Why career advice matters before you apply

Many job seekers apply to dozens of positions without receiving a response. While this can be frustrating, the problem is not always a lack of qualifications. Often, the issue is that a resume is not aligned with the job description or is not structured in a way that ATS software can understand.

One of the most valuable pieces of career advice is to review your resume before submitting applications. Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems to organize resumes and identify candidates who match specific criteria. If your resume lacks relevant keywords or contains formatting issues, it may not perform as well as it should.

Using a free ATS resume scanner before applying can help identify areas for improvement and increase your confidence during the job search process.

Start with a strong resume summary

Your professional summary is one of the first sections recruiters review. This short introduction should explain who you are, what you do, and what type of value you bring to an organization.

Effective career advice encourages job seekers to move beyond generic statements and instead focus on skills, experience, and accomplishments that align with their target roles.

• Highlight your years of experience.
• Include relevant industry expertise.
• Reference key strengths and technical skills.
• Tailor the summary for the specific role.
• Keep it concise and easy to read.

Customize your resume for each opportunity

Another important piece of career advice is to avoid sending the same resume to every employer. Every position has different requirements, responsibilities, and preferred qualifications.

Review the job description carefully and identify important keywords related to skills, software, certifications, and responsibilities. Then update your resume to reflect the experience that is most relevant to that role.

If you want additional guidance, read our article about
how to check your resume for ATS compatibility
before submitting your application.

Use keywords strategically

Modern career advice should always include ATS optimization. Many companies use software that scans resumes for relevant terms before a recruiter reviews them.

For example, if a job description mentions customer service, project management, Microsoft Excel, scheduling, Salesforce, leadership, or reporting, include those terms naturally within your resume if they accurately reflect your background.

• Review the job description carefully.
• Identify recurring skills and requirements.
• Use keywords honestly and naturally.
• Avoid keyword stuffing.
• Match terminology used by employers.

Focus on achievements instead of responsibilities

Employers want to understand the impact you made in previous roles. Instead of simply listing daily tasks, highlight accomplishments and measurable results whenever possible.

For example, rather than writing “Managed customer inquiries,” consider explaining how you improved customer satisfaction, reduced response times, or supported a high volume of clients successfully.

• Increased sales by 20%.
• Managed a team of five employees.
• Improved efficiency through process improvements.
• Supported more than 100 customers weekly.
• Developed reports used by leadership teams.

Quantifiable achievements make your resume more compelling and memorable.

Make sure your resume is ATS-friendly

A visually impressive resume may still struggle if ATS software cannot interpret the information correctly. The best career advice is often the simplest: keep your resume clear and easy to scan.

• Use standard section headings.
• Avoid graphics and complex layouts.
• Use readable fonts.
• Keep information in text format.
• Use bullet points consistently.
• Proofread carefully before submitting.

If you are unsure whether your resume meets these standards, consider using our
free resume scanner
to identify potential issues before applying.

Continue investing in your career growth

Career development does not stop once your resume is complete. The strongest candidates continue learning, developing new skills, and adapting to changing workplace expectations.

Whether you are starting your career, returning to the workforce, or pursuing a promotion, continuous improvement can help you remain competitive.

• Take relevant online courses.
• Earn certifications in your field.
• Attend industry events and webinars.
• Expand your professional network.
• Update your resume regularly.
• Track accomplishments throughout the year.

Final thoughts

The best career advice often begins with preparation. A strong resume should communicate your experience clearly, highlight measurable achievements, include relevant keywords, and be easy for both recruiters and ATS software to understand.

Before applying for your next opportunity, take a few minutes to review your resume carefully. Small changes today can lead to more interviews tomorrow.

If you want to improve your resume with confidence, use our
free ATS resume scanner
to review your resume score and discover opportunities for improvement.