How can you balance detail and brevity when editing a resume?

1 Use keywords and phrases

One way to make your resume more concise and relevant is to use keywords and phrases that match the job description and the industry you are applying for. Keywords and phrases are words or expressions that highlight your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments. They can help you pass the applicant tracking system (ATS) and catch the attention of the hiring manager. To find the right keywords and phrases, review the job description, research the company and the industry, and use online tools like Jobscan or Resume Worded.

2 Quantify your achievements

Another way to make your resume more brief and detailed is to quantify your achievements with numbers, percentages, or other metrics. Quantifying your achievements can help you demonstrate your impact, value, and results in a concrete and measurable way. It can also help you avoid vague or generic statements that do not show your unique contribution. To quantify your achievements, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe your accomplishments and include specific numbers or metrics that show the outcome or benefit.

3 Tailor your resume to each job

A common mistake that many resume writers make is to use the same resume for every job application. This can make your resume too long, irrelevant, or generic. To avoid this, you should tailor your resume to each job you apply for by highlighting the skills, experiences, and achievements that are most relevant and valuable for the position. To tailor your resume, use the job description as a guide, match your keywords and phrases to the requirements and preferences, and focus on the most recent and relevant roles and projects.

4 Use a clear and simple format

The format of your resume can also affect how you balance detail and brevity. A clear and simple format can help you organize your information, make it easy to read and scan, and highlight your key points. To use a clear and simple format, choose a professional and consistent font, use headings and subheadings to separate sections, use bullet points to list your skills and achievements, use white space and margins to create balance, and avoid graphics, colors, or fancy fonts that can distract or confuse the reader.

5 Eliminate unnecessary or redundant information

Finally, one of the most effective ways to make your resume more concise and detailed is to eliminate unnecessary or redundant information that does not add value or relevance to your resume. Unnecessary or redundant information can include personal details, hobbies, references, outdated or irrelevant roles or skills, or repetitive or filler words. To eliminate unnecessary or redundant information, review your resume critically, ask for feedback from others, and use online tools like Grammarly or Hemingway to check your grammar, spelling, and readability.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?