Resume tip conversation

Working on collecting some of these.

(loose from prompts for now) (revisit)

Content and Design Checklist:

Clear Structure:
- Include essential sections: Contact Information, Summary, Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications.
- Use consistent headings and subheadings.
- Ensure a logical flow of information.
Professional Appearance:
- Use a clean, professional font.
- Maintain consistent font sizes and spacing.
- Include adequate margins and white space.
- Use bullet points for lists to enhance readability.
Relevant Information:
- Tailor the resume to the job being applied for.
- Highlight key achievements and skills relevant to the position.
- Use action verbs and quantify achievements where possible.
Contact Information:
- Ensure the email address and phone number are correct.
- Include a LinkedIn profile and other relevant professional links (e.g., portfolio website).

Accessibility Checklist:

Semantic Structure:
- Use proper heading styles (H1, H2, H3) for different sections.
- Ensure lists are formatted correctly (ordered or unordered lists).
Alt Text for Images:
- Add alternative text for any images or graphics used.
Color Contrast:
- Check that the text color contrasts well with the background for readability.
- Use tools like the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker.
Fonts:
- Use readable fonts and avoid overly decorative fonts.
- Ensure the font size is legible (typically no smaller than 10-12 points).

Technical Requirements Checklist:

Exporting Accessible PDFs:
- When exporting the PDF, ensure the “Tagged PDF” option is selected. This helps make the PDF accessible.
- Check for an option to include document structure tags for accessibility.
PDF Walkability (AST Walkable):
- Ensure that the PDF structure is preserved so that the content can be read and navigated by screen readers and other assistive technologies.
- Use tools like Adobe Acrobat Pro’s accessibility checker to validate the accessibility of the PDF.
Metadata:
- Add relevant metadata to the PDF (Title, Author, Subject, Keywords) to improve searchability and context.
Hyperlinks:
- Ensure that any hyperlinks are properly formatted and accessible.

Additional Tips:

Proofreading:
- Check for spelling and grammatical errors.
- Get feedback from others to ensure clarity and impact.
Version Control:
- Keep different versions of the resume tailored for different job applications.
- Label and date the files clearly.

Tools to Check Accessibility and PDF Structure:

PDF Accessibility Checkers:
- Adobe Acrobat Pro’s built-in accessibility checker.
- Online tools like PAC (PDF Accessibility Checker).
Color Contrast Checkers:
- WebAIM Color Contrast Checker.
- Contrast Checker Chrome extension.

By following this checklist, your friend can create a polished, accessible, and technically sound resume using Affinity Publisher 2. If any specific issues arise with Affinity Publisher’s output, it might be useful to do a final review using Adobe Acrobat Pro or similar tools to ensure all accessibility and structure requirements are met.

Bad Resume Descriptions

UX Designer using Human Interface Guidelines to craft human-centered design.Reason: Too vague and redundant. Doesn’t convey unique skills or achievements.
Front-End Developer proficient in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for creating visually appealing web pages.Reason: Too generic. Almost all front-end developers are expected to have these skills.
Back-End Developer who writes code for server-side applications.Reason: Lacks specifics. Doesn’t highlight any particular strength or experience.
UI Designer passionate about creating user interfaces.Reason: Too broad. Passion alone isn’t a skill or achievement.
Full-Stack Developer who can handle both front-end and back-end tasks.Reason: Very generic. Most full-stack developers can do this, so it doesn’t stand out.
Software Engineer who uses best practices to write clean code.Reason: Vague and common. Doesn’t specify which best practices or the impact of their work.
Product Designer who integrates UI and UX for seamless experiences.Reason: Lacks detail. Doesn’t explain how they achieve this or any notable projects.
Mobile App Developer who creates apps for both iOS and Android platforms.Reason: Too basic. Many mobile developers do this; needs more detail on the technologies or apps developed.
Web Developer who makes websites functional and easy to use.Reason: Very generic. Doesn’t describe any unique skills or noteworthy achievements.
Graphic Designer with experience in Adobe Creative Suite.Reason: Too broad. Many graphic designers use Adobe Creative Suite; needs more specific accomplishments or skills.

