resume-optimization

# Resume Optimization

Comprehensive guidance for creating effective software engineering resumes that pass ATS systems and resonate with hiring managers.

## When to Use This Skill

- Reviewing or improving a software engineer's resume
- Crafting impactful achievement bullets from work experience
- Optimizing resume content for ATS keyword matching
- Tailoring a resume for a specific job description
- Understanding modern resume structure and formatting

## Core Principles

### The Resume's Purpose

A resume is a **marketing document**, not a job history. Its purpose is to:

1. Pass ATS screening (keyword matching)
2. Capture a recruiter's attention (6-second scan)
3. Demonstrate value through quantified achievements
4. Secure an interview opportunity

### What Makes Engineering Resumes Different

Software engineering resumes should emphasize:

- **Technical impact**: Specific technologies, scale, and performance improvements
- **Business outcomes**: Revenue, cost savings, user growth, time savings
- **Leadership signals**: Mentoring, cross-team collaboration, technical decisions
- **Quantification**: Numbers that demonstrate scope and impact

## Resume Structure Quick Reference

### Recommended Section Order

1. **Contact Information** - Name, email, phone, LinkedIn, GitHub (optional)
2. **Professional Summary** (optional) - 2-3 sentences for senior roles
3. **Skills** - Technical skills organized by category
4. **Experience** - Reverse chronological, 3-5 most relevant roles
5. **Projects** (optional) - For junior engineers or career changers
6. **Education** - Degrees, certifications, relevant coursework

### Length Guidelines

| Experience Level | Recommended Length |
| ---------------- | ------------------ |
| 0-5 years | 1 page |
| 5-10 years | 1-2 pages |
| 10+ years | 2 pages max |

### Formatting Essentials

- **Font**: Clean, readable (Calibri, Arial, Garamond - 10-12pt)
- **Margins**: 0.5-1 inch
- **Format**: PDF (preserves formatting)
- **File naming**: