why your resume isn’t working (and how to fix it without selling your soul)
so... you’ve been applying and hearing crickets.
you’ve got the experience. you’ve got the drive. but your resume? it’s... just not doing the thing. don’t worry — you’re not alone. most resumes are either way too boring or trying way too hard. and honestly? ai might be part of the problem, too.
so let’s talk about how to write a resume that sounds like you. not a corporate zombie or a buzzword machine.
first things first: the goal of a resume isn’t to look smart. it’s to get noticed.
a lot of folks try to pack their resumes with big words, long job descriptions, and weirdly formal phrases like “results-driven professional with a proven track record of success.” (yikes.)
newsflash: everyone has a “proven track record” these days. it’s not the flex you think it is.
instead, write like a real person. think:
• what did you actually do in that role?
• what changed because you were there?
• what are you proud of?
employers don’t need every single task — they want impact.
resume tip #1: ditch the fluff
if your resume has phrases like “team player,” “self-starter,” or “detail-oriented,” go ahead and delete them. they take up space and don’t actually say anything. instead, show those traits through your accomplishments.
example:
[don’t do this] : detail-oriented team player
[do this]: reviewed 100+ reports monthly with 99% accuracy while collaborating across 3 departments
same idea. way more powerful.
resume tip #2: skip the jargon
just because you're in tech, law, or finance doesn’t mean your resume should read like a user manual. keep it clean, simple, and readable. if a stranger can’t skim it and understand what you do, it’s too complicated.
resume tip #3: one page is enough
unless you're a c-suite executive, applying to academia, or creating a curriculum vitae (cv), one page is just fine. focus on the most relevant, impressive stuff. your resume isn't your memoir. it's your highlight reel!
what about ai-generated resumes?
we get it. ai tools are tempting. they promise quick, sleek resumes in seconds. and while that might sound nice, here’s the problem: they all kinda sound the same. they’re overly formal, full of clichés, and totally lack personality.
pro tip: if your resume starts with “as an accomplished professional with demonstrated expertise,” you’ve probably been ai’d.
ai can help you get started, but don’t let it write the whole thing. your resume should reflect your voice, your energy, your you-ness. (yes, that’s a word now.)
the human touch makes all the difference
recruiters don’t want a perfect robot. they want a person they can trust, work with, and grow with. your resume should make them say, “this person seems sharp. let’s meet them.”
you don’t have to sell your soul to get a job. just tell your story clearly, confidently, and honestly.
psst... need help?
we write resumes for real humans. no buzzwords, no fluff — just clean, powerful storytelling that gets attention. if your resume needs a glow-up, you know where to find us.
