How to Write a Résumé that Gets You Interviewed (without Ai)

Depending on the job, you might submit either a résumé or a CV, but this information applies to both. Writing your own résumé puts you in control of the information on your résumé and how it’s presented, making it stronger. Before a human lays eyes on your résumé, an algorithm has already run your application responses and given you a grade. For instance, when you submit an application to some employers, your résumé is graded on a 0/10 scale. That system might also label you as a “primary” candidate, meaning you’ve ranked so high, the system is recommending you be interviewed. Because of that, the effectiveness of even the perfect résumé is contingent upon your responses on an application and also what information you include on your résumé.

Disqualifying Application Questions

Depending on a position, candidates might be asked if they have certain “assets” or “requirements”. An asset would be something like a skill a candidate is not required to have but is a plus if the candidate has it. An electrician might not need to know how to use a computer, but it would be great if he did. That electrician, however, would need to be licensed to work for the company. That’s a requirement. So, answering all questions, especially qualifying questions, on an application is important.

Some disqualifying questions are easy to overcome, while others are not.

Regardless of your qualifications and accolades, if you answer a qualifying question the wrong way — that is, give a disqualifying answer — you will not be interviewed. Some qualifying questions are easy to overcome, while others are not.

For example, a disqualifying answer could be to the question “Are you proficient with using MS Word?” Even if you are not what you consider “proficient”, answer yes. MS Word is a simple program that’s easy to learn, and if you’ve ever used a computer, you’ve likely used MS Word. Still, answers pertaining to licenses or certifications can be affirmed only if you have those valid licenses or certifications.

The above stated, answer all questions that qualify you and every question on the application. Although you might not need some assets, requirements are mandatory. Without them, your application will go unread.

Use Copied Keywords to Stand Out

Before completing a job application, review the job description. Make note of what the employer is looking for, and copy and paste relative words or phrases from the job description into your résumé and cover letter (we’ll go into cover letters in a future article).

… copy and paste some of the wording from the job description.

If you are applying to work in a community college, having experience working in a school or teaching might be relevant. If it is, it will be in the job description. You might see acronyms like DEI or phrases such as “nontraditional students”. If you have experience with DEI or nontraditional students, copy and paste some of the wording from the job description. Don’t go overboard, and ensure it makes sense when you read together.

Also, when describing a job on your résumé related to the position you are applying to, be sure the language of your own past job description includes some of what is mentioned in the current posting. For instance, if you are applying to be a cook and the job description has “capable of cooking on a line in a busy restaurant”, if you have done this, mention it.

Be Concise but Detailed

In your job descriptions, be concise and detailed but not boring. As a bullet point to a job description, “•Cooked food” is boring. “Prepared cuisine for dozens of customers” sounds better. It doesn’t over-describe the past experience, but it does spell it out more clearly.

Don’t give employers a reason to doubt how serious you are about a position.

Also, your résumé speaks for you. When you have a couple of words for each bullet point on your résumé, it comes across as dull and created without effort. To the employer reviewing it on the other end, it does not seem like your heart or mind was really into applying for the position. If they interviewed you, it would probably be as dull as the résumé. Don’t give employers a reason to doubt how serious you are about a position.

Proofread Your Résumé

As a hiring manager, I’ve seen the harm a typo can do. But proofreading is about catching other mistakes or inaccuracies as well. You want to be sure your résumé accurately reflects your experience and who you are.

Although Ai can be helpful, it can also cause errors on your résumé.

Check the dates on your résumé. If you meant “2002” instead of “2020”, the employer could be confused. It goes without saying to double check this information, but it’s easy to make a typo and miss it. If you have a friend who has time, let them take a peak and offer their feedback. Try not to depend on Ai for this.

Although Ai can be helpful, it can also cause errors on your résumé. Sometimes, the name of a street or company is unfamiliar to an autocorrect writing program. Because of that, these programs or apps can make “corrections” that are incorrect. The app might change a company’s name from “Lazie Brothers” to “Lazy Brothers”, without understanding the play on the word. Check all spelling, especially that of unique proper nouns.

Keep It Short

Just like this section of the article, keep your résumé short, preferably no longer than two or three pages. Unless you’re applying to a president, CEO or other position that requires an unusual amount of experience, two or three pages at most should be enough to reflect your experience and skills.

Consider What to Leave on Your Résumé

The information on your résumé should be relevant to the position to which you are applying. This means not crowding your résumé with your skills. The employer might not need to know you play violin if the position will be you working as a court clerk.

Proofread your application responses and résumé for typos and errors.

You might also list your skills, qualifications and education in their own separate sections. This is fine to do, as long as the information is relevant and brief. It is tempting to list everything you can from each category, but it is not the best move, especially if a human ultimately has to review it.

The Takeaway

Completing a job application in full is the first step toward getting an interview. Be aware of the qualifying requirements for the position. Some requirements can be easily overcome, but some require a license, degree or other form of certification. Complete the application if you meet all qualifying requirements. With a complete application, you need a strong clear, concise résumé. Proofread your application responses and résumé for typos, errors and accuracy of information. Doing so makes it more likely you’ll land an interview. Even so, those who submit cover letters with their applications and résumés are even more likely to get an interview. Subscribe to this site for the follow-up article about crafting a strong cover letter and why you should.

This article was written by Jermaine Reed, MFA, the Editor-in-Chief of The Reeders Block. He also works an Adjunct College Professor. Join the email list to get notifications on new blog posts and books. This article is 100% human-written. And remember, if you see an error, that’s what makes us human. Subscribe and share.