Your Resume: The Brochure That Gets You the Interview

Your resume is your personal brochure — your chance to show employers what you can contribute, not just what you want. Too often, resumes focus on personal goals instead of professional value. Hiring managers want to know:

“What can this person contribute to our team?”

Your resume should answer that question clearly. Tailor it to the company’s needs, not your wish list. Highlight your skills, experience, and achievements that solve problems or create results.

And while many employers are open to training new hires, you should come equipped with the basics — such as computer proficiency, communication skills, and experience relevant to the role.

When reviewing a job posting, read the requirements carefully and make sure your resume highlights how your background aligns. The more directly you connect your abilities to what they need, the stronger your first impression.

The resume gets you the interview. The interview gets you the job.

Start Strong with a Tailored Overview

Your professional summary should focus on what you can do for them.

Example:

“Organized and reliable professional with 5+ years of experience in fast-paced environments, known for accuracy, accountability, and strong customer communication. Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM systems, with a proven ability to adapt quickly and deliver results.”

Avoid statements like “looking for an opportunity to grow” — the hiring manager already assumes that. Instead, make it clear what value you bring from day one.

Keep Your Contact Info Professional

Include:

Full name
City and state
Professional email address (no nicknames or birth years)
Phone number
Optional: LinkedIn profile link

Good example: jordan.smith@email.com
Graveyard example: jordan1988rocks@email.com or shopaholic4life@email.com

Use Reverse Chronological Order

List your most recent and relevant role first, followed by prior positions. Recruiters skim quickly – they want to see your most recent and relevant experience first.

Example:
XYZ Company – Project Coordinator | Harrisburg, PA | 2021–Present

Managed multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Improved workflow efficiency by 25% through new scheduling system.

Don’t Copy and Paste Job Descriptions — Tell Your Story

Copying your job description into your resume is a surefire way to get ghosted. Recruiters can tell when your content is copied — it sounds generic and impersonal.

Instead, describe what you actually did and how you added value.

Generic (Dead):

“Responsible for opening and distributing mail.”

Impactful (Alive):

“Coordinated and prioritized incoming correspondence to ensure timely executive responses.”

Focus on measurable, relevant accomplishments that showcase initiative and reliability — not routine tasks.

Transferable Skills: From Warehouse to Customer Service

If you’re moving from a warehouse or forklift role into a customer service or call center position, your experience can still stand out. Many of the skills overlap — you just need to highlight them properly.

Focus on:

Working in fast-paced environments with accuracy and efficiency
Handling escalated customer or team situations calmly and professionally
Using computers, data entry systems, and strong typing skills

Example:

“Thrived in a high-volume warehouse setting while managing inventory and customer inquiries. Leveraged multitasking and communication skills to ensure smooth operations and timely service — transferable to call center environments requiring attention to detail and professionalism.”

By reframing your experience, you show hiring managers that your foundation translates seamlessly into their industry.

Keep It Fresh, Proofread, and ATS-Friendly

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) don’t like fancy formatting — or spelling errors. Stick to simple fonts, clear headers, and easy-to-read layouts.

And always, always proofread your resume before sending. Typos and grammatical errors can send your resume straight to the graveyard.

Common mistakes include:

Your vs. You’re → “Your experience” ✅ | “You’re experience” ❌
Their vs. There → “Their performance improved” ✅ | “There performance improved” ❌
Fast-paced vs. Fast paste → “Worked in a fast-paced environment” ✅ | “Worked in a fast paste environment” ❌

These small details might seem trivial, but they can make or break a hiring manager’s impression of your professionalism.

Should You Include a Photo on Your Resume?

In most U.S. job applications, the answer is no. Photos can introduce bias and disrupt ATS readability.

Exceptions:

Acting, modeling, or creative design roles
Countries where photos are culturally standard

Otherwise, skip the headshot and include your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo instead.

Don’t Let a Stale Resume Bury Your Chances

Your resume is a living document — it should evolve as your career grows. Keep it current with new skills, certifications, and accomplishments.

At Abel Personnel, we know what makes a resume come alive. Whether you’re changing industries, reentering the workforce, or ready to advance, our recruiters will help you showcase your strengths and get noticed.

Ready to Bring Your Resume Back to Life?

Let Abel Personnel help you revive your resume and stand out from the stack.

Email: info@abelpersonnel.com

Marion Adams

Marion Adams, Director at Abel Personnel since 2013, is a master talent matchmaker known for finding “Purple Squirrel” candidates across PA, MD, and VA. She leads a dynamic team, blending tech-savvy recruiting with a personal touch to create perfect placements.

Don’t Let Your Resume End Up in the Graveyard: How to Keep It Alive and Thriving