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Weekly Newsletter Vol. 106 - September 10, 2025

Generating your Lead Story…

Why a Great Resume Starts with the Right Template

When it comes to landing interviews, your resume isn’t just a document—it’s your first impression. Recruiters and hiring managers often scan a resume for less than 10 seconds before deciding whether to read more. That’s why having a clean, professional template matters: it makes your experience easy to read, easy to understand, and easy to connect to the role.

But a strong template is only half the story. The content and structure of your resume are what truly set you apart. Let’s break down the sections that matter most today:

The Personal Summary

The personal summary has become the most important section of your resume. Think of it as a mini cover letter built right into the document. In just a few sentences, it should tell the reader who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you’re the right fit. Employers want clarity fast—and your summary is where you give it to them.

If you craft it well, you’re already answering 2, 3, or even 4 of the key questions a hiring manager or recruiter might have the moment they start reading.

That’s huge because first impressions matter more than ever.

In your summary, you’ve got 3–4 bullets to shine and these aren’t just fluffy explanations of past responsibilities.

They should highlight specific measures and results, tailored to the role, company, or industry as you interpret it from the job description.

Think of it like a checklist that proves you’re the right fit.

How do we know what belongs on the checklist? Narrow down the requirements from the job description.

Ask yourself: "If I was going to hire myself for this role, what would I want to know about me?"

✅ Start with a strong, clear summary that positions you.

✅ Use results-focused bullets that match the job.

✅ Make it easy for a recruiter to say, “Yes, this person gets it.”

The Skills Section

Your skills section isn’t a dumping ground for everything you’ve ever learned. Instead, it should reflect the keywords and core skills from the job description you’re applying to. That’s what gets you past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and shows hiring managers you’re aligned with their needs.

Work History with the C.A.R. Method

When it comes to your experience, bullet points shouldn’t just list responsibilities. Use the C.A.R. method (Challenge, Action, Result) to show impact:

• What was the challenge?

• What action did you take?

• What result did you deliver?

This format turns generic bullets into mini success stories that prove your value.

Your resume is likely getting read first by someone who has never done your job before. The more obvious you can make things, the better. In your Work Experience, make sure to highlight career progression clearly. That means if you were promoted, put the entirety of your time at the company in the right column and break down the different roles you had in the left.

This will prevent people skimming and thinking you’re a job hopper.

Education

Education still belongs on your resume, but it’s less critical than the sections above—especially for experienced professionals. Keep it short, factual, and at the end. Employers today are more focused on what you can do than where you studied.

Takeaway: A strong resume is about strategy, not length. With the right template, a compelling personal summary, job-specific skills, achievement-focused work history, and streamlined education, you’ll have a resume that’s not only professional but powerful.

You can’t make this stuff up

_{(*Disclaimer: these are real experiences provided by RME's community of job seekers and hiring managers)}

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_{*We do not receive any compensation for these promoted products/services, nor for any offers or discounts listed. Rather, we provide a platform for recruiters, hiring managers, and companies to present opportunities to job seekers.}

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As strategic recruiting specialists, The Wohl Group offers a full range of recruiting and consulting services for businesses and hiring managers. We strive on a daily basis to provide each client and candidate we speak with the best resources for the hiring process.

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