A bad one just lists stuff.
1-min read to optimise your resume!
I’ve come across a lot of applications and resumes that hit my inbox. It doesn't take long to spot the difference between a good and a bad one.
If you’re a student/applicant, ask yourself:
- Does my resume show outcomes or just activities?
- Does it help the reviewer connect the stories or the dots?
Type A Resume (to be avoided):
- Objective: “Looking for a challenging position to grow my skills…” (generic and forgettable)
- Bullet points that describe tasks, not achievements
- No numbers, no proof, no outcomes
- Typos, inconsistent formatting
- Lots of whitespaces
- Skills listed without context ("Leadership" — but where, when, how?)
Type B Ideal Resume (what impresses the reviewer):
- Headline that matches the opportunity ("Marketing Student | 3 Campaigns ABC | Google Certified ABC")
- Strong, measurable achievements, can be a POR or a project ("Generated 20% increase in event turnout through influencer outreach")
- Consistent, clean, professional look
- Real skills with real backing certifications, projects, internships
- Language that feels active and intentional (action verbs + impact)
Don't forget to add numbers, positions, and any measurable results. For example, instead of "Handled social media accounts," try "Increased social media engagement by 30% through strategic content planning."
Try rewriting them to reflect the impact you made, not just the task you did.
UnstoppableCareers hiring CV
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