Common Junior Mistakes with Obvious Statements

I make websites that look well and are beautiful.Reason: Too subjective and vague. Needs specific examples or measurable outcomes.
I know how to use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.Reason: Expected knowledge for the role; doesn’t differentiate from other candidates.
I create user-friendly designs that improve user experience.Reason: Too broad. Needs specific methods or tools used to achieve this.
I can work well in a team and on my own.Reason: Very common statement. Needs examples of teamwork or independent projects.
I am passionate about coding and technology.Reason: Passion is good, but it’s not a skill. Needs to show how this passion translates into skills or achievements.
I have good problem-solving skills.Reason: Common and vague. Needs specific examples or situations where these skills were applied.
I am detail-oriented and ensure my work is accurate.Reason: Common trait. Needs examples of how attention to detail has benefitted past projects.
I am proficient in Microsoft Office.Reason: Expected for most professionals. Needs to highlight more relevant technical skills.
I can learn new technologies quickly.Reason: Good, but needs examples of technologies learned and applied in projects.
I have a good understanding of the latest design trends.Reason: Common and vague. Needs to specify how this understanding has been applied to projects or benefited past work.

Improved Resume Descriptions

UX Designer with experience applying Human Interface Guidelines to enhance user satisfaction in enterprise software applications.Focus: Showcases real experience in a specific niche (enterprise software).
Front-End Developer specializing in Vue.js and React, with a portfolio of interactive web applications for e-commerce.Focus: Highlights specialization and specific industry experience (e-commerce).
Back-End Developer skilled in Node.js and Python, with a track record of building scalable microservices for fintech platforms.Focus: Demonstrates technical expertise and niche experience (fintech).
UI Designer known for designing clean and intuitive mobile interfaces for healthcare applications.Focus: Emphasizes specific design focus and industry (healthcare).
Full-Stack Developer with proficiency in MERN stack, focused on developing comprehensive solutions for educational technology startups.Focus: Highlights specific tech stack and industry (edtech).
Software Engineer committed to writing clean, maintainable code using SOLID principles, with experience refactoring legacy codebases in SaaS products.Focus: Showcases commitment to best practices and specific project experience (SaaS).
Product Designer with a dual focus on UI and UX, leading cross-functional teams to develop fintech products with seamless user experiences.Focus: Combines UI/UX expertise with industry focus (fintech).
Mobile App Developer proficient in Swift and Kotlin, with a portfolio of travel and tourism apps that enhance user engagement.Focus: Highlights technical skills and specific application area (travel and tourism).
Web Developer specializing in accessibility and performance optimization, with experience ensuring WCAG compliance for government websites.Focus: Emphasizes niche skills and specific project type (government websites).
Graphic Designer experienced in creating cohesive visual identities for tech startups, focusing on branding and digital marketing strategies.Focus: Highlights specific skills and industry focus (tech startups).

……

Descriptions Laden with Cliché Words

Aspiring Front-End Developer motivated to create visually appealing web pages.
Reason: Uses “aspiring” and “motivated,” which are vague and don’t demonstrate specific skills or experience.
Junior UX Designer passionate about user-centered design and improving user experience.
Reason: Uses “junior” and “passionate,” which are too generic and don’t highlight concrete achievements.
Beginner Back-End Developer with a hard-working attitude and a commitment to clean code.
Reason: Uses “beginner” and “hard-working,” which don’t convey specific skills or experiences.
Entry-level UI Designer who is a team player and detail-oriented, striving to create intuitive interfaces.
Reason: Uses “entry-level,” “team player,” and “detail-oriented,” which are overused and lack specificity.
Motivated Full-Stack Developer with excellent communication skills and a results-driven approach.
Reason: Uses “motivated,” “excellent communication skills,” and “results-driven,” which are generic and not specific.
Dynamic Software Engineer who is a self-starter and highly skilled in best practices.
Reason: Uses “dynamic,” “self-starter,” and “highly skilled,” which are vague and lack concrete examples.
Passionate Product Designer with innovative ideas and a strategic thinker.
Reason: Uses “passionate,” “innovative,” and “strategic thinker,” which don’t provide specific details about achievements or skills.
Results-driven Mobile App Developer who is proactive and goal-oriented, dedicated to creating user-friendly apps.
Reason: Uses “results-driven,” “proactive,” and “goal-oriented,” which are overused and don’t highlight specific accomplishments.
Self-starter Web Developer with a go-getter attitude and a track record of success in creating dynamic websites.
Reason: Uses “self-starter” and “go-getter,” which are clichéd and don’t provide measurable outcomes.
Seasoned professional Graphic Designer with excellent communication skills and a commitment to high-quality design.
Reason: Uses “seasoned professional” and “excellent communication skills,” which are too broad and lack specific examples of work.

