Resume Troubleshooting

If your resume isn't generating interviews, start by checking the message—not just the formatting.

Use this guide as a starting point, then tailor your approach to your experience and target opportunity.

The target is unclear

A resume should make the intended role understandable quickly.

Bullets describe duties only

Strong bullets connect responsibilities to results, scope, improvements or impact where the evidence exists.

The content is too broad

A targeted resume usually communicates relevance better than one document written for every possible job.

Keywords are missing or unnatural

Use terminology from relevant roles when it accurately reflects your background.

The first page lacks priorities

The most relevant experience and strengths should be easy to find.