a way... it is. Typos and grammar slips can get your resume tossed before it’s even read. This is true!
• Read it out loud
• Use tools like Grammarly
• Ask a friend, mentor, or recruiter to review it
8. Use the Tools Available to You
If writing your resume feels overwhelming, don’t go it alone.
• Online builders like Canva offer beautiful templates
• Resume writing guides can help you structure your thoughts
• Or you can invest in a pro (yes, it’s worth it)
Final Thoughts from Sara
Your resume isn’t just about getting a job; it’s about telling your true story in a way that gets you seen.
Recent graduate or new to the workforce? Lead with your education and/or school activities you’ve been involved in like sports (show discipline and teamwork), volunteering (shows character), student jobs (show dedication), etc.
Experienced candidates? Showcase your knowledge and achievements.
If you found this helpful, share it with a friend or colleague who could use a resume refresh!
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