“Do I really need to tailor my resume for every job I apply to?”
“Is it important to make it ATS-friendly?”
“Why am I not getting calls from recruiters?”
“How long should it ideally be?”
If you’ve asked yourself these questions — especially when your resume isn’t converting into interview calls — you’re not alone.
When you’re job hunting, your resume is your first and sometimes only chance to make a solid impression. It’s not just a list of where you’ve been and what you’ve done — it’s a document that needs to clearly communicate your value in seconds.
Let’s break this down.
Possible scenarios when applying for a role
If you apply through a career portal, your resume will likely go through an ATS (Applicant Tracking System). If it doesn’t match enough keywords or gets a low score, it may be automatically rejected.
Application Tracking Systems have digital filters that scan your resume for keywords, formatting and non-negotiable details before a human ever sees it.
If a recruiter is reviewing your resume manually, you typically have some 10–15 seconds to make an impression. They’re scanning for quick signs of fit — keywords, job titles, relevant tools, etc.
If your resume reaches the hiring manager directly (especially through a referral), there’s a much higher chance it will be read thoroughly and evaluated in the context of the role.
Your resume is the first filter — and you don’t know who is on the other side
Adjusting your resume is critical to increase your chances of being seen by the hiring company.
And no, we are not referring to only optimizing your resume for the ATS but also the first person who screens applications — most likely a recruiter — not an expert in your field with a deep domain knowledge.
Even when a real person is reading your resume, they’re still looking for the same things: relevant skills, tools, certifications, and project experience. If your resume doesn’t clearly connect the dots between your background and the job description, it may never reach the hiring manager.
Keywords
There’s a common misconception that keyword optimization is only about tricking ATS systems – but it’s just as useful for people. Use keywords for context. They help both software and humans understand how closely your experience matches the role.
Recruiters use keywords to spot relevance quickly too. Think of keywords as shortcuts to understanding. If a job description mentions tools like Excel or methodologies (Agile, Six Sigma, etc.), and those exact terms don’t appear on your resume (even if you use them every day), your profile might get overlooked.
Use numbers to show outcomes whenever possible. They are always compelling.
And if your work is technical, translating it into plain language helps non-technical reviewers really understand your contribution. It also shows that you understand the broader impact of your work and can explain it to others — a valuable trait in cross-functional teams and leadership roles.
Format: Simple beats fancy every time
Simple is always smarter – for the ATS and recruiters alike. They skim through. A cluttered or overly designed resume can make it harder to identify what you bring to the table — and that’s a risk not worth taking.
- Stick to clear fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
- Use clean formatting, consistent spacing, and well-defined sections.
- Avoid images, charts, or text inside tables — these often break in ATS software.
- Use bullet points, not long paragraphs — they’re easier to scan quickly.
Recruiters can’t always read between the lines
Practically, recruiters handle multiple roles, often in very different fields. They’re just doing their best to match people to roles they may not be technical experts in.
- Spell it out in language that clearly connects your experience to the job requirements.
- Include the actual tools, certifications, and methodologies mentioned in the job ad.
- Frame your experience in terms of outcomes, not just responsibilities.
- Have someone outside your field review it. If they understand your value, a recruiter will too.
