Resume Tips

 

As I am filtering through the applications for a open Principal Manager position in  my organization, I thought I'd share some quick tips. Also if you have been impacted by the recent layoffs and need a fresh pair of eyes to go through yours, ping me, happy to help in any way I can.

1️⃣ Keep it lean
Two pages max. Hiring managers, recruiters are pressed for time, and your résumé is your first filter.

2️⃣ Tailor for the target
Start with a slightly longer master résumé, then tighten it for each application. Highlight the experiences that mirror the job requirements and trim the rest. If the role asks for deep technical chops, surface your biggest engineering wins. If it values people leadership, spell out the size, geography and diversity of teams you have guided.

3️⃣ Know every line
Interviewers love to probe the details. Even that “obscure” project from years ago can surface. Be ready to dive deep on anything you list.

4️⃣ Proof. Proof again. Then proof once more.
Ask a friend to review for clarity and errors. Yes, I just reviewed the resume of “Software Engineering Leafer”.

5️⃣ Expand acronym on the first usage
Clarity beats cleverness. Write “Time-to-mitigate (TTM)” before you rely on TTM alone.

6️⃣ Show impact, not activity
Microsoft and other top firms care about results. Replace “led migrations” with specifics: “migrated 120M users to new platform, improving sign-in latency by 35 percent.” Include metrics on revenue, cost, uptime, or customer satisfaction whenever possible, and be prepared to defend them in interviews.

7️⃣ Cut the buzzwords
“Visionary, results-oriented ninja” is outdated. Run your résumé through a GenAI tool and ask it to flag fluff and repetition.

💡 Bottom line: Precision, relevance and quantified impact separate strong leaders from a sea of applicants. Invest the extra hour to refine your résumé and you will earn the next-step conversation.