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Short Resume Writing Guide

Do you need resume writing instruction?


I have a short tutorial for you, then.


“What should a well-written resume have?” – this is the question I get daily.

Many of you are asking for a template and a piece of specific advice on how to update your resume.


Templates can work if you know your target job (job title), but if you feel lost, it's always best to take a highly personalized and objective approach when writing a resume and working with a professional.


I’ve designed a visual below that, as a guide, will hopefully help you get an idea of what to change in your resume and how to handle all the career information you have.


These tips are general and applicable to a majority of roles and professional levels.


However, some positions (like academic, executive, and VP) need a different approach, and the resume structure would be different.


The most important things to pay attention to:


✅ Your resume must be clear, concise, easy to read and find relevant info.


✅ Always include a professional title under your name—your target role or a more general title (depending on your goal)—so employers won’t have to guess what your profession is.


✅ Keep it short, include bullets, and do not try to list everything you’ve done, your resume shouldn’t look like a novel but like a strategically written tool to get you an interview.


In the end, be honest - does your resume truly represent YOU?


Are you honest about all the info?


If you are fed up (like I am 🙄) with resume “shortcuts” and “tricks” incompetent people preach online, maybe it’s time for a reality check and addressing an interesting trend I’ve noticed lately.

Since the market is tough and we are witnessing many layoffs, some job seekers are embracing the idea of “polishing” their resumes a bit to land an interview.


It goes from exaggerating their skills or experience to straight-up lying on their resumes.


This is never a good idea; no matter how helpless your job search might seem, do not choose to take this route.


And here is why:


❗ Employers will always do a background check, even if it’s after the offer was signed.


❗ You might get an interview, but discovering any misinformation during an interview will cost you your reputation. Employers and recruiters do talk, and they even make notes and lists of undesirable candidates.


So, if you have 2 years of experience, and the job requirement is 3 years, don’t put 3 on your resume just to land an interview.


Be honest about it, reach out to the job poster, and ask if they would consider you (if you meet all other qualification requirements). Sometimes, this requirement is non-negotiable (for whatever reason, the hiring manager wants someone with 3 years of experience for that role), but it also might happen that they will value your honesty and give you a chance.


Here is how to write the most important resume sections:


Work smarter, not harder, and ask for help when you need it. Good luck! 🍀


 

If you need my support, here is how I can help you:









Comments


CLIENT REVIEWS

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Alessandro Lasi, Director, Business Process Reengineering at Johnson & Johnson, Switzerland

When you hire Olivera to brush up your Personal Branding you will get significantly more than any new resume!

In finding a new role within your company or at a new company what you really need is an image and a brand that others believe in. This is marketing 101 and Olivera will bring that to you.

Not only did she redo my resume that opened a lot of doors for me, she re-branded my LinkedIn profile and how I reached out to others; she also supported me all the way through my job transition to a new company, and was precious to set up my professional blog.

I highly recommend her services, you won't be disappointed.

Ofelia Ruiz, Regional Executive at Ricoma, USA

I'm very happy to give my recommendation for Olivera. She is a great professional and an excellent source of information with her insightful postings. She not only delivers a very high quality product, but her response and availability, makes her an outstanding service, together with her friendly personality. I will not hesitate to recommend her to all my fellow colleagues.

Marco Fuentes, Director Aerospace at Howmet, Mexico

Olivera is a remarkable Woman of great character and I would not hesitate to recommend her. In particular, Olivera has genuine talent and passion for adding value, leadership, training and giving support to executives.

Thashen Pillay, Turnaround Manager
at Neste, Netherlands

I recently had the pleasure of working with Olivera to improve my CV and LinkedIn profile after an unexpected occurrence in my career. I thought I had a decent CV already, but Olivera took it to a higher, more polished level. It was an absolute pleasure working with her!

 

Olivera's quick turnaround time on emails and document reviews is outstanding and her professional tips and expert guidance are extremely insightful and helpful - these were the things I valued the most. I could not be more pleased with the outcome. I would definitely recommend Olivera to anyone looking to take the next step in their careers by building and improving their online personal brand.

Cristopher Slauter, Senior Engineer at Amazon, USA

I recently had the pleasure to work with Olivera to revamp my resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. After having worked with other coaches and resume writers previously without great success, I wasn't sure what to expect and was admittedly cautiously optimistic at best.

I could not have been more pleased with Olivera's approach, style, and great attention to detail ensuring I was on board with every change regardless of it's importance. She demonstrated a tenacity in her drive to produce results quickly knowing that the longer it took, the longer I wasn't applying with my best possible brand.

I am absolutely satisfied with the results of working with Olivera. On previous attempts at similar services, it always felt like I had overpaid for services that were underwhelming, and that I was simply a fee. With Olivera, not only were her rates surprisingly reasonable for the results delivered, I felt like I was working with a partner that was genuinely invested in my success..

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