Resume Hack from a Big Tech Hiring Manager

Today, I’ll break down three key ideas that schools never teach you about resumes. But more importantly, I’ll explain why having the right experience truly matters—it’s not just about listing projects. Most people miss this, but it’s what makes a difference when applying to big tech companies. Let’s dive in!

Keyword Optimization for Your Resume

First, let’s discuss why using the right keywords should be your top priority when writing a resume. Now, think about it from the hiring manager's side: If we’re looking at hundreds, sometimes thousands, of resumes, all we want to do is get through them as quickly as possible. Each resume is at least a page - A lot of reading! Right? That's why companies use ATS scanners—they’re the first filter.

Many resumes don’t make it through the scanner, not because the person’s a bad engineer, but because their resume isn’t optimized for the ATS. Big difference. And this brings me to the first big idea—and why it matters so much.

Let me ask you this: What's the best pizza topping? Is it pepperoni, mushrooms, pineapple, or maybe even anchovies? We all have our favorite, right? That’s how hiring managers think when it comes to resumes.

One of the biggest mistakes people make on their resume is having too much information. When I say this, one of the most common questions I get is: “How long should my resume be?”

My answer: ONE PAGE.

Then someone always says, “But I have too many projects—I can’t fit it all!” I’ve been in tech for 20 years, and I manage to keep mine to one page. You can do it too!

Here’s the thing: it’s not about cramming in every skill you know. It’s about showcasing the right skills for the job. Quality over quantity!

When your resume is packed with irrelevant details, it does three things:

1. It makes it harder for the hiring manager to see why you’re the right fit by diluting your strengths.
2. It slows them down: it can frustrate their review process.
3. It distracts from what truly makes you stand out.

So, having too much fluff on your resume? Not helping you at all.

Just because you know JavaScript, Python, and Go doesn’t mean you need to list all of them. Focus on what’s relevant for the role you’re applying to.

So, how do you know which keywords to use?

It’s simple. Highlight the key skills and requirements mentioned in the job description.

Tailoring Your Resume to the Job Description

Let’s be honest: it’s tempting to create a one-size-fits-all resume and blast it out to as many job postings as possible. But here’s the truth: that approach rarely works. Instead, you need to customize your resume for each job application by focusing on the specific skills and experience that align with the job description.

Start by carefully reading the job posting. Look for key terms that show up in the responsibilities and qualifications sections. These are the “must-haves” the company is looking for, and they’ll serve as your blueprint for what to highlight on your resume.

Here’s an example: if the job description emphasizes experience in cloud architecture and microservices, those are the keywords you should ensure appear on your resume—*if* you have that experience. It’s not about stuffing your resume with buzzwords; it’s about genuinely aligning your qualifications with what the job requires.

By doing this, you’re making the hiring manager’s job easier. They don’t have to search through irrelevant information to figure out if you’re qualified—they can see it immediately. You’re delivering the “pizza topping” they want upfront, which gets you to the interview stage.

Applicant Tracking System (ATS): Your First Gatekeeper

The first hurdle your resume has to clear is the ATS (Applicant Tracking System). While passing through it might sound intimidating, it's actually pretty straightforward once you understand how it works. Yes, using the right keywords is crucial, but there’s more to it than just that.

What Is an ATS?

An ATS is the software most big tech companies use to manage their hiring process. It scans and sorts resumes before they ever reach a human. If your resume isn’t formatted properly or doesn’t include the right information, it could be rejected automatically—even if you’re a great fit for the role.

In my book, The Ultimate Resume Handbook, I dive deep into how to optimize your resume to sail through the ATS. But if you’re not ready to invest in the book right now, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. You can grab a FREE one-page PDF Checklist on my website to ensure your resume is ATS-friendly.

The Real Cost of Hiring: Why Confidence Matters

Once you’ve passed the ATS filter, your resume’s next goal is simple: get the hiring manager to trust you enough to invite you for an interview. 

By the end of your resume, they should think, “Yes, this person is a great fit.”

Tech interviews are intense, not just for candidates but also for companies. Each interview costs the company hours of engineering time. Why? Because hiring the wrong person is a costly mistake. It’s not just about salary—they lose the chance to hire someone better, and if you don’t work out, it’s awkward, expensive, and forces them to start over. Plus, all the training? Wasted.

That’s why hiring managers are cautious. Your resume needs to make them feel like interviewing you is worth the time and effort, minimizing the risk of a bad hire.

How to Make Your Resume Stand Out

So, how do you ensure your resume gives the hiring manager the feeling of “This person is worth interviewing”?

The 2023 Future of Jobs report highlights what companies prioritize: past work experience (71.3%), skills (47%), and education (44%). While a degree or previous job history is important, they’re not enough alone. Companies need proof of their skills in action. If you've stayed in previous roles without getting fired, it’s a strong indicator of competence.

For experienced engineers, focus on selecting relevant work experience and crafting bullet points that clearly show your impact. For detailed guidance, check out the “Crafting Impactful Work Experience Bullet Points” chapter in The Ultimate Resume Handbook.

If you’re a junior engineer or new to the field, how can you prove you’re worth the hiring manager’s time? Here’s a key insight: it’s not just about personal projects. Unlike production code, personal projects often lack real-world users and impact. It’s like comparing a driving simulator to racing on a track. To make an impression, focus on demonstrating real-world skills and outcomes, not just theoretical knowledge.

What Should You Do Instead

Start seeking internships as soon as possible to boost your resume and build credibility. If paid internships aren’t available, consider unpaid ones. You might also look for part-time gigs working on research projects with professors, or volunteer to assist grad students, especially if you’re aiming for a career in machine learning.

Volunteering for non-profits or local businesses is also a great way to gain experience. Offer to develop a website or app for them, or contribute to an open-source project. These experiences build your skills and demonstrate your commitment and ability to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios.

With these strategies, you’ll build the trust and experience needed to make your resume stand out. For more analysis of the AI/ML job market, check out my previous blog article, “Truth About Getting an AI ML Engineering Job.”