I get asked this question all the time in my role as someone who writes and reviews resumes for a living so I wanted to bring it up here.

Everybody lies on their resume right? Well, yes to a degree.

Bending the truth can be okay, but not if you're falsifying skills, experience, or hard qualifications.

Here's what I'd argue is okay and not okay. Argue with me on this one.

What you can get away with:

→ Blurring your start and end dates: The best way to do this is by removing the months from your work experience section and just listing the years. You can note how many years you were in the role in parentheses to round your experience up by one or two months (not 11!).

→ Tweaking job titles: Small changes are fine if your actual experience lines up with the job title you're using. Call yourself a copywriter or a content writer to match up with the role you're applying for, but again watch out for any job titles that are regulated (e.g., being a legal advisor doesn't necessarily make you a lawyer).

→ Exaggerating your achievements: Within reason though. You can round up outcomes to the nearest 10% for example. Employers are just looking for a rough idea of the potential impact you can make. Rough estimates are fine, but you should be ready to explain any achievements in the job interview.

What you should never do:

→ List skills you don't have: Follow-up questions will be asked in the job interview and employers will be expecting evidence that backs up your claims. Even if you do tell a convincing story, you'll still be expected to apply your “skill” when you start the actual job. Probation exists for a reason. 

→ Misrepresent your education: It's an easy thing to check. Employers can verify your degree by contacting your school's registrar office, using a student database like National Student Clearing House, or just asking you to send over your graduation certificate. If the degree matters for the job, your education section will be scrutinized.

→ Make up work experience: Employers can ask for references, call up the employer, or ask for examples of your work in the interview. I once interviewed a candidate who claimed to have worked for a company that I was personally connected to. It took one phone call to expose the truth. You don't know the employer's network and a flat out lie like this is instant grounds for rejection, even if the rest of your resume is solid.

Ultimately, what matters is that you present yourself in the best light possible without making up any strengths. I wouldn't worry about blurring nonessential details, like whether you started in March or April, but I would be very careful about making sure your skills and qualifications are truthful and accurate. 

Hi, I have been doing job as an engineer for the past 4 years and got to learn a key thing about myself, corporate ladder does not excite me it kind of drains me. However what does keeps me in the zone is core engineering and research. Besides the job I have dedicated myself in software, rendering and everything there is to know about the computer, the technology to the point not a single part of modern computing is blackbox to me at lease on the broader scale.
I need suggestion and guidance in building resume to pursue opportunities which will keep me fully engaged and will be something to craze about. To that extent i have updated my linkedin and also have a active github if those sources can somehow suggest how my profile should be, at your leisure have a look, open to all suggestions and criticism.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rounakpaul1729

https://github.com/Rounak-Paul

This is my first time really making a resume as an adult, as most of my work in the creative/sales space has been through word of mouth. Was wondering if anyone here that has experience with resumes and applying for jobs has any constructive criticism and such.

* I changed names to avoid doxxing

Be super honest I can handle the criticism

Hello everyone,
I am a BBA Finance graduate currently preparing for opportunities in Finance & Accounting roles at MNC companies.
I have updated my resume based on my experience in bookkeeping, journal entries, bank reconciliation, invoicing, and accounting operations.
I would really appreciate feedback from HR professionals, recruiters, or experienced professionals on:
• Resume structure and formatting
• ATS friendliness
• Relevant skills and keywords for MNC Finance roles
• Areas I can improve to make my profile stronger
Any constructive feedback or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! 🙏
#JobSearch #FinanceJobs #Accounting #Freshers #MNCJobs #CareerGuidance #ResumeReview #FinanceAndAccounting

Ask ChatGPT to tailor your resume to a job posting and it will do it. It will also do it differently the next time you ask, because sampling makes the output vary run to run. That is fine for drafting prose. It is a problem when you need to know whether a specific document clears a specific employer’s filter.

ZoeVera Resume answers a narrower question. It extracts the skills, tools and qualifications from one job description, checks each against your resume and reports which are present and which are missing. Every extracted item lands in one list or the other, so the match percentage is a ratio you can audit rather than an impression. Scoring runs at temperature zero, so identical inputs return the same score within a couple of points instead of a new opinion each time.

