Your Ultimate Resume Writing Guide

Let's bffr for a minute. Crafting a perfect resume is kinda like getting ready for a hot ass date with your dream job. You want to look your best, show off your finest qualities, and make them wonder how they ever had the audacity to live without you. 

But just like in this shitty ass dating pool, the competition is fierce, and you've got to stand out in a sea of candidates. So I'm about to spill all the tea on making your resume step on necks by answering the questions I get asked most often on social media about revamping your resume.

How long should my resume be?

You might be tempted to throw everything but the kitchen sink onto your dam resume in order to impress the hiring managers and recruiters, but when it comes to resumes, think of it like a mini-skirt – long enough to cover the essentials but short enough to keep things interesting. If you've been in the game for less than ten years, stick to one page. More than that? Feel free to stretch it to two, but only if the experience is worth sharing. Remember, this isn’t a damn your autobiography.

What should I include in my resume?

Your resume should be like a greatest hits album – only the bops and the bangers should make it onto it. Include the following:

• Your contact info (obviously, because how the hell do you expect them to call you back if you don’t?)

• A snappy professional summary (this is different than an objective which you don’t need to include … because the objective is to get a job, sis 😂)

• Your relevant work history (NOT every job you've ever had since you were 12)

• Education (completed college degrees only … they’ll assume you finished high school)

• Relevant certifications (nobody cares if you're CPR certified ... unless it's required)

• Professional skillset (literally everything you're good at that's relevant to the role)

This isn’t the time to be humble. If you did some cool shit or accomplished some dope metrics, put that shit on there!

How should I format my resume?

Alright, fam, let’s keep it 100 – your resume’s look can be just as important as its content. If it’s hard to read, it’s going in the garbage. So choose a clean, professional layout.

Use clear headings, bullet points for your achievements, and keep the fonts readable – this isn't the time for Comic Sans shenanigans. And a little bit of white space? It’s your friend. It makes your resume easier to read. Words definitely shouldn’t be crammed on top of each other.

How do I make my resume stand out?

You want your resume to have people clamoring to interview you. If they’re not asking, “Who is she?” and drawing hearts around your damn name, it’s not gonna stand out (I’m joking but not really).

So you gotta make sure you use action verbs and quantify your achievements. Turn “handled customer service” into “boosted customer satisfaction ratings by 35% due to an 80% one call resolution rate and effective communication skills.” See the difference? One gets you a nod, the other an interview.

Should I include a photo/headshot of myself on my resume?

Unless you’re applying for a gig overseas where it’s the norm, or you’re trying to get into a role where what you look like is part of the job (like acting), keep yo goddamn selfies off your resume. It’s not Instagram, sis.

Should I tailor my resume for every job I apply to?

For the love of Beyoncé, please do NOT send the same resume to every job. That’s like using the same pick-up line at every bar. After you choose the job umbrella you’re applying to, tailor your resume to it!

Highlight the experiences and skills that match what they’re looking for in all of the jobs within that particular family. And use keywords from the job description. Make them think you’re a perfect goddamn match.

What’s the difference between a CV and a Resume?

In corporate ‘merica, a resume is going to be your go-to. It’s short, sweet, and to the point. A CV, or curriculum vitae, on the other hand is for academics, scientists, or anyone who needs to include a comprehensive list of their publications, presentations, and education. Think of it as the director’s cut of your professional life – longer and with lots of extras.

How should I explain employment gaps on my resume? 

So, you took some time off. Maybe you traveled the world, found yourself, or just had to care for a family member. It’s all good. Don’t include them on your resume but be prepared to frame these gaps as periods of growth if you land the interview.

Talk about skills you picked up, like patience from teaching English to non-English speakers when you were living in Thailand, or crisis management from backpacking with a broken GPS through South Africa. Don’t volunteer that information but if they ask about it, spin it in your favor … just keep it real.

Should I including hobbies or interests on my resume?

If it’s going to make you look good, you can work it into one of your bullet points for a previous job but you definitely shouldn’t include it in a separate section entirely. For example, if your hobbies or interests add to your story or show off skills relevant to the job (like blogging for a writing position), include them. Otherwise, girl, save that space for something stronger.

What type of language should I use on my resume?

Use professional language, but let your personality shine through. Be concise, clear, and compelling — that alliteration is sexy af, right?! 😜 — Don’t include jargon or acronyms unless they’re commonly understood in your field. And even though cussing once or twice in an interview isn’t the end of the world, avoid it on your resume. 

Let’s Wrap This Shit Up

Remember, your resume is a billboard. It’s supposed to get your foot in the door by making a memorable first impression. So go ahead, put these tips to work and turn your job hunt into a 6 Figure Career. You've got this, sis!

And if you need help and want us to just rewrite the damn thing for you, gone ‘head and book an Optimization call with one of our strategists today!