Because “Open to Work” doesn’t mean your resume should be stuck in 2019.
Let’s be honest, updating your resume is right up there with cleaning the oven or calling your internet provider. Necessary, but often avoided until absolutely essential.
If that’s you right now, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Whether you’re actively job hunting or just open to new opportunities (read: you’ve “just had enough”), a sharp, up-to-date resume is your secret weapon.
Here’s what’s very important now—and how to get your resume doing the heavy lifting for you:
1. âś‚ Cut the Fluff, Keep the Impact
No one needs to read that you’re a “hardworking team player with excellent communication skills.” Yawn. Instead, focus on what you actually did and the outcome.
Try this:
👉 “Launched TikTok campaigns that increased engagement by 60% in 3 months”
Not this:
🚫 “Managed social media channels with a focus on creativity.”
2. 📊 Numbers Matter (Even If You’re Not a Data Person)
Hiring managers want to see proof. Add metrics wherever possible.
Think: revenue growth, ROAS, engagement uplift, customer acquisition, churn reduction, retention increase.
If you can quantify it—do. If you’re stuck, think: Before → Action → Result.
3. 🌍 Make Your Global (or Remote) Experience Shine
If you’ve managed campaigns across markets (US, UK, APAC), worked in hybrid teams, or thrived in async communication—shout about it.
In a post-pandemic, AI-enhanced, globally connected world, this stuff matters more than ever.
4. đź› Stack It Up
Your tech stack isn’t just for developers. Whether you’re in performance marketing, product, or content, list the tools you use like a pro:
Meta Ads, GA4, Looker Studio, Asana, Figma, Salesforce, Braze, Hubspot, whatever your daily toolkit is.
This helps recruiters immediately see if you’re a match.
5. 🔍 Make It Search-Friendly
Recruiters search resumes like they search Google.
If your resume doesn’t include the keywords they’re hunting for, you won’t show up.
So include words from the job ad naturally in your resume. Yes, this means you may need to tweak your resume per application (groan—I know, but it works).
6. 🧠Strategic > Chronological
If you’ve had portfolio careers, freelance stints, career gaps, or side hustles, don’t be afraid to group experience by relevance instead of timeline.
Lead with what’s most aligned with the role you’re going for.
7. ✨ No One Reads Page Three
Two pages. MAX.
Put your most impressive achievements on page one.
If you’ve spent too long telling the story of your 2010 internship, time to be ruthless. You’re not writing a memoir.
8. 🔄 Keep It Fresh
If the last update to your resume mentions MySpace or Adobe Flash—you’re overdue.
Even if you’re not actively job-hunting, set a quarterly calendar reminder to review and refresh your resume. Add recent wins, new tools, and updated responsibilities. Future you will be grateful.
9. 🧠AI Can Help—But You’re Still the Star
Use ChatGPT, Rezi, or Teal to polish phrasing, generate bullet points, or help with formatting, but don’t outsource your personality. You’re not a robot (and hopefully, neither is your next boss). Humanise your achievements.
10. đź’¬ Ask for Feedback
Send your resume to a mate, mentor, or recruiter you trust (hi đź‘‹) and ask, “Would you hire me based on this?” If they pause too long… you’ve got work to do.
Final Thought
Your resume is a sales pitch, not a diary. It should say:
✅ Here’s what I’ve done
✅ Here’s why it mattered
✅ Here’s what I can bring to your team
So if yours hasn’t been touched in a while, maybe today’s the day to give it some love?
Or even better, send it my way. Happy to give it a once-over with fresh eyes.
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