Resume Preparation
Your resume is your first impression. In tech recruiting, it typically gets 6-10 seconds of initial scanning time. This section covers everything you need to craft a compelling, ATS-friendly resume that gets you interviews.
Why This Matters
- Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before a human ever sees them
- A well-structured resume can increase your callback rate by 3-5x
- Resume writing is a skill — it improves with practice and feedback
What’s In This Section
| Guide | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Structure | Resume layout, sections, ATS optimization, one-page rules |
| Writing Bullets | STAR format, quantified impact, action verbs, before/after examples |
| Projects | How to describe projects, what makes a good project |
| Technical Skills | How to list skills, categories, avoiding inflation |
| Common Mistakes | Red flags, typos, formatting issues, what NOT to include |
| ATS Optimization | Keywords, parsing, formatting, tailoring for roles |
Quick Start
If you’re building your resume from scratch:
- Start with Structure to get the layout right
- Move to Writing Bullets for your experience and projects
- Review Technical Skills to properly list your abilities
- Check Common Mistakes to avoid pitfalls
- Run through ATS Optimization to ensure machine readability
- Get feedback from peers, mentors, or online communities
General Principles
- One page — Especially for new grads and early career. No exceptions.
- Tailor it — Customize for each role/company when possible.
- Quantify everything — Numbers stand out to both humans and ATS.
- Consistency — Same formatting, tense, and style throughout.
- Proofread — Then proofread again. Then have someone else proofread.