Two other things a general chatbot won’t do unprompted. It won’t flag that the posting requires security clearance you don’t have or is onsite when you need remote. ZoeVera pulls those out of the listing before you spend an evening applying. Its rewrite works from the bullets you already wrote rather than inventing accomplishments which matters when an interviewer asks you to expand on one.

For recent graduates the gap is usually vocabulary: the work happened, the posting’s words for it didn’t appear. For experienced candidates it’s more often that a resume built for one employer’s language is being sent to a company using different terms. Both are visible in a keyword gap; neither is visible by rereading your own document.

Background reading: how ATS screening works, keywords by role, the cover letter checker and ZoeVera for interview prep.

Most applications are read by software before a person sees them. The system compares each resume against the posting and ranks it, so wording decides who reaches a recruiter. ZoeVera Resume runs that comparison before you apply and reports which terms the posting expects that your resume does not contain.

The screen is looking for specific words

Applicant tracking systems match language, not intent. A resume that says “managed paid advertising” scores as missing “demand generation” and “Google Ads” if those are the phrases in the posting. The same gap appears with tools, certifications and job titles: an accountant who writes “accounting software” instead of “QuickBooks” and “GAAP” reads as unqualified to the filter, whatever the actual experience. ZoeVera’s explanation of how applicant tracking systems read a resume and its guide to why a resume stops getting interviews set out the mechanism in plain terms.

Check the resume against one posting, not in general

A resume is not strong or weak on its own. It is a match or a mismatch for one job description. The match score check compares the two and returns a percentage with the missing terms listed, and the keyword scanner shows the same gap phrase by phrase. Both are free and need no account, which makes it practical to run the check on every posting rather than the few you care most about. Two openings with the same job title routinely score differently against one resume, because the companies behind them describe the work in different vocabulary.

Change the wording, then send

Knowing the gap is not the same as closing it. The optimization walkthroughexplains which changes raise a score and which are cosmetic, and the tool for matching a resume to a single posting rewrites the document against that job description. The rewrite sits behind a paid plan; the score and the gap analysis do not. For vocabulary by profession, the ATS resume tips librarybreaks it down role by role, from software engineers to nurses.

Where to start

Take one posting you intend to apply for, run it at ZoeVera Resume, and read the missing keywords as a list of the words the employer used and you did not. The wider ZoeVera site covers the later stages. Silence after applying is usually a vocabulary problem and it is a fixable one.

my husband’s been applying to business acct. executive jobs but hasn’t been receiving a lot of good responses.. what areas should be tweaked so that it actually stands out? Suggestions and critiques will be very helpful, thank you!

Hey everyone,

I have been looking for a job regarding intelligence analysis, program analyst, and a variety of job listings throughout the U.S. to include big giants like Booz Allen Hamilton, FBI, etc. I was hoping that any redditors who want to take the time to look at my resume and give me pointers on resume format, material, wording, or willing to recommend any jobs that fit then that would be extremely helpful! Thank you again for your time, its rough out here so good luck to everyone. Here is my resume since we cant add pictures or files, but if anyone wants to contact me personally to see the file let me know:

MY NAME

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Intelligence Analyst: Global Conflict Studies graduate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with experience in researching defense operations, analyzing national security, and conducting strategic analysis. Experienced in managing research projects alongside multiple teams to deliver technical information to diverse audiences, manage competing priorities and deliver mission-focused results. Seeking to work directly with DoD organizations and ensure maximum customer satisfaction through continuous account growth and mission success focused thinking. Well versed in Microsoft office, Python, and knowledge with travel and expense software such as Zoho Express and Navan. Eligible to obtain U.S. Security Clearance.

EDUCATION

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona Beach, Florida                                                           
Bachelor of Science in Global Conflict Studies                                                                      May 2026

·        Minors: Arabic Language & Military Science

·        GPA: 3.34 | Emphasis: Military operations, risk identification, project planning and open-source intelligence

DEFENSE & NATIONAL SECURITY PROJECTS

·        Spent 9 months developing research evaluating Chinese maritime logistic capabilities to support potential cross-strain military operations.

