Beat the Bots, Impress the Boss: Modern Resume Tips That Work [Questions, Answers & Poll Results]

1. With 20+ years of experience, how long should my resume be to balance detail and readability?

Answer: For professionals with over two decades of experience, a two-page resume is typically the most effective length. It provides ample space to showcase your most recent and relevant accomplishments without overwhelming the reader. Focus on the last 10–15 years in detail, and summarize earlier experience if applicable. Only extend to three pages if you’re in a highly technical, academic, or other related field that would require it.

• Prioritize recent roles and measurable achievements from the last 10–15 years.
• Use an “Additional Experience” section for older but still relevant roles.
• Keep formatting clean and easy to scan.

Recommended Reading:
Ask a Resume Writer: How Many Pages Should a Resume Be?

2. What should I do with jobs from 10–20 years ago that are still relevant, without overloading my resume?

Answer: Include older roles that directly support your current career goals, but keep them concise. Use an “Additional Experience” section to list the job title, company, and location, and with a hybrid resume format, you can include accomplishments from those roles in a “Select Achievements” section. This honors your full career while still focusing on what matters most to hiring managers today.

• Create an “Additional Experience” section after your primary work history.
• List older jobs with minimal detail.
• Include key achievements with a hybrid resume layout.

Recommended Reading:
Resume Writing 101: Additional Experience Section & What Is a Hybrid Resume?

3. How do I present consulting or contract work so I look credible and avoid concerns from employers?

Answer: Consulting and contract work can be powerful resume content when clearly labeled and results-oriented. Include the term “Consultant” or “Contract” in your job title and focus on outcomes and value delivered. If you have multiple short-term projects, consider grouping them under one section with sub-entries to show stability.

• Consider using a section like “Consulting Experience” and list projects reverse-chronologically.
• Highlight industries served and results achieved.
• Group similar projects under one umbrella if needed to avoid clutter.

Recommended Reading:
How to List Contract Work on a Resume: Tips & Examples

4. Should I tailor my resume for every job, or can I rely on the cover letter to show I’m the right fit?

Answer: You should tailor your resume and cover letter for every job application. The resume is the first thing both ATS software and human reviewers see, so it needs to align directly with the job posting. A cover letter adds value, but it won’t compensate for a mismatched resume.

• Incorporate relevant keywords from each job ad.
• Reorder or emphasize achievements that best match the role.
• Keep a master resume to simplify customization.

Recommended Reading:
How to Tailor Your Resume for a Job in 3 Steps

5. How do ATS tools really work, and what can I do to make sure my resume passes them?

Answer: Applicant tracking systems scan resumes for keywords, relevant section headers, and job-specific skills. To pass, use a clean format, standard headings, and mirror the language used in the job posting. Avoid graphics or columns that might confuse the software.

• Use standard headings like “Professional Experience” and “Education.”
• Include a “Core Competencies” section with job-specific terms.
• Submit your resume in Word or PDF format, as directed.

Recommended Reading:
How to Beat Applicant Tracking Systems: Dos & Don’ts

6. Do ATSs scan cover letters too, or only resumes?

Answer: Most ATS programs prioritize parsing resumes, but it’s possible that your cover letter will be scanned as well.

• Optimize both documents and tailor them closely to the job.
• Submit your cover letter as instructed.
• Use your cover letter to explain unique circumstances, not simply repeat your resume.

Recommended Reading:
A Cover Letter That Works

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7. How do I explain gaps or time away (career break, caregiving, etc.)?

Answer: Be transparent but brief about employment gaps. Acknowledge the time away and refocus on the skills and value you bring now. If possible, include volunteer work, coursework, or side projects completed during the gap to demonstrate continued growth.

• Add a short explanation directly in the timeline.
• Emphasize any professional development during the gap.
• Use a hybrid resume format to emphasize skills and achievements.

Recommended Reading:
How to Explain Resume Gaps in Employment: 6 Real-World Examples

8. What’s the best way to list my education and certifications?

Answer: If you’re early in your career or your education is highly related to the role, list it toward the top. For mid-career professionals, education and certifications can follow your work history.

• Place recent, relevant credentials near the top if job-specific.
• Omit graduation dates if you did not achieve the degree within the past five years.
• Consider separating certifications into their own section for clarity.

Recommended Reading:
How to List Your Education on Your Resume (With Examples)

9. How can I avoid age bias or discrimination with my resume?

Answer: Focus on recent accomplishments, up-to-date skills, and relevant experience. Avoid listing graduation dates older than five years, and remove outdated technologies or irrelevant early roles. Demonstrate your adaptability.

• Limit resume details to the last 10–15 years.
• Highlight modern tools, certifications, and training.
• Avoid using phrases or styles that feel dated.

Recommended Reading:
Ask a Career Advisor: Should I Remove Dates from My Resume to Prevent Age Discrimination?

10. If my resume seems like it was AI-generated or templated, will recruiters reject it?

Answer: You may not get the interview if your resume seems generic or overly templated. Make it feel authentic by including quantifiable results, unique projects, and language that reflects your voice and expertise. Editing AI-generated content is key to standing out.

• Use metrics and specifics to show real-world impact.
• Customize your summary to reflect your unique strengths.
• Eliminate vague or repetitive phrases often used by AI.

Recommended Reading:
Ask a Resume Writer: How Can I Ensure My AI-Generated Resume Is Accurate?

Watch the full webinar and Q&A, “Beat the Bots, Impress the Boss: Modern Resume Tips That Work,” anytime for more guidance.