Polish Your Résumé

A résumé isn’t just about landing an interview—it’s about positioning. It should signal what kind of problems you solve, the value you create, and the direction you're aiming for. Think of it as a marketing document, not a historical record. Lead with relevance, not chronology. If your résumé doesn’t say “this is the person for the job,” it’s time to reframe.

Ask yourself:

• What roles am I targeting?

• What would someone in that role need to know about me in six seconds?

• What would make them want to know more?

Your résumé should make it easy for someone—whether a recruiter, hiring manager, or software bot—to quickly find what they’re looking for: your experience, skills, education, and relevant credentials. Clean structure wins over clever design every time.

Avoid dense blocks of text, decorative fonts, tables, columns, or graphics. These might look appealing but often confuse applicant tracking systems (ATS), which means your résumé might never even be seen by a human. Instead, opt for a format that is ATS-friendly and human-readable.

Use clear section headers like:

• Professional Experience

• Key Skills and Tools

• Education and Certifications

Place the most relevant sections higher on the page—don’t make a reader dig to find what makes you a fit. A strong, scannable format respects their time and showcases your professionalism.

Your layout should quietly say, “I understand the business world and how to present ideas clearly.” That in itself sends a message of competence before they read a single bullet.

➡️ More guidance on Résumé Templates

➡️ More guidance on ATS Friendly Tips

Even the strongest résumé won’t hit the mark if it’s aimed at the wrong target. Every job is a little different—and your résumé should reflect that. Customization shows that you understand what the company values and how your experience meets their specific needs.

This doesn’t mean starting from scratch every time. A few strategic tweaks can go a long way.

Quick ways to tailor your résumé:

• Mirror their language. If the job posting says “data storytelling,” and you say “data visualization,” you may be saying the same thing—but they might not see it that way. Align your language with theirs where it makes sense.

• Reorder your bullets. Lead with the most relevant achievements for the role you're applying to.

• Update your summary. Mention the job title you’re targeting and highlight keywords from the posting.

• Add role-specific keywords. Especially in your skills section and summary. These help with ATS filtering.

• Show relevance across industries. If you’re shifting sectors, clarify how your skills transfer—don’t make the reader guess.

Your résumé doesn’t just say what you’ve done—it should communicate why it matters to the person reading it.

Generic summaries waste space. Instead, use the top third of your résumé to establish fit. This could be a 3–4 line statement or a few bullets that answer: What makes you distinctly qualified for this role? What combination of industry experience, leadership approach, and unique skills makes you a solution to their needs?

Example (for a strategy role):

• Data-driven strategist with a background in finance and brand leadership. Known for translating complex problems into clear action plans that drive measurable growth. Combines analytical precision with a collaborative, people-first mindset.

➡️ More guidance on Summary Statements.

Most résumés suffer from a disease called responsibility listing. “Managed,” “led,” “responsible for”... and then what? There is no proof that the responsibility was handled well. Instead, write impact bullets that demonstrate outcomes. Think of them as your performance highlight reel— examples of times you solved a problem, improved a process, or launched a product. Each line should answer: What did you do? How did you do it? Why did it matter?

Transform this:

• Led marketing team for product launch.

Into this:

• Led cross-functional team of 7 that launched new B2B platform, increasing client engagement by 38% and shortening the sales cycle by 2 weeks.

Formula:

• [Strong verb] + [What you did] + [How or with whom] + [Outcome or impact] 

Use verbs that reflect how you work—built, accelerated, simplified, negotiated, revitalized—and align them with the skills listed in the job description. 

When possible, include metrics: percentages, revenue, time saved, audience reached. If data isn’t available, describe the business impact in qualitative terms—what changed, improved, or became possible because of your work. 

You’re too close to your own experience to see it objectively. Run your résumé through an AI-powered résumé analyzer, but don’t stop there. Ask a mentor or colleague in your target field to review it. Look for clarity, tone, and relevance—not just grammar.

Better yet, ask two questions:

• Does this résumé sound like me?

• Does it make you want to hire me for this role?

Feedback is your shortcut to sharper language, tighter storytelling, and bolder positioning.

➡️ Search the Kelley Alumni Network for a mentor who can review your résumé.

A résumé that tries to be everything to everyone ends up sounding like no one. So, skip the cliché buzzwords and let your personality show. Be strategic, but don’t be sterile. Your voice, your values, and your vision are your differentiators—use them.

Let your résumé be more than a summary. Make it a statement.

Ready to Polish Your Résumé?

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