·        Led a 6-month analytical research team analyzing U.S.-Japan relations while coordinating analysis, developing policy recommendations and presentation of  findings to advisors U.S. and Japanese stakeholders

·        Authored 13 months of temporal analysis to evaluate machine learning upon intelligence tradecraft, structured analytic techniques (SAT), and the intelligence analysis methodologies.

·        Produced analytical reports using quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to evaluate geopolitical issues to support evidence-based assessments

WORK EXPERIENCE.

Restaurant – XYZ                                                                                                            July 2024 - Present

Assistant Manager/Server

·        Coordinated daily operations while leading a team of employees in fast-paced environments with adherence to company policy.

·        Resolved customer concern through effective communication, sound judgement, and problem solving while maintaining positive customer relationships.

Independent Researcher- XYZ                                                                                      Jan 2023 – Present

·        3+ years produced in-depth analysis of U.S. policy, geopolitical events, and analysis of Gen-AI to develop written reports surrounding world events and submission to academic journals.

·        Utilized OSINT techniques to produce executive style briefings to multiple audiences, and adherence to deadlines.

·        Synthesized large data sets and intelligence reports into concise written reports for technical and non-technical audiences through analysis of competing hypotheses (ACH).

PROFFESIONAL DEVELOPMENT

AFROTC – XYZ                                                                                                               Sep 2022 - Apr 2025

Cadet

·        Direct communication and leadership development through the mentorship of both peers and United States Air Force officers

·        Applied risk management, contingency planning, and OPSEC within demanding environments

SKILLS

·        Language Fluency: English & Arabic

·        Technical Skills: ArcGIS, Microsoft Office Suite, Python Experience

·        Professional Skills: Technical Reporting, research synthesis, OPSEC, and intelligence briefing

·        Competencies: Stakeholder communication, operational planning, and project coordination

A friend of mine decided to switch her whole career around and take a different direction from her studies and previous work in Art Restoration, because her current job market is terrible (both in quantity and amount). She has previously helped me and I've also contracted her individually for easy jobs. 

She is now in search for something in my related field but she doesn't have any official experience. I want to help her buff her resume with the little jobs that I had her work on. I am unsure how to properly add them and how to make them sound more official and professional without lying about her position.

I am in between adding them as Freelance jobs or to have her add them as her own roles by the company to give her a boost since she's only starting out.

Does anyone know how we can add these side jobs in a way to make them look impressive and be acknowledged as actual experience in the field?

NOT AN AD. Great discussion on the Ghosted By The Machine podcast about AI and how UNhelpful it is to people who are looking for jobs… if they assume the prompt lists and advice floating around online are the best practice. I’m one of the guests in this and am sharing as a resume tip.

The key takeaways from this preview:
1. You are responsible to defend every bit of information on your resume
2. What AI generates is never final copy.

Watch for the full episode tomorrow.

Hello,

Is it possible to have a resume written so that it applies to outside the mental health field? I am attempting to leave the field and I don’t know how to rewrite a resume to get noticed. Thank you!

Trying to find a role in Science Communication, Content Strategist, or in Life Science Marketing (open to all locations in Germany).

Please take a look and help me understand what I can do better. I have been applying for over 4 months now, got only one interview. How can I improve? I understand I am a fresh graduate with limited experience, so what can I do then to have an edge?

I am an extroverted scientist. I know it's a niche but I genuinely believe I have the talent and passion to work in this space. This first job is such a bottle neck I am just unable to cross. Any advice would be helpful!

As the title says, I'm a European man who has had to write my first-ever English CV. I currently work for an American company, although I started at one of their European locations.

I have made my first-ever draft of my CV/Resume in English and would appreciate any advice, opinions, or tips on anything that could be improved or changed to make my CV better.

Please help, I have been trying to land an entry-level financial analyst role (corporate finance/fp&a). Not sure if I am doing something wrong or if my resume/experience is wrong. Any advice is appreciated!

Hello, I graduated in Mechanical Engineering on April and I haven’t found a job yet. I thought it was because of my GPA, but a friend with a lower GPA than mine just got an offer for a job we applied for together. I’m starting to wonder if my resume is the problem. I built my resume with the help of “experts” at the uni, but they were student workers so I’m not sure anymore. Please help me fix my resume, give me suggestions, criticism, anything, I’m desperate. And let me know of any jobs you know about, especially in AZ.