Overstuffed and Exaggerated Resume Description

Senior UX/UI Designer, a Visionary Craftsman with Over 8 Years of Transformative Experience in Designing Cutting-Edge Web and Mobile Projects, Pioneering User-Centered Design Excellence, and Driving Unprecedented User Engagement

Dynamic Senior UX/UI Designer leveraging a profound mastery in innovative design principles and human-centered methodologies to revolutionize user experiences and exponentially enhance user satisfaction.
A Passionate Advocate for Design Excellence with an unparalleled ability to integrate sophisticated design tools like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD, staying ahead of industry trends and continuously pushing the boundaries of design innovation.
Proven Track Record in orchestrating comprehensive user research processes, synthesizing actionable insights to inform strategic design decisions and delivering user experiences that not only meet but exceed business objectives.
Creative Front-End Artisan and Full-Stack Developer adept in JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and the MERN stack, crafting responsive and dynamic web applications that set new standards in performance and user engagement.
Back-End Code Architect skilled in Node.js and Python, engineering robust and scalable server-side applications that drive business growth and operational efficiency.
Mobile Experience Maestro with extensive expertise in Swift and Kotlin, developing high-quality, user-friendly mobile applications that captivate users and elevate brand presence in the digital marketplace.
Product Design Visionary leading cross-functional teams to conceptualize, design, and launch transformative products, blending UI/UX principles with cutting-edge technologies to create seamless and intuitive user journeys.
Software Quality Advocate specializing in clean code practices, ensuring software reliability and maintainability through rigorous code reviews and adherence to SOLID principles.
Visual Storyteller with a rich background in branding and digital marketing, crafting visually compelling narratives that resonate with audiences and amplify brand identity.
Project Execution Strategist with a proven track record of managing complex projects from inception to completion, utilizing Agile and Waterfall methodologies to deliver successful project outcomes on time and within budget.
A Seasoned Professional and Thought Leader in the tech industry, committed to continuous learning and professional development, dedicated to mentoring the next generation of designers and developers, and always striving to drive innovation and excellence in every project.

Analysis

Overwhelming: The description is overly packed with buzzwords, making it hard to read and digest.
Lacks Authenticity: The excessive use of superlatives and exaggerated claims makes it come across as insincere.
Unfocused: It tries to cover too many roles and skills, making it unclear what the individual’s true expertise is.
Off-Putting: The inflated language can be off-putting to recruiters and hiring managers who prefer concise and genuine descriptions.

……

Examples Across Disciplines

UX/UI Designer

Concise Professional Title: UX/UI Designer with 8 years of experience
Title with Personality: Seasoned UX/UI Craftsman
Descriptive Job Summary: Designing intuitive web and mobile interfaces since 2013
Skill-Focused Title: Expert in User-Centered Design and Interaction
Impact-Oriented Title: Creator of Engaging User Experiences
Experience-Highlighting Title: Veteran in UX/UI Design for Diverse Industries
Role-Specific Title: Lead UX/UI Designer for Web and Mobile Projects
Value Proposition Title: Enhancing User Satisfaction through Innovative Design

Front-End Developer

Concise Professional Title: Front-End Developer specializing in React and Vue.js
Title with Personality: Creative Front-End Artisan
Descriptive Job Summary: Building responsive and dynamic web applications
Skill-Focused Title: Proficient in JavaScript, HTML, and CSS
Impact-Oriented Title: Enhancer of User Interface Performance
Experience-Highlighting Title: Experienced in Developing High-Performance Web Apps
Role-Specific Title: Senior Front-End Developer for E-Commerce Platforms
Value Proposition Title: Driving User Engagement through Front-End Excellence

Back-End Developer

Concise Professional Title: Back-End Developer skilled in Node.js and Python
Title with Personality: Backend Code Architect
Descriptive Job Summary: Developing robust server-side applications
Skill-Focused Title: Expert in Database Management and API Integration
Impact-Oriented Title: Architect of Scalable Backend Systems
Experience-Highlighting Title: Specialist in Secure and Efficient Back-End Solutions
Role-Specific Title: Lead Back-End Developer for Fintech Projects
Value Proposition Title: Optimizing Server Performance for Business Growth

Full-Stack Developer

Concise Professional Title: Full-Stack Developer proficient in MERN stack
Title with Personality: Versatile Full-Stack Engineer
Descriptive Job Summary: Creating end-to-end web solutions
Skill-Focused Title: Master of Front-End and Back-End Technologies
Impact-Oriented Title: Builder of Comprehensive Web Applications
Experience-Highlighting Title: Full-Stack Developer with a Broad Skill Set
Role-Specific Title: Full-Stack Developer for Startups and