Many clients come to me wanting to refresh their resume because they’re going to start looking for a new role or want to be prepared when organizational changes come their way.

This week, I’m sharing with you my top “resume refresh” secrets.

I call them secrets because they have proven to get results for hundreds of clients over the last 12 years!

That’s what I call, “Tried and true,” baby! ??

Secret #1: Keep it super minimal

Want your resume to pack a punch?

Then keep the responsibilities and results you list under each role as short and high impact as possible.

One way to do this is to keep recruiters and potential hiring managers in mind and give them exactly what they’re looking for.

An analogy I’ve used before is: Imagine the recruiter or the potential hiring manager is in pain and you have the painkiller.

You “kill their pain” by listing the exact qualifications you possess that they are looking for and by using the LEAST amount of words possible.

This will take time, so be patient with the process.

Secret #2: Speak their language

Does the job description use the word “team member,” but your resume currently says “employee?” If so, switch it out!

Look for synonyms and switch them to speak the language of the job description.

Another example… Does the job call for “content planning,” but you have “communications planning” listed on your resume?”

Again, switch it out.

Look for words that are listed multiple times in a job description, too.

Words that are used 2, 3, or 4 times are KEY words that you want to include in your resume.

Secret #3: Curate your work history

Do you have a random job at which you worked for less than a year and it has very little to do with the role you’re applying for?

Chuck it.

I recommend curating your resume for every. single. job. you apply to.

If this makes you feel uncomfortable, feel free to copy this snazzy phrase I came up with and paste it at the bottom of your resume: “This resume has been curated to provide relevant work experience. Please inquire for full work history.”

Last, to make your resume is as customized as possible, ask yourself the following questions:
What did I do that was remarkable in each of my roles that’s relatable to this role?

• What did I change?
• What processes or procedures did I improve?
• What results did I accomplish for my team, my business line, and/or the company?

If you follow these 3 secrets (and answer the four questions above), you will be well on your way to a smashing resume!

One that shines and says, “Put me in the ‘yes’ pile!” ?