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Resume Writing Guide

How to write impact-first bullets that get senior-level callbacks.

Short answer: Senior resumes lead with impact, not responsibilities. Start each bullet with a measurable outcome, then explain how you achieved it. Your resume should answer 'so what?' for every line.
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When to use this

Do this first if:

  • Your resume lists responsibilities instead of achievements
  • You're not getting callbacks despite applying to relevant roles
  • You're targeting a higher level than your current title

Skip this if:

  • Your current resume is generating interviews
  • You're early-career and still building foundational experience
  • You're focusing on networking and referrals over applications

Resume Impact Checklist

Elements that drive senior-level callbacks

1
Lead with impact

Start bullets with outcomes: revenue, efficiency, scale, or strategic results.

2
Quantify everything possible

Add numbers: percentages, dollar amounts, team sizes, volumes.

3
Show scope and ownership

Clarify what you owned vs. contributed to. Scope signals seniority.

4
Connect to business value

Link technical work to business outcomes that executives care about.

5
Tailor for target roles

Align your top bullets with what your target roles prioritize.

Example

Before

Responsible for developing backend services and maintaining database systems.

After

Designed and shipped event processing service handling 100K req/sec with 99.99% uptime, enabling real-time analytics that drove 15% increase in user engagement.

The 'after' version shows scale, reliability, and business impact in one sentence.

Evidence

3x

Higher callback rate with impact-first resume bullets

Askia A/B testing
21 days

Average time to first interview with optimized resume

Askia client data
89%

Of clients land offers within 60 days

Askia client data

Frequently asked questions

How long should my resume be?

One to two pages for most roles. Senior and executive roles can go to two pages if the content is strong.

Should I include all my jobs?

Focus on the last 10-15 years. Summarize or omit early-career roles that don't support your current target.

How do I quantify impact without exact numbers?

Use estimates with qualifiers ('approximately', 'over'), percentages, or directional indicators ('reduced by 30%+').

Should I use a summary section?

Yes for senior roles. Make it specific to your target: role, level, and top 2-3 differentiators.

How often should I update my resume?

Update quarterly with new achievements. Always refresh before starting an active job search.

Do I need different versions for different roles?

Tailor the top third for each role type. Core achievements can stay consistent across versions.

Want help with your resume?

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