Resume Q&A with a Career Expert

Are you ready to elevate your professional resume and secure your dream job?

We put together your most asked questions after we published this YouTube video and asked our very own career expert Ryan Stoltzfus to unveil more details on creating a resume that truly stands out in a competitive job market.

How long should my resume be?

The length of your resume can vary depending on your experience level.

For those with under 10 years of experience, one or two pages may suffice. But professionals with more than 10 years of experience should consider a two- to three-page resume to thoroughly showcase their career achievements and value proposition.

What is a value proposition, and why is it important for my resume?

A value proposition is a clear statement that explains how you solve your employer's problems, the benefits you bring to the table, and why you're the best choice for the position.

This is crucial for your resume because it sets the tone, differentiates you from other candidates, and guides the narrative of your career story.

How can I quantify my achievements if I don't have exact numbers?

If you can't access exact numbers, use approximations or percentages to demonstrate your impact. The key is to provide a sense of scale and significance of your contributions.

For example, "Increased sales by approximately 20%" or "Reduced processing time by about one-third."

Why is the first page of my resume so important?

The first page is critical because it's your opportunity to grab the hiring manager's attention.

Most readers make a decision on whether they want to talk to the candidate or not based on the first page, so it should highlight your most compelling information, including your value proposition, key achievements, and relevant experiences.

Can I use creative formats for my resume?

While creativity can help you stand out, it's essential to know your industry.

Creative industries may appreciate unique formats, but traditional fields prefer more standard professional resumes.

Always prioritize clarity and readability, ensuring your resume can be easily navigated by both human readers and applicant tracking systems (ATS).

In today's competitive job market, your resume is more than just a summary of your work history—it's a powerful tool that can shape your career trajectory.

By implementing the strategies, you're not just polishing a document; you're crafting a narrative that highlights your strengths and positions you as the solution to an employer's needs.

Every detail, from the length of your resume to the precision of your story-telling, plays a crucial role in making a lasting impression.

As you refine your resume, remember that this is your opportunity to stand out in a crowded field, to tell your story in a way that resonates with hiring managers, and to secure that coveted interview.

Your resume is the first handshake in the professional world—make it firm, make it confident, and make it unforgettable.

By investing the time and effort to get it right, you are not only enhancing your job search but also setting the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career. The dream job you aspire to is within reach, and it starts with a resume that speaks volumes about who you are and what you can achieve.

You can access our free resume template here.