Latest news with #resume
Fast Company
6 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Is it okay to lie (a little) on your résumé?
Welcome to Pressing Questions, Fast Company's workplace advice column. Every week, deputy editor Kathleen Davis, host of The New Way We Work podcast, will answer your biggest and most pressing workplace questions. Q: Is it okay to lie (a little) on your résumé? A: I would hope that the answer to this question is obvious, but perhaps not. Lying in some form, whether it's inflating your job title or experience, exaggerating your skills, or fudging employment or graduation dates is way more common than you might think. In fact, a 2023 ResumeLab survey found that 70% of job applicants have lied on their résumés. For the record let me be clear, lying on your résumé—no matter how big or small the lie is or what it's about—is never, ever, ever a good idea. Like ever. Just because everyone else is doing it doesn't mean you should. The risk just isn't worth it. Very few things aren't discoverable from a quick search and in most industries professional networks can be small and paths are bound to cross. For example if you lie about your employment dates or role in a certain company, your potential employer can easily find out the truth and, no matter how impressive you are, you have broken their trust and ruined any future employment chances with that company. Even if your lies aren't discovered during the hiring process, they can haunt you later on. Did you list skills that you don't really have? Did you say that you know a software system or tool that you aren't really that familiar with? Those mistruths will come back to bite you as soon as you're on the job. All lies come to light eventually and even if they don't, you'll have to remember them and stay on top of the cover-up for your entire tenure. But really, lying isn't necessary. Here are a few legitimate ways to redo your résumé in honest ways that will smooth over the things you might be tempted to lie about. Explain the gaps in your career history I gave this advice when addressing if your résumé needs to be one page: Hardly anyone has a linear career path and you aren't fooling anyone by glossing over a year or more. If you freelanced, cared for family, or volunteered during times you weren't traditionally employed, that all counts. In other words, rather than changing or omitting dates, address your career gaps either on your résumé or in your cover letter and frame them as strengths. Show off your accomplishments Instead of inflating your past job titles, talk up what you've done, the impact you've made, and who you've worked with. This is something Fast Company contributor and résumé expert Donna Svei calls 'affiliative branding.' Here's the example she gives for how it works: 'An early-career client I once worked with wanted a specific job but couldn't land an interview. We analyzed the posting and saw that the job involved working with well-known artists. My client had that impressive experience but hadn't mentioned it in their résumé. We wrote a bullet that named a few of the top artists they had worked for (affiliative branding) and described my client's wins. They got the job three weeks later.' I got into this in my advice on what to cut from your résumé. Sometimes in the quest to sound impressive, candidates clutter up their résumés with a bunch of unneeded hyperbole that isn't an honest representation of their skills or experience. Trim all of that junk and replace it with facts that are presented in a persuasive way. Svei recommends checking that those facts are presented in a positive light. ' When a fact is described negatively, I ask myself, 'can I reframe this as a positive?' It might be as simple as changing 'reduced turnover to 10%,' to 'increased team retention to 90%,'' she says.
Washington Post
29-05-2025
- General
- Washington Post
Miss Manners: How to deal with solicitors in a ‘no solicitor' building?
