+91-81485-89887 support@gocrackit.com About Services Career Conversations Mock Interviews Resume Reviews Job Preparation Kit Mentor Resources Online Courses & Certificates AI...
Read More“Review My Resume, Please!” — Storytelling & Prioritization - Part 2
- May 21, 2025
- Resume Review
In Part 1, mentor Alok Shrivastava helped a student bring life and clarity into a flat, outdated resume. The key takeaway: recruiters don’t hire work-ex — they hire impact. In this second part of the resume evaluation session, Alok dives deeper into what makes or breaks your resume: storytelling, prioritization, and polish.
If you’re considering a cv review, want someone to review your resume, or are searching for a solid resume review online, these insights are gold.
Focusing on resume structure
Alok: Now let’s talk about the structure of your resume. Right now, your work experience section is not coming across as your strength—despite your three years in the industry. That’s a problem.
Student: Yeah, I felt that. I think the live projects and certifications ended up getting more attention just because of how it was arranged.
Alok: Exactly. Here’s the rule of thumb: what you want the recruiter to notice most should appear first and be the most detailed. If you’re saying your job experience is your biggest asset, then your resume should say it loud and clear.
Let me show you what I mean. Instead of this:
“Worked on technical backend systems and client issues during COVID…”
You should write:
“Enabled smooth WFH transition for 1000+ employees at Walmart during COVID-19, resolving 50+ VDI issues in 2 months and ensuring 24×7 business continuity.”
That’s a real resume review improvement—quantified, contextual, and compelling.
The “Resume Noise” Problem
Alok: Another issue is resume noise. You have a few things here that don’t add value anymore. The blockchain certification from 2019, the volunteering from 8 years ago—why keep them?
Student: I thought the more the better.
Alok: It’s a common misconception. A great resume check trims the fat. Old and irrelevant information becomes noise, distracting from the core message.
Think of your resume like a billboard on a highway. A recruiter zooms by at 100 km/hr. You’ve got 6 seconds—maybe 10. What do you want them to notice?
Student: Definitely not my old certifications.
The Mandate Dilemma: “I was told I have to include everything”
Student: Some of these things—certifications, trainings—they’re kind of mandatory from the placement committee. I had to include them.
Alok: I get that. But here’s the trick. If something is mandatory, give it minimal real estate. One line. Don’t let it dominate space that should belong to your accomplishments.
Prioritization = Strategy
Alok: Let me ask you a simple question. What’s the one thing in your profile that you’re most proud of?
Student: Probably the work I did during COVID. It was chaotic. Everyone was figuring things out, and I helped a lot of people get online and working.
Alok: Then make that your hero story. Don’t bury it halfway down. This is a standout story – build around it.
When Technical Projects Confuse Recruiters
Student: I also did some technical projects—like a drawing robot. But I don’t think most people understand them, especially if they’re from non-tech backgrounds.
Alok: That’s an excellent point. A resume isn’t a technical whitepaper. Even if the project is impressive, if it requires explanation, leave it out or simplify it drastically.
Instead of:
“Built a robotic arm for automatic drawing using ML algorithms.”
Try:
“Built a prototype robotic assistant using machine learning to automate design tasks — aimed at increasing creative productivity.”
Make it simple, make it business-facing. Make resume evaluation simpler for business folks.
Reviving the Resume: Add Freshness
Alok: You know what else is missing? Freshness. Your last certification is from 2019, last extracurricular from 2015. It creates a perception issue.
Student: Yeah, I focused more on work than on new certifications or activities.
Alok: That’s fair, but even a 2-hour free Coursera course in 2024 shows that you’re staying current. For example: “Completed a course on Generative AI for Business Professionals — April 2025.” That tells the recruiter: “I evolve.”
Dealing with “Not Enough Projects”
Student: I feel like I don’t have enough good projects to show. My core work wasn’t project-based.
Alok: That’s fine. Not everyone works in sprints or projects. But every task has an impact. Instead of saying “Handled backend system issues,” say:
“Resolved 50+ tech issues weekly impacting CRM uptime; reduced average resolution time by 20% through proactive monitoring.”
You’re not inventing projects—you’re reframing work as impact stories.
On Soft Skills: Don’t Just Say It. Show It.
Alok: One more tip. Avoid listing soft skills like “team player” or “good communicator.” Everyone says that. Instead, demonstrate it.
For example:
“Collaborated with cross-functional teams across 3 time zones to troubleshoot and close 200+ system tickets with 95% satisfaction rate.”
This is how soft skills get embedded into real outcomes.
Action Plan Summary
Alok: So, here’s your action plan:
- Lead with Impact – Start with your strongest business value-add (COVID work, Walmart name, VDI fixes).
- Remove the Old – Ditch anything pre-2020 unless it’s game-changing.
- Simplify the Tech – Translate complex projects into business benefits.
- Add Freshness – Include one recent certification or activity.
- Reframe Daily Work – Turn routines into metrics-driven stories.
Stakeholder Angle – Mention interactions with diverse teams or clients—this shows maturity.
Student: That’s really helpful. I feel like I know what to fix now. This resume check has been incredibly eye-opening
Alok: One last thing—don’t just update your resume. Practice speaking through it. When someone says “walk me through your resume,” you shouldn’t sound unsure.
Why You Need a Resume Review Online
A resume review online gives you what self-editing can’t—an outside eye. Whether you’re applying for B-school placements, switching domains, or moving to a new geography, a resume evaluation saves you from underselling yourself.
This student came in with experience, intent, and effort—but wasn’t telling his story effectively. With just 30 minutes of review, the clarity improved drastically.
Have you been underselling yourself too? Don’t wait until rejection emails pile up. Get a resume review online—from someone who knows what hiring managers actually want.
Get More Insights
Unlocking the Power of Supply Chain Finance (SCF) in 2024
+91-81485-89887 support@gocrackit.com About Services Career Conversations Mock Interviews Resume Reviews Job Preparation Kit Mentor Resources Online Courses & Certificates Career...
Read More
Mastering Risk Management: A Guide for MBA Students and Professionals
+91-81485-89887 support@gocrackit.com About Services Career Conversations Mock Interviews Resume Reviews Job Preparation Kit Mentor Resources Online Courses & Certificates Career...
Read More
QUICK LINKS
- Home
- About
- Career Conversations
- Resume Reviews
- Mock Interviews
POLICIES
- Terms & Conditions
- Privacy Policy
- Refund Policy
CONTACT
- +91-81485-89887
- support@gocrackit.com
- #518, Ground Floor, 10th Cross, Mico Layout, BTM 2nd Stage, Bangalore - 560076