Actionable Ideas to Improve Your Resume
As a professional writer with more than 20 years of experience, I have done my fair share of contract work. The competition can be brutal. As such, I am always applying to the next project. Sometimes, I interview for these projects when it does not interfere with my work. This experience makes me feel like something of an expert in resume writing. On looking at my resume history in OneDrive, I have submitted 524 resumes in the last 528 days. In that time, I have released many into the ether, never to be heard from again.
However, from searching my calendar and email, I found that the data tells an interesting story:
- 524 resumes submitted
- 168 direct responses (32.1%)
- 67 rejections
- 66 interview invitations
- 35 second interviews
That’s nearly 1 in 3 resumes getting noticed and 1 in 8 leading to an interview. Of course, this suggests I may need to polish my in-person pitch. But we’re not here to talk about me! We’re here to talk numbers that reflect a lot of trial, error, and hard-won insight into what works.
A nice thing about living in the future is the ability to connect what resume landed which interview. From there, I’m able to see what worked. I can also see direct feedback I got on a few of my resumes. Usually, these came in the form of requests for more or clarifying information.
Here’s what I have learned so far:
Crafting an ATS-Friendly, Hybrid Resume That Gets Results
1. Format and Layout: The Hybrid Approach
A hybrid resume effectively combines a functional summary and a skills section with a chronological work history. It offers a balance of showcasing expertise and career progression.
Header & Contact Info:
- Place your name in bold at the top, using a slightly larger font.
- Include contact details on one line, separated by pipettes: Example:
Phone: (801) 686-7432 | hcsnoke@gmail.com | chrissnoke.com | linkedin.com/in/hcsnoke
Summary:
Write a targeted 85-word summary tailored to the job description, integrating relevant keywords. Example:
“Experienced Technical Editor with 20+ years creating high-quality documentation, including user guides, reports, and training materials. Proficient in CMS tools like Confluence and SharePoint, Microsoft Office Suite, and ensuring 508 compliance. Skilled at translating technical concepts for diverse audiences, managing version control, and applying Agile methodologies to improve workflows. Known for attention to detail, independent problem-solving, and delivering timely, accurate results. Ready to bring expertise, adaptability, and excellence in technical communication to support your team’s success.”
Skills Section:
- List tools, software, and relevant skills aligned with the job requirements.
Example:- CMS Tools: Confluence, SharePoint
- Accessibility Standards: 508 Compliance
- Agile Methodologies: Scrum, SAFe
- Software: Power Automate, Microsoft Office Suite
2. Work History: Highlight Achievements
Present jobs in reverse chronological order, focusing on action verbs and quantifiable results.
- Action Verbs: Begin bullet points with “led,” “optimized,” or “implemented.”
- Quantify Results: Show measurable impact.
Example: - “Led the creation of 508-compliant documentation, improving accessibility for 300+ users.”
- “Reduced support tickets by 25% by developing comprehensive user guides.”
3. Education Section
Include degrees, certifications, or training, especially those relevant to the role. If you’re early in your career, place this section above Work History.
Example:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Writing
- Certification in Accessibility Standards (508 Compliance)
4. Optimizing for ATS
To ensure compatibility with both older and modern ATS systems:
Formatting:
- Use a clean, single-column layout with H2 headings for “Summary,” “Skills,” and “Work History.”
- Avoid graphics, images, or complex tables.
- Stick to readable, sans serif fonts like Arial or Segoe UI.
Keywords:
- Integrate job description keywords naturally into the summary, skills, and work history sections.
- Avoid overusing the same term (no more than 5 times per page); instead, use synonyms or related phrases.
File Format and Naming:
- Save and submit your resume in .docx format unless otherwise specified.
- Name your file descriptively:
[YourName]_Resume_[CompanyName]_[Position].
5. Proofread and Test
- Use tools like Grammarly to check for spelling or grammar errors.
- Save your resume as plain text to ensure ATS readability.
- Compare your keywords to the job description using a word cloud generator or similar tools.
6. Prepare a Memorable Narrative for the Interview
Craft a “superhero” story that highlights your contributions and aligns with the company’s needs:
- Identify Challenges: Explain how you solved problems or overcame obstacles.
Example:
“I noticed a gap in our document review process. I streamlined workflows in Confluence. This reduced revision cycles by 40%.” - Emphasize Team Impact: Frame achievements as helping others or improving team outcomes.
Example:
“I created a training program for new hires, boosting onboarding efficiency by 30%.” - Fit the Company Culture: Show how your skills and personality align with their mission.
Example:
“My passion for clear communication and accessibility aligns with your commitment to delivering inclusive content.”
Final Touch: Keep It One Page (if possible)
Condense information unless you have over 10 years of experience. Save the extra details for the interview, where you can expand on your achievements and fit within the company.
By following these steps, you’ll have a polished, ATS-compatible resume. It will capture attention and set you up for success in interviews.
Chris Snoke 