Have you been asked to look over a resume lately? Do you help students with crafting their resumes? When was the last time you updated your own? The term “résumé” comes from the French word “résumer,” which means “to summarize” (Burdick, 2023). It is a crucial document that can determine whether you secure an interview. Although its effectiveness in selecting top candidates is debatable, it remains the standard method to initiate the hiring process. However, dissatisfaction with the quality of resumes submitted across various fields is on the rise.
Many popular professional networking platforms offer quick, web-generated resumes. While these can be created in seconds, they often lack comprehensive details about the candidate and their abilities. Such resumes are easy to identify due to their uniform templates and minimal formatting, frequently beginning with “eligible to work in the United States.”
Resumes may be dismissed due to insufficient job-specific details, poor formatting, lack of relevant skills, or spelling and grammar errors (Pelczarski, 2025). Website-generated resumes are often the culprits behind these issues. Current trends indicate a shift towards using software like Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to help employers sort through resumes (Simpson & Gillis, 2025). This suggests that web-generated templates are more prone to rejection compared to customized ones.
How can you assist students in transitioning from the classroom to their careers? Here are three key tips for crafting successful resumes. Personalization is crucial; resumes should be unique and not follow a generic template. You have some leeway in formatting, but it should remain simple, clean, and professional (Pelczarski, 2025). Tailor your achievements to the job you are applying for. Cruthers (2025) advises showcasing something unique you accomplished or excelled in during your experience.
Remember, personalization doesn’t mean being overly creative. Traditional resumes typically follow a standard format (heading, experience, education, certifications), so it’s important not to deviate too much. Ensure the resume is digitally compatible, mobile-friendly, and easy to scroll. Elements like tables, images, or text boxes can be ignored by ATS systems, leading to rejection (Simpson & Gillis, 2025).
Previously, resumes often included an objective statement summarizing goals and experiences. Nowadays, such statements are seen as vague and unnecessary. The Interview Guys suggest the “3 Line Fix” for personalization and focus, which includes a brief statement about your experience, your biggest achievement, and the unique value you bring to the role. Objective statements can be overlooked by keyword screening software (Simpson & Gillis, 2025).
Another tip for personalizing your resume is to quantify achievements or skills. Numbers are more eye-catching than words, especially during a quick 6-second scan (Simpson & Gillis, 2025). Include statistics or metrics with your experience statements to add credibility. Consistent formatting enhances the concrete nature of the information.
Proofreading is essential as the resume’s writing structure reveals much about the applicant. Attention to detail is critical. Apart from inconsistent formatting or font discrepancies, grammatical or spelling mistakes are common reasons for resume rejection, according to Simpson and Gillis (2025). Consider these points to avoid rejection: is the font and size consistent? Are dates uniformly formatted? Is punctuation consistent? Are all bullets the same size? Does each job include a company, job title, and location? Are action verbs used? Is the contact email professional? Is there a professional voicemail for the phone number?
A resume should be reviewed by at least two other sources before submission. Ideal reviewers include peers, instructors, leaders, HR professionals, people from different industries, or even AI. Remember, feedback can vary among sources.
Frustration can arise when a resume, which took over 6 hours to prepare, is only reviewed for an average of 6 seconds (Simpson & Gillis, 2025). To mitigate this, set the expectation that creating effective, non-generated resumes requires time. Allocate time in classes or meetings to teach resume standards and provide ample time for writing, revising, and reviewing. One approach is to start with resume expectations at the beginning of the course and aim for a final draft by the end. This allows time for the writing process.
If interested in multiple jobs, create a different resume for each. Each application should include a tailored resume that shows genuine interest in the role and the ability to meet job requirements. Don’t forget to factor in the time needed to personalize each resume. The review process also takes time, so provide a reasonable deadline when requesting feedback. Resumes should be updated at least annually to ensure readiness for new opportunities.
Amanda Vermeulen, AHI, MA, CCLS, is an instructor for the UW Health Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program, teaching communication, administrative procedures, digital literacy, medical law and ethics, clinical procedures, medical office insurance and finance, and job readiness.
Original Source: facultyfocus.com
