Resume Tips — Secrets Hiring Managers Won’t Tell You

Your resume is your first chance to make an impression on a hiring manager — and often, it determines whether you get an interview or get passed over. But here’s the catch: most resumes never make it past the first glance.

While you can find endless advice online, hiring managers often keep certain insights to themselves. In this guide, I’ll share resume tips based on years of experience helping international students and migrants land skilled jobs, so you can avoid costly mistakes and get noticed faster.

1. Tailor Your Resume for Every Job

A generic resume won’t cut it. Employers can quickly tell if you’ve sent the same document to multiple companies.

Study the job description and highlight keywords — especially skills, qualifications, and responsibilities. Then, match your own experience to those points.

Example: If the ad asks for 'project management experience,' make sure that phrase appears in your resume — ideally in your work experience section.

2. Keep It Clear and Concise

Recruiters spend an average of 6–8 seconds scanning each resume. Use a clean layout, clear headings, and bullet points to make your resume easy to read.

Stick to one or two pages, focusing on relevant experience. Remove outdated or unrelated details — they dilute your key achievements.

3. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties

Many candidates list job responsibilities but forget to highlight achievements. Employers want to see proof of your impact.

Use numbers and results where possible:
- Increased sales by 20% in six months.
- Managed a team of five to deliver a project ahead of schedule.
- Reduced processing errors by 30% through workflow improvements.

4. Optimise for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many companies use ATS software to filter resumes before a human even sees them. If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it might get rejected automatically.

Tips:
- Use standard headings like 'Work Experience' and 'Education.'
- Avoid images, graphics, or unusual fonts.
- Include relevant keywords naturally in your content.

5. Use a Strong Summary Statement

Your summary is the first section a recruiter reads, so make it count. In 3–4 sentences, highlight your key skills, experience, and career goals.

Example: 'Skilled marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital campaigns, SEO, and content strategy. Proven track record of increasing website traffic by 50% and generating high-quality leads.'

6. Highlight Transferable Skills

If you’re changing careers or entering a new market, focus on transferable skills that apply to your target role.

For international students and migrants, this could include cross-cultural communication, multilingual abilities, or adaptability in diverse workplaces.

7. Proofread — Twice

Typos and grammar mistakes can ruin your credibility. Proofread your resume twice, and if possible, have someone else review it.

Even small errors suggest a lack of attention to detail — something no employer wants.

Want a Resume That Gets Interviews?

If you want a proven resume format that passes ATS scans and impresses hiring managers, download the Skilled Job Starter Kit. It’s the free resource that’s helped hundreds of migrants and international students land interviews quickly.

Inside, you’ll get:
- An ATS-friendly resume template
- A cover letter template that gets noticed
- A LinkedIn checklist to boost recruiter trust
- Interview strategies to turn offers into jobs

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

FAQs

Should I include a photo on my resume?

In Australia, it’s generally not necessary unless you’re in a field where appearance is part of the job, such as acting or modelling.

How far back should my work history go?

For most roles, include the last 10–15 years of relevant experience. Focus on your most recent and impactful positions.

Do hiring managers really read cover letters?

Some do, some don’t — but a strong cover letter can still give you an edge, especially when it complements your resume.