Writing a resume is more than listing jobs; it’s about clearly and concisely showcasing your skills and experience.
In today’s competitive job market, a well-tailored resume can open doors that a generic one never will.
This article explores effective resume strategies that challenge popular advice, offering a fresh perspective on what to include — and what to leave out — when presenting your professional story.
Keep Your Contact Info Simple
A cluttered header can distract Recruiters from the essential details. Simplifying your contact information demonstrates that you value clarity and efficiency — qualities that employers appreciate.
Instead of providing a full street address, limiting your location to just the city and state is both professional and sufficient. Modern resumes benefit from a clean design that allows Hiring Managers to quickly locate and verify your details.
- Omit the full street address: List only your city and state.
- Keep your header clean: Essential contact details should stand out.
- Include a professional email address: A resume with an unprofessional email can be rejected by 35% of employers.
These steps not only save space but also emphasize a modern approach to contact information, ensuring that Recruiters focus on your skills and experience rather than getting lost in unnecessary details.
Objective Statements and Their Impact
One of the biggest debates in resume writing is whether to include an objective statement. While some consider it outdated, a well-crafted objective can serve as a strong introduction — especially in the hospitality industry, where clarity and direction matter. The key is to keep it brief and specific.
A strong objective statement clearly defines your career goals in one line, showing employers that you have a clear vision and a plan for growth in the industry.
Instead of a vague statement about wanting to “gain experience in hospitality,” make it direct.
For example, “Seeking a restaurant management role in a high-volume, full-service establishment” tells recruiters exactly what you’re looking for and demonstrates that your resume is tailored for the position. A focused objective can help set the tone for the rest of your resume, aligning your skills and experience with the job’s needs.
Adding an objective statement also allows you to reflect on your career direction. Defining your goals not only strengthens your resume but also prepares you for interviews and networking conversations.
Make Your Work History Work for You
Your work history is more than just a list of past jobs — it should tell a compelling story of your career growth and expertise in the kitchen. Rather than listing every task you’ve handled, focus on achievements that showcase your impact, leadership and technical skills.
For example, instead of writing “Responsible for menu planning and kitchen staff management”, reframe it as:
- Developed a seasonal menu that increased restaurant revenue by 20% in six months
- Led a team of 10 Chefs in a high-volume kitchen, improving efficiency and reducing prep time by 30%
Prioritize accomplishments that match the job you’re applying for. If a restaurant seeks a Chef with experience in cost control, highlight how you reduced food waste or negotiated better supplier deals.
A focused work history also helps you use space wisely. By showcasing measurable results — such as boosting guest satisfaction scores, launching a successful new dish or cutting overhead costs, you present yourself as a results-driven Chef rather than just listing duties.
Tailoring your work history this way signals to Recruiters that you understand the role’s needs and have the skills to succeed.
Use Strong Language and Avoid Fluff
A resume written with strong, dynamic verbs commands attention and conveys confidence. Weak phrases like “I helped” or “I was responsible for” can inadvertently downplay your contributions. Choose powerful alternatives that demonstrate initiative and tangible results. Terms such as “implemented,” “developed” or “strategized” inject energy into your descriptions and clearly communicate your role in achieving success.
It is also best practice to avoid personal pronouns. Since your resume is anchored by your name at the top, there’s no need to reiterate “I” or “my” repeatedly throughout your document. Such redundancy can clutter your narrative, making it harder for Recruiters to read swiftly. Eliminating filler phrases like “references available upon request” further refines your resume by removing outdated or superfluous information.
Precision and clarity are essential. Every word on your resume should serve a purpose. By streamlining language and focusing on outcomes, you create a document that speaks directly to the employer’s needs. This method not only captures attention but also reinforces the professional image you wish to project — one that is confident, competent and attuned to business imperatives.
Recognizing that your resume is your personal marketing document is crucial. It should reflect a balance of professional accomplishments while projecting your unique personality and capabilities.
Using dynamic language involves replacing general statements with specific, measurable results. For example, rather than stating “improved team efficiency,” consider “boosted team efficiency by 15% within six months by restructuring workflow processes.”
More Resume Best Practices
Keep these key points in mind when refining your resume:
- Use a professional font: Arial in 10–11 point size is a good choice for readability across digital and print formats.
- Prioritize a clean layout: A well-organized resume helps recruiters quickly find important details.
- Keep it concise: Recruiters spend only a few seconds reviewing resumes. Aim for one to one-and-a-half pages.
- Avoid outdated skills: Listing obsolete software or irrelevant experiences can weaken your presentation.
- Show authenticity: Avoid generic templates. Let your resume reflect your unique work style and values.
- Use formatting wisely: Less is often more. Keep the focus on key achievements that align with the role.
- Remove unnecessary sections: Every part of your resume should serve a clear purpose and add value.
By applying these practices, you create a resume that is professional, relevant, and easy for recruiters to scan.
Final Thoughts on Resume Do’s and Don’ts
A standout resume is the result of careful editing and focused communication. By streamlining contact information, crafting a concise objective, detailing a tailored work history and employing powerful language, you create a document that not only tells your professional story but does so in a way that resonates with Hiring Managers.
Investing time in refining your resume can pay off exponentially as you navigate your career path. Keep these best practices in mind, continue to tailor your resume for each opportunity and let your unique skills and experiences shine.