Dear Miss Manners: I work in an upscale office building in the downtown core. Our building is supposed to be solicitor-free, but on occasion we get walk-in solicitors, companies trying to sell their services and people trying to give resumes. This is both annoying and bothersome. Our office is locked, so these people need to ring or knock to be let in — and then when they come in, I realize they are not clients, but peddlers. Is it impolite to say there is no soliciting in the building, or should I take their card and just say I will pass it on, even though I won't? I understand that these people are trying to better themselves, but they are already breaking rules and taking time away from my work. One can enforce a building rule rudely and one can enforce it politely, but you appear to be asking if the rule itself is rude — a habit, perhaps, in an age when everyone is asked to comment on everything. The rule itself strikes Miss Manners as innocuous. More importantly, it is not within your authority to change. Tell the person that you are sorry, but the owners have a rule against soliciting in the building. You can then pick up a phone, leaving them to guess whether this is to inform someone of their presence or merely to go about your own business. Dear Miss Manners: I learned from a treasured friend that if a person brings up a topic regarding themselves, it usually means they want to talk about it. Said friend will then, sometimes, seem to throw up her guard when I ask a question, wanting to hear more. Is it rude to ask questions when someone brings up a personal subject? Am I asking the wrong questions? Perhaps I'm asking the wrong way. If so, how should I politely ask? Maybe I want the correct preface. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to such a question except to say: When in doubt, attentive listening is usually the least likely to get one in trouble. Dear Miss Manners: Both of my sisters-in-law's grandchildren graduated from high school last weekend. We gladly traveled the two hours to their respective parties and gave each one a cash gift. Both sisters-in-law have texted, thanking us for coming and for the nice gifts. I suspect (in one instance, anyway) that we're not to expect a reply from the recipient, as the text went into detail how appreciative the graduate is, how the money will be put to use and what his future plans are. How do I respond? It feels misplaced to say 'You're welcome' to the grandparents, when we attended and gifted in honor of the graduates. The problem, as both you and the sisters-in-law know or suspect, is that the unmannerly recipients are not going to express thanks themselves. So the question within your question is whether you let the sisters-in-law — who do not want you to think ill of their grandchildren — off the hook. Miss Manners would have you text back that you are 'Glad they are enjoying the gift.' This will reassure the sisters-in-law that you have no quarrel with them — while its brevity relieves you of directly addressing the larger question. New Miss Manners columns are posted Monday through Saturday on You can send questions to Miss Manners at her website, You can also follow her @RealMissManners. © 2025 Judith Martin
Forbes
27-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
7 Steps To AI-Proof Your Resume And Land More Job Interviews
A whopping 99% of hiring managers now use AI in their recruitment process, according to Insight Global's 2025 AI in Hiring Survey Report. Meanwhile, most job seekers get filtered out by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before a human recruiter ever lays eyes on their resume. If you're wondering why your applications vanish into a digital black hole instead of landing you job interviews, it's time to AI-proof your resume. When you understand how ATS technology works and apply specific formatting and content strategies, you can dramatically boost your chances of reaching actual humans. Here are seven steps to AI-proof your resume and land more job interviews. ATS algorithms prioritize exact job title matches. In fact, research from Jobscan, analyzing over 2.5 million resumes, found that candidates who included the same job title as the posting were 10.6 times more likely to get a job interview. If you're applying for "Digital Marketing Manager," use that exact phrase in your resume header or professional summary rather than "Online Marketing Leader" or similar variations. Also, extract three to five key phrases that appear repeatedly throughout the job description. Common examples include: For acronyms and technical terms, include both the whole phrase and abbreviation: "Customer Relationship Management (CRM)" or "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)." This ensures you're found whether recruiters search for the acronym or complete phrase. Finally, remember only to include terms that genuinely reflect your experience. According to Insight Global's research, 88% of hiring managers can detect AI-enhanced job applications, and 54% care if candidates use it. Copy the job description into a word cloud generator to identify the most frequently mentioned terms visually. The largest words are your priority keywords. Since recruiters spend just seconds reviewing each resume, your most valuable qualifications need immediate visibility. A well-crafted "Core Skills" section gives both ATS systems and human reviewers instant access to your key competencies. Position this section below your contact information and professional summary. Structure it as a clean, scannable list combining: Research shows recruiters filter by skills 76% of the time when searching ATS databases. By front-loading your most relevant capabilities, you increase the likelihood that your resume surfaces in these targeted searches. Organize your skills by relevance to the job posting, not alphabetically. Place the