Is a good résumé one that’s only one page? Or two? Or more? I know you’ve asked yourself that. Maybe you’re asking it right now.
Job searching today often feels like résumé tweaking on repeat. You adapt your résumé to each job description, trying to condense your entire career, and your identity into one or two perfect pages that will somehow break through the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) barrier.
In fact, as of 2023, nearly 98% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS, meaning your résumé often has to impress a machine before a person even sees it. No pressure, right?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received during this process came from one of our alumni Katherine Vo, MBA:
Be yourself. Showcase the impact you’ve had. The more quantitative, the better.
After all, if you can’t measure it, how can someone else, especially a recruiter, see its value?
Then there’s the cover letter.
You’re told to write one that adds value without repeating your résumé. Easier said than done. This is where your research matters: understanding the role, the company, and clarifying your “why.” What’s not obvious in your résumé should come alive here.
Now imagine doing this not once or twice, but 97 times.
Through LinkedIn. Handshake. Referrals. Alumni tips. Career fairs.
Still waiting for the “yes”? It’s not unusual, recent studies show that job seekers often submit 100 or more applications before receiving an offer.
You’re not alone; we’re in this together. The job search is personal, but it doesn’t have to be isolating.
That’s where the Career Development Center comes in. If you haven’t already, reach out. Whether you’re a student or alum, you can sit down with a career coach who will help you revise your résumé and cover letter, step by step.
They’ll show you how to:
- Match your résumé to real job descriptions
- Polish your LinkedIn so it speaks the same language as your résumé
- Use your premium Jobscan account (yes. You have one!) to see how well your résumé stacks up against real job descriptions
- And maybe most important, help you feel like yourself again in the process!
