Resume Writing Guide 101: Career Coach Tips That Make or Break Your Resume

Why a Resume Writing Guide Matters for Calgary Job Seekers

Let’s talk about resumes and what makes them work, especially if you're job hunting in Calgary. As a certified career coach and professional resume writer serving Calgary and across Canada, I’ve spent the past 10 years helping clients across Canada craft resumes that get noticed. Over the years, I’ve reviewed hundreds of resumes and gained valuable insight from both employers and industry experts. In this guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned by debunking common resume myths and offering practical tips so you can write a resume that reflects your strengths and goals with confidence.

A Guide to a Great Looking Resume

I am sure that many of us discovered some of the craziest resumes and guides on Google. I hate to break it to you, a fancy design or a completely AI generated resumes does not make a good resume. Function is key. If it is not legible, or follows a common resume format, its not worth the recruiters time in reading.

"Before you go spend $50 on a "professional" resume writer on Bark.com, make sure you do your research. More often than people like to admit, they end up paying someone to change their own written resume from black to italicized green, bold blue, and fancy font😊."

Guide to What to Avoid When Writing Your Resume

1. Less is more

Depending on how technical the job you're applying at, you may want to remove the fluff words on your resume. Recruiters are not interested in reading a storybook, rather they spend an average of 6 - 7 seconds looking for keywords.

2. Be Relevant

Let's not be one of those guys who submits his resume containing warehouse or line cook related skills to an office assistant role through Indeed, and later wonder why they never got back to you.

3. Be Consistent

For a moment, imagine placing yourself in the recruiter's shoes. After the company ATS (applicant tracking system) removed 800 online applicants, you have over 200 resumes to review in order to find 10 qualified candidates for the first interview process. You find a resume with a few spelling errors, misaligned formatting and colour mismatches. What's your first thought?

By average, if you are actively networking and applying for jobs online, expect at least 5 - 6 months until you finally get that job. If this is the case, it won't hurt to double-check your work before submitting your resume online.

4. Include key skills and measurable results

Did you know? Putting the key skills on top will boost interview chances by 59% compared to those don't? By including measurable results, your resume has a chance above the 36% of resume that don't.

5. Tailoring your Online Presence

According to a resume study, did you know that including a LinkedIn profile on your resume increases your chance of getting a job interview by 71%? Whether you try to hide it or not, employers are more likely to search you on google before considering you for a job interview.

Common Resume Myths Debunked

Let's get down to what a resume does not do.

1. A great looking resume guarantees quicker results in landing your perfect job or career.

Sad to say, the success rate with resume application is around 2 - 3%. Lower if we are aiming for highly competitive jobs like software developers or project management. Therefore, it's not unusual for having no success within the 50 job applications you are qualified for.

2. Loading your resume with keywords guarantees ATS success.

Keep in mind, excess keywords, keyword stuffing can backfire. If you do decide to include them, make sure you integrate them naturally and not forcibly.

How to Use AI Tools for Resume Writing Without Losing Your Voice

1. Not a replacement

AI can be a powerful tool for resume writing when used to enhance your unique qualifications, not replace them. By analyzing a job description, AI can help identify keywords and skills employers prioritize, allowing you to tailor your resume for stronger alignment. However, the key is to rephrase strategically, not copy the posting word for word.

1. Don't replace your authentic self

Use AI to highlight your authentic experiences in a way that resonates with the role. Think of it as a smart assistant helping you showcase your best self, not a shortcut to cookie-cutter applications.

“Imagine two resumes walk into a recruiter’s inbox. Identical except for the name. That’s not strategy, that’s sabotage.”

Are you looking to hire a professional resume writer?

Check out my competitive pricing plan for resume writing. You wont' be receiving a resume back with italicized green, bold blue, and fancy font😊. On top of this, you will also gain resume writing tips and tricks along with enhancing your job search confidence!

Yules Chan (BFA, CWS, CCS) is a CPC registered career development professional in Calgary who is motivated in providing holistic excellence by finding your hidden genius through the world of employment.

For more information go to Brilliant Person Career Coaching or call +1 (403) 891-2673 for a 15-minute complimentary consultation. We provide both in-person and online services.

Remember, interviews are opportunities to showcase your skills and personality. With practice and the right mindset, you can turn them into positive stepping stones toward your dream job!