most critical skills first, as recruiters often scan only the beginning of lists. Research shows that including specific numbers in your resume substantially increases your chances of landing a job interview. Transform generic statements into quantified achievements. Focus on these metrics: Instead of "improved sales performance," specify "increased quarterly sales by 32%, generating an additional $2.4 million in revenue." Rather than "managed a team," write "led a cross-functional team of 12 professionals across three departments." Use the "Challenge-Action-Result" framework for each achievement. Start with the problem you faced, describe your specific action, and then quantify the positive outcome. Creative section titles confuse ATS systems and frustrate recruiters who expect conventional resume organization. Stick to universally recognized headings that both algorithms and humans can understand. Use these standard section titles: Avoid creative alternatives like "My Journey," "Professional Toolkit," or "Where I've Made an Impact." Recruiters spend most of their time studying the work experience section. When they can't quickly locate this information due to unconventional headings, you will soon lose their attention. Test your section headings by asking someone unfamiliar with your background to scan your resume quickly. If they can't immediately understand what each section contains, your headings need simplification. File format can determine whether your resume is parsed correctly or completely misread by ATS systems. The safest default choice is .docx format unless the job posting specifically requests otherwise. Consider these format guidelines: Save your resume with an explicit, professional filename that includes your name and the word "resume" (e.g., "JohnSmith_Resume_2025.docx"). While visually striking resumes might catch human attention, they often confuse ATS systems and can result in your qualifications being completely misread or ignored. Complex formatting elements, such as tables, text boxes, graphics, and unusual fonts, can cause parsing errors. Instead, use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman or Helvetica in 10-to 12-point sizes. Maintain consistent formatting throughout your document. Copy and paste your resume into a plain text editor (like Notepad) to see how an ATS might read it. If the information looks scrambled, simplify your formatting. Before submitting your job application, test your resume's ATS compatibility using online simulation tools. Platforms like Jobscan and Resume Worded offer free ATS simulation services that provide detailed feedback on keyword optimization, formatting issues and overall match scores. These simulators typically analyze: Target a match rate of 80% or higher, which indicates a strong alignment between your resume and the target position. Use this feedback to refine your resume before submission. If the tool indicates low keyword matching, revisit the job description to identify additional relevant terms you can incorporate. Run your resume through multiple ATS simulators to get a comprehensive view of potential issues. Each tool may catch different problems. While ATS optimization is crucial for getting your resume seen, remember that most hiring managers still emphasize the importance of human involvement in the hiring process. The most effective resumes strike a balance between technical optimization and authentic storytelling. By implementing these seven steps, you'll ensure your resume not only survives the initial digital screening but also compels recruiters to schedule that crucial first job interview.
Forbes
12-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
10 Tips To Improve Your Resume According To AI
By Richard D. Harroch and Dominique A. Harroch A well-crafted resume is one of the most important tools for landing a job. It serves as your introduction to potential employers and provides a snapshot of your skills, experience, and achievements. Standing out among hundreds or even thousands of applicants requires a resume that not only showcases your qualifications but also highlights your ability to adapt to modern tools and technologies. One way to ensure that your resume stands out is by leveraging the power of AI—both in how you craft your resume and how you use AI to enhance your skills. AI can help you tailor your resume to specific job descriptions, improve readability, and optimize it for applicant tracking systems (ATS) that employers use to filter applications. By integrating AI-powered strategies into your resume-building process, you can enhance its impact and increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters. This article, with research assistance and insights from AI, will explore 10 key ways to improve your resume. We'll include sample language you can use, and we'll highlight the importance of showcasing your experience with AI tools and technologies. Whether you're revising your resume or starting from scratch, these tips will help you present yourself in the best possible light. The Tip: One of the most important things you can do to improve your resume is to tailor it for each specific job you're applying to. Generic resumes often get overlooked, so customizing your resume to match the job description ensures you highlight the most relevant skills and experience. Using keywords from the job listing will also help your resume. Bonus Insight: LinkedIn offers an AI feature that lets you easily compare your resume to a job posting, highlighting how well your skills and experience align. This can guide you in identifying key qualifications and areas for improvement. Sample Language for Your Resume: "Aligned marketing campaigns with business objectives to drive a 25% increase in customer acquisition in the first quarter, as detailed in the job listing for [Company]." Key Insights: The Tip: Employers