A strategic way to approach your resume

A strong resume is not about passing filters. It’s about reinforcing the conversations that get you in front of decision-makers and clearly positioning the impact you bring.

There are so many strong opinions about resumes that it’s almost impossible to reconcile the advice.

Some people say optimize heavily for applicant tracking systems (ATS). Others argue design matters more. One expert insists it must be one page. Another says two is expected.

It’s no wonder professionals feel overwhelmed.

I’ve written 1,000+ resumes that have helped leaders tell their story, make a strong impression and get the interviews they want. Over time, I’ve developed a perspective that’s very different from advice that focuses heavily on ATS.

I believe the most effective way to get interviews is through strategic networking — getting introductions to hiring managers to see if you’re a good fit before applying. At the very least, getting a referral helps move through different channels and increases your chances of getting in front of a recruiter, although not as effective as it used to be.

When you’re getting in front of the hiring manager, your resume’s role shifts. It’s no longer about passing filters. It becomes a positioning tool that reinforces meaningful conversations.

With that in mind, I created a 10-step resume writing process that makes it easier to build a compelling resume. Here’s the structure at a high level.

The 10-step resume writing process

Step 1: Review relevant content.
Look at your current resume and highlight what still represents you well. Revisit past performance reviews. Talk to former colleagues or managers to recall key accomplishments and results.

Step 2: Select a template.
Most templates still look like the ones we used in school. The advantage is that they’re optimized for applicant tracking systems. The downside is they often blend in and feel outdated. A clean layout that showcases your skills and includes space for a profile section helps you stand out.

Step 3: Add name and contact information thoughtfully.
Use the name you go by. Use a current email address like @gmail or @outlook. Add your city and state if your area code doesn’t match. Leave off your street address and zip code. Customize your LinkedIn URL so it reads cleanly.

Step 4: Add education.
Include undergraduate and graduate degrees. Add honors if relevant. Omit dates to help reduce age bias and keep the section clean.

Step 5: Curate your experience.
If you have more than 15 years of experience, you do not need to list everything. Go back 12–15 years. Earlier relevant roles can be included in an “Additional Experience” section without dates.

Step 6: Add crisp, clear bullets.
Use a structure similar to STAR or CAR. Briefly describe the situation or responsibility, explain the action you took and then show the result. Not every outcome needs a number, but each should demonstrate impact. Aim for two to three lines and avoid unnecessary jargon. Prioritize by importance.

Step 7: Add expertise or skills.
Use a sidebar to highlight your top 12–15 areas of expertise. Don’t make it a laundry list. Focus on what truly differentiates you.

Step 8: Write your profile.
This is where you tell your story at a high level. One to two paragraphs describing who you are, your strengths, what you’re passionate about and the impact you make. Think of it as your positioning statement.

Step 9: Finesse the formatting.
Be consistent with spacing, alignment, font sizes and punctuation. Small details build credibility.

Step 10: Review and finalize.
Read every sentence aloud. You’ll catch awkward phrasing and grammatical errors this way. Ask someone detail-oriented to review it as well.

A resume, done well, brings coherence to your story.

It helps you see the throughline in your experience. It reminds you of the problems you solve and the results you create. And it gives you a higher foundation for future conversations.

When your resume reflects your real impact, networking feels easier. Conversations feel clearer. Interviews stop feeling like auditions and start feeling like alignment.

The goal isn’t to impress. It’s to represent yourself accurately at the level you’re ready to contribute.