Resume Tips — How to Measure the Strength of Your Resume

Your resume is your personal marketing tool. It’s the first impression you make on an employer — and in today’s competitive job market, it needs to be strong enough to stand out.

But how do you know if your resume is good enough to land interviews? Here’s a simple way: score it using three critical metrics. These resume tips will help you evaluate where you stand, identify weaknesses, and make targeted improvements.

Metric 1: Relevance to the Job — 0 to 4 Points

A strong resume is tailored to the specific role you’re applying for. Recruiters can instantly tell when a resume is generic — and they often move on.

To score yourself here, ask: Does my resume clearly match the job description? Does it include keywords from the posting? Do my skills and achievements speak directly to the employer’s needs?

Example:
- Weak: Applying for a marketing role with a resume that lists mostly unrelated retail experience, without linking it to relevant skills.
- Strong: Highlighting your retail role but focusing on achievements that show transferable skills like sales growth, customer engagement, or data analysis.

Tip: Review the job description and mirror the key skills, tools, and results it mentions. This not only makes your resume more compelling to a human reader but also helps it pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Metric 2: Demonstrated Results — 0 to 3 Points

Employers don’t just want to know what you did — they want to know the impact you made. Many job seekers make the mistake of listing duties instead of achievements.

To score yourself here, check: Do I quantify my achievements with numbers, percentages, or timeframes? Do my bullet points clearly show how I added value?

Example:
- Weak: 'Responsible for managing social media accounts.'
- Strong: 'Increased Instagram engagement by 45% and grew follower base by 3,000 in 6 months through targeted campaigns.'

Tip: Use the formula 'Action + Result' in your bullet points. Start with a strong action verb and end with a measurable outcome.

Metric 3: Professional Presentation — 0 to 3 Points

Your resume’s appearance matters more than many people think. A clean, professional format helps recruiters scan your information quickly — and makes you look polished.

To score yourself here, check: Is my resume easy to read at a glance? Are headings clear and consistent? Am I using a format that’s ATS-friendly?

Example:
- Weak: Using multiple columns, graphics, or unusual fonts that ATS software can’t read.
- Strong: Using a single-column layout, standard fonts like Arial or Calibri, and consistent formatting throughout.

Tip: Avoid over-designing your resume. Simple layouts not only pass ATS checks but also work better on mobile devices, where many recruiters read resumes.

Score Yourself

Now, add up your points:
- 9–10 points: Your resume is strong and ready to send.
- 6–8 points: You’re close — make targeted improvements.
- 0–5 points: Your resume needs significant work before you apply.

This scoring system isn’t just about numbers — it’s about identifying where your resume is falling short and making strategic updates.

Want to Instantly Improve Your Resume Score?

Download the Skilled Job Starter Kit — the free resource that’s helped hundreds of migrants and international students land interviews fast.

Inside, you’ll get:
- A proven ATS resume template
- A cover letter template that gets noticed
- A LinkedIn checklist for credibility
- Interview strategies to convert offers

Get it free: https://www.theaho.co/free 

FAQs

What is the most important resume tip?

Tailor your resume to each job. Relevance is the number one factor in getting noticed.

Do I need to include all my work experience?

No — focus on relevant roles and achievements that match the job you want.

What’s the ideal resume length?

One to two pages, depending on your experience. For most graduates and early-career professionals, one page is best.