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- #148 - Top 10 Resume Tips (Part 2)
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Hey There!
Welcome to Issue #148 of Jobseeking is Hard!
Last week, we kicked off the countdown of the top 10 most-read Shameless Plugs of the summer with #10 through #6. Each one was a real client case from Karpiak Consulting that showed how small changes (more clarity, better alignment, sharper framing) can make a huge difference in your job search.
Now it’s time for the big reveal. These are the top 5. These were the pieces of advice that resonated most with readers over the summer, and for good reason. It’s the same kind of resume strategy we use at Karpiak Consulting to help clients stand out and land interviews as hiring season kicks back into gear.
I hope you find them helpful as you get ready for hiring season!
#5 – Stop Underselling Yourself (Issue 136)
Too many resumes assume the reader will “get it” from the job title alone. That’s a mistake. “Account Manager” can mean something totally different from one company to the next. If you don’t spell out your responsibilities, scope, and outcomes, you’re underselling yourself.
Fix it by making your resume explicit. Write bullets that clarify the size of accounts, the scope of projects, the complexity of what you managed. Show results (reduced churn, increased revenue, improved processes) so the reader sees why your work mattered. Put the most relevant, impressive bullets at the top of each section.
A Comprehensive Resume Review client learned this lesson and finally broke out of a toxic workplace by proving their true value. You don’t need to be modest on your resume...you need to be clear.
#4 – Clarity Through Subtraction (Issue 141)
Resumes that are too long or try to tell the entire story of your career end up diluting the message. Recruiters want to see why you’re the right person for this job, not a laundry list of everything you’ve done.
The fix is addition by subtraction. Trim down content that doesn’t point directly toward your target role. Pull the most relevant achievements to the forefront. Rework your summary so it speaks to the role you’re aiming for, not just what you’ve done. That clarity helps you come across as a specialist instead of a generalist.
That’s how a Comprehensive Resume Review client landed in a role they’re genuinely happy in. Less can be more, if what’s left tells the right story.
#3 – AI Can’t Add Context (Issue 137)
AI resume tools can rearrange words, add synonyms, and plug in keywords...but they can’t add the one thing recruiters need most: context.
If your bullet says “managed a team,” AI might spit out “effectively managed a cross-functional team to deliver results.” That sounds fancier, but it doesn’t prove anything. The difference maker is explaining how you managed the team, what challenges you overcame, and what the results were. AI can’t know that unless you write it first.
The takeaway: don’t rely on tools to do the real work for you. Keywords can help with ATS, but humans need context. Add scope, scale, and outcomes. That’s what gets attention.
#2 – Align to Your Next Role (Issue 142)
If your resume tries to say everything, it ends up saying nothing clearly. Too many jobseekers write resumes as transcripts of their careers instead of marketing documents for the jobs they want.
The fix: rewrite your summary to focus on your next role, not just your past. Reorder bullet points so the most relevant ones come first, and trim anything that doesn’t connect to your target job. Add context so your achievements don’t just read like tasks but like proof you can deliver results at the next level.
A Comprehensive Resume Review client applied this strategy and landed a great opportunity with a $30K raise. The clearer you make your value proposition, the faster readers will buy in.
#1 – Frame for Seniority (Issue 143)
If you’re aiming for leadership roles, your resume can’t read like you’re a doer. It needs to show you think and operate like a leader. That means reframing bullets to highlight ownership, strategic thinking, and results at scale.
Don’t just list tasks...show how you coach others, lead cross-functional projects, and solve problems that matter to the business long term. Add context: how many people you led, the complexity of the initiatives, the dollar value of the budgets you managed. That’s what signals you’re ready for seniority.
That’s how a Resume Edit client moved from Director to VP with a $150K salary increase. The advice applies to anyone: frame your work so it reflects the level you’re aiming for, not just the tasks you’ve done.
That’s the top 10 most-read Shameless Plugs of the summer! Each takeaway is something you can apply directly to your own resume. If it worked for these clients, it can work for you!
Hiring season is almost here. If you need help with resume or LinkedIn reviews, edits, or coaching on job search strategy and interviews, reach out to Karpiak Consulting.
See you next week!
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Jobseekers, have a great rest of your week, and good luck with those applications!
-Adam
PS!! If you're enjoying the newsletter, let people know! Forward it, post it on social, tag me, whatever...the bigger the discussion, the better! The idea is to help as many people as possible!
About Adam- Recognized as a leading voice on hiring and workplace trends, Adam has been recruiting and providing career advice since 2003, developing high-trust relationships based on honesty with companies and jobseekers. A highly sought-after speaker, he has appeared in numerous outlets, including Bloomberg News, Business Insider, LinkedIn, and CNNMoney. You can find out more about Adam's resume and coaching services here.
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