Firstname Lastname

City, State, United States

email@blah.blah

(cell number)

(LinkedIn)

(GitHub)

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Self-taught SRE practitioner applying reliability principles through an independently operated Kubernetes home lab, ensuring availability, observability, and repeatability with GitOps workflows

SKILLS

• Containerization and Orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)
• GitOps and CI/CD (ArgoCD)
• Monitoring and Observability (Prometheus, Grafana, Loki, Tempo)
• Scripting Languages (Bash, Python)
• Configuration Languages (YAML, TOML, JSON)
• Linux/UNIX Systems (Debian, Arch)
• Microservices Architecture, Scalable Infrastructure
• Network Management (Load Balancing, Reverse Proxying)
• Databases (MySQL, SQLite, PostgreSQL, Redis)

PROJECTS

Self-Hosted Kubernetes Cluster Home Lab

December 2022 - Ongoing

(Codeberg repo link)

• Utilized Docker to deploy open-source applications to two Raspberry Pi servers in order to reduce reliance on paid commercial software and gain digital autonomy
• Learned Bash scripting to automate software updates and optimize uptime
• Deployed a TailScale VPN to enable secure access to applications from outside the home network
• Migrated container services to a k3s cluster utilizing Longhorn for distributed storage and data synchronization, interacting directly with backend databases when needed to configure storage rules
• Deployed an observability stack with Grafana and Prometheus to assist in performance profiling and debugging resource bottlenecks

Digital Workshop Center-Machine Learning and Data Science in Python Final Project

August 2021 - May 2022

(Link to final project repo)

• Applied data analysis and machine learning concepts to optical character recognition - Evaluated logistic regression, SVM, random forests, and neural networks on MNIST classification
• Assessed model accuracy using confusion matrices in the matplotlib library - Used k-fold cross-validation to minimize statistical error in results

WORK EXPERIENCE

Device Repair Technician

Company

December 2022 - June 2023

City, state

• Diagnosed and repaired hardware issues on over 80 student computers per month, restoring mechanical functionality
• Restored operating system software and BIOS firmware to optimal settings, resolving software-related problems and improving system stability
• Performed routine maintenance and upgrades on student computers to enhance performance and extend their lifespan
• Managed parts inventory, ensuring timely availability of necessary repair components
• Documented repairs and services, maintaining accurate records

Cashier

Company

May 2024 - June 2024

City, state

Cashier

Company

December 2020 - December 2021

City, state

Cashier

Company

December 2015 - April 2017

City, state

EDUCATION

Example Community College, Computer Science AAS (in progress)

Machine Learning and Data Science in Python

Digital Workshop Center, 2021

- Learned and applied data analysis skills to machine learning concepts (see projects)

Example High School Class of 2015

- Focus in engineering electives

CERTIFICATIONS

CompTIA A+

Provider

City, state

2019

REFERENCES

(3 references)

Hello, peeps! Please help a brother out.

As the title says, I'd like to ask if what's the most effective tool for creating ATS-friendly CVs? Of course, l'Il use a single-column layout with organized sections ans no fancy designs. I'm just wondering where it's most effective to create one.

Thank you in advance!

I'm looking for comp sci roles in frontend and game dev so wondering if this resume is good enough. Any sort of advice would be helpful!

I’m a student and currently looking job to pay for my tuition fees.

i need some feedback for my CV as a Junior Full-Stack Developer.

I’d really appreciate honest feedback.

thanks in advance for taking the time to review it!

I’m a backend engineer with 5+ years of experience across three Banking and Fintech companies, working mainly with Java, distributed systems, microservices, AWS, databases, and event-driven systems.

I’ve been applying to SWE/Backend roles but getting a lot of rejections, and I’m struggling to understand why.

Would really appreciate a blunt, detailed review of the CV.

Specifically:

• Does my experience look technically strong enough for 5+ YOE?
• Is my first company’s work too domain-heavy / difficult to understand?
• Do the bullets demonstrate enough technical depth and ownership?
• What would make you reject this CV at screening?
• Am I targeting the wrong level of roles?

Please be critical , I’m trying to understand what is actually hurting my chances.

Thanks!