The thought
Throughout my resume and portfolio review conversations, I’ve encountered numerous theories—some nearly conspiratorial—about crafting the perfect resume. There are almost as many theories as there are fonts in Microsoft Word. Let's cut through the noise. Here’s the straight scoop on what truly makes a resume not just good, but great.
Keep it crisp: If your resume spills over one page, you're trying too hard. For most of us, a single page will suffice. This isn’t your autobiography.
Keywords are not magic spells: Contrary to popular belief, stuffing your resume with keywords won’t trick the applicant tracking system (ATS) into offering you a job. After speaking with recruiters from various companies, the consensus is clear: keyword stuffing is futile. Mention relevant job titles, but no one is scouring applications for “Figma” or “Photoshop.”
Relevance is king: The golden thread in your resume should be relevance. Does your experience align with the job you’re applying for? Does your previous title reflect the role? Do your years of experience match the seniority of the title? Make it hard for recruiters to misunderstand your background.
Simplicity wins: Overly designed resumes—think bespoke Photoshop creations—are tough for ATS to process. ATS systems are notoriously clunky. Opt for a simple, clean format that's easy on both software and human eyes. Save your creativity for your portfolio.
Translate your experience: If you’re switching careers, your resume should connect your past experiences with your future aspirations. Illustrate how your past roles equip you for this new challenge. Help the hiring manager see you as the solution to their problem by clearly explaining why your background is an advantage.
Be ready to back it up: If you list skills like “prototyping” or “animation,” be prepared to discuss and demonstrate these abilities. It’s not just about listing skills; it’s about proving them.
What I value: Personally, I’m less interested in your academic background and more in your relevance and expertise in specific skill areas. Show me what makes you unique. If you have an unconventional background, like architecture or game development, ensure I understand how that’s beneficial for the role I’m hiring for.
In summary, the perfect resume is less about gaming the system and more about clear, concise, and relevant storytelling. Make it straightforward, make it honest, and above all, make it easy to read—for both the machines and the humans. This approach will not only help you stand out but also ensure your resume resonates with the right audience.
The links
WWDC is this Monday. If the rumors are true, we should see AI-capabilities infused throughout Apple’s offerings. I’m excited - lord knows Siri could use a brain-upgrade.
I’ve been watching Ripley on Netflix. Andrew Scott, sleeper hit of shows like Fleabag and Sherlock, stars in a retelling of the “Talented Mr. Ripley” story from 1999. I’m not finished, but it has captured my attention and every frame is exquisite so far.
The jobs
Maven Clinic is hiring a Director of Product Management for Payments. We are looking for a seasoned product leader to lead our Payments pillar, including the recently launched Maven Managed Benefits product. It’s a tremendous opportunity to have an impact on the lives of millions of people. Remote-friendly.
Thumbtack is hiring for Senior Product Designer, Staff Product Designer, Director roles. Remote-friendly.
Instagram is hiring an Art Director. Instagram is a global brand and household name. This job would get to shape the brand both internally and externally.
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