1. How long should my resume be?

The one-page rule isn’t hard and fast—and it’s caused a lot of confusion. A good guideline is 1 to 2 pages (2.5 at most for senior professionals). If you're just starting out, one page is great. If you’ve been in your field for a while, two pages help showcase your accomplishments—as long as every word earns its place. And if that feels overwhelming, that’s where I come in.

2. Should I include a photo on my resume?

No—and I’ve seen this happen again and again. In most cases (especially in the U.S. and Canada), it’s best to leave the photo off. It can invite unintended bias and isn’t something employers typically expect. Let your skills and experience speak for themselves.

3. How far back should I go in my work history?

You usually don’t need to go back more than 10–15 years. If you have older roles that are relevant, you can briefly list them under “Additional Experience.”

4. Do I really need to tailor my resume for each job?

Yes—and I get that it sounds like a lot. But I’ll show you how to make this process quick and manageable.

5. What’s the difference between a resume and a CV?

Great question! A resume is a concise, targeted summary of your experience (usually 1–2 pages). A CV is much longer and more detailed, typically used in academic or international job markets. Most jobs in the U.S. request a resume.

6. Should I include references on my resume?

Nope. It’s perfectly acceptable to say “References available upon request”—or just leave that part out. Use the space to highlight your achievements instead.

7. Is using a resume template okay?

Absolutely! Templates can give your resume a clean, professional layout. But be careful—some templates don’t work well with applicant tracking systems (ATS), and can scramble your information when parsed. I can help you choose a format that looks great and plays nice with ATS.

8. What’s the best resume format?

That depends on your background. Chronological works well for most, but if you’re changing careers or have gaps, a functional or combination format may be better. I can help you decide what’s right for your story.

9. Can I include internships or volunteer experience?

Absolutely—especially if it’s relevant. Unpaid experience still shows your initiative, skills, and commitment. It all counts.

10. How should I handle gaps in employment?

You’re not alone—career gaps are more common than ever. Be honest, and highlight what you did during that time (like caregiving, studying, volunteering, or freelancing). If you're unsure how to frame it, we can work on the wording together.

11. Do I need to list every job I’ve had?

Not at all. Your resume isn’t your life story—it’s a highlight reel. Focus on the most relevant roles from the past 10–15 years that align with your current goals.

12. How do I know which keywords to use?

It’s not just about keywords—it’s about using the right language for the role you want. I’ll help you identify what recruiters are really looking for and show you how to weave those terms into your resume naturally.

13. Is a resume summary or objective better?

In most cases, a well-written professional summary is more effective than an objective. It gives a quick snapshot of your value. But this depends on your goals—and I can help you decide which approach works best for your situation.

14. How often should I update my resume?

Ideally every 6–12 months, or whenever you hit a milestone—completed a big project, earned a certification, or took on a new role. Keeping it updated ensures you’re always ready for opportunities (and that you don’t forget those wins).

15. What are some resume mistakes I should avoid?

Watch out for typos, vague language, cluttered formatting, and using the same resume for every application. Also, avoid fluff and overused buzzwords. Keep it clear, concise, and tailored to the job.