want to know what you've accomplished, not just what you were responsible for. Instead of simply listing your duties, focus on the impact you made in previous roles. Quantify your achievements whenever possible—metrics like sales increases, project completion times, or efficiency improvements provide concrete evidence of your abilities. Sample Language for Your Resume: "Led a team of 10 in a project that reduced operational costs by 15% while improving customer satisfaction scores by 35%." Key Insights: The Tip: If you're transitioning into a new field or industry, highlight the transferable skills you bring with you. Many of the skills you've developed in previous roles—whether it's leadership, project management, communication, or problem-solving—are valuable in almost any field. Emphasizing these skills shows potential employers that you have the foundation needed to succeed, even if you lack direct experience in the industry. Sample Language for Your Resume: "Utilized strong project management and leadership skills to coordinate a cross-functional team, ensuring timely and successful project completion despite tight deadlines." Key Insights: The Tip: AI is becoming an essential tool across industries, and demonstrating your familiarity with AI can set you apart from other candidates. Whether you've used AI in drafting content, project management, data analysis, marketing automation, or customer service, be sure to mention it. This will show potential employers that you are proactive in adopting new technologies that can improve efficiency and performance. Sample Language for Your Resume: "Utilized ChatGPT and Claude AI to develop key marketing and promotional content." Key Insights: The Tip: A resume's format should be easy to read and visually appealing. Use clear section headings, bullet points, and consistent fonts to ensure your resume is organized and professional. Avoid overloading the document with too many graphics or unnecessary details, which can distract from the key information. Key Insights: The Tip: Incorporating relevant certifications, degrees, and professional development courses into your resume can help demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and your qualifications for the role. Whether it's an MBA, a certification in digital marketing, or a technical course, employers appreciate candidates who invest in their own professional growth. Sample Language for Your Resume: "Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) – Project Management Institute, 2024." Key Insights: The Tip: Your resume should be concise and to the point, typically no longer than one or two pages. Hiring managers often skim through resumes, so it's important to prioritize the most relevant information. Focus on showcasing your best qualifications and experience, omitting less significant roles or skills that don't contribute to your candidacy. Sample Language for Your Resume: Rather than listing every job you've had, focus on your most impactful roles: "Senior Marketing Specialist – ABC Corp (2018–2021). Led marketing campaigns that increased brand visibility and revenue by 25%." Key Insights: The Tip: Many companies use ATS to screen resumes, and these systems often look for specific keywords related to the job description. To increase the chances of your resume passing through these systems, make sure to use keywords from the job posting. AI-based tools like Jobscan can help optimize your resume for ATS. Sample Language for Your Resume: If the job description mentions "data analysis," be sure to use this phrase in your resume if applicable. "Proficient in data analysis, including collecting, interpreting, and presenting data-driven insights." Key Insights: The Tip: Including a short, compelling summary or objective at the top of your resume can help employers quickly understand your background, expertise, and what you bring to the table. This brief section should highlight your most relevant skills and experience and should align with the job you're applying for. Sample Language for Your Resume: "Dynamic and results-oriented marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in content creation and digital marketing campaigns. Expertise in leveraging data-driven strategies to drive brand growth and engagement." Key Insights: The Tip: ChatGPT can be a helpful tool in reviewing and improving your resume. By running your resume through the AI, you can ask for specific feedback and suggestions on how to improve it. ChatGPT can offer insights into areas where your resume might be lacking, such as keyword optimization, phrasing, or overall structure. Sample Language for ChatGPT: After running your resume through ChatGPT, ask for specific improvements like: "ChatGPT, could you help me optimize this resume for applicant tracking systems and suggest improvements in phrasing for my job experiences?" Key Insights: Crafting an effective resume is a critical step in landing a job, and applying these 10 tips can make all the difference in helping you stand out from the crowd. By tailoring your resume to the specific job, showcasing achievements over responsibilities, and focusing on key skills, you can create a document that not only highlights your qualifications but also demonstrates your potential value to employers. Using AI-driven insights, such as optimizing for ATS or showing your familiarity with AI, can further improve your chances of being noticed. Remember that your resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. By applying these strategies, you can present yourself as a qualified, proactive, and forward-thinking candidate. Make sure to keep your resume updated, reflecting your latest achievements and growth, and be confident that your well-crafted resume will help you take the next step in your career. Related Articles: Copyright (c) by Richard D. Harroch. All Rights Reserved.
