How Use Your Resume to Tell a Story
A common mistake applicants make on their resume is to simply list a history of job descriptions. Here’s how that might look for one position on a Product Manager resume:
Product Manager, Technology Company, Sept 2022 - Present
Responsible for the roadmap and agile sprint delivery
Collaborated with a team of 3 including engineers and marketers
Conducted user interviews
The only thing this resume tells you about the potential candidate is that they have done the basic tasks required of a Product Manager. Job titles and basic requirements aren't enough to land a great job.
In today’s competitive market, there are likely to be hundreds of qualified product managers applying for the same job. To stand out, you need to demonstrate that you are the best candidate for the job.
Tell a story with your resume. Share your best BRAG stories relevant to the job you want. Sharing BRAG stories shows the reader that you have the skills and can deliver.
Here’s out what might look like on the Product Manager’s resume:
Product Manager, Technology Company, Sept 2022 - Present
Developed and executed a 12-month roadmap, releasing features every two weeks including the overhaul of the discussion board that resulted in 30% customer engagement
Managed cross-functional relationships with software engineers, the marketing team, and C-suite to influence data-informed changes to the roadmap leading to a 20% decrease in churn
Created user research strategy including surveys and user interviews of 1000 users which uncovered a new revenue stream for the company of $500K
Next, consider the reader. You have to anticipate what they want to see on the resume, which is challenging because you are not a mind reader. (Unless you are, and I’d love to chat later.)
But, they leave you clues. Take a close look at the job description and match the language on your resume. Make sure your executive summary, career highlights, skills, and bullet points address at least 60% of the things they’re looking for.
Doing this will help you get past ATS screeners and HR screens.
But, since you are you and not the reader, consider getting a third party’s perspective on your resume before you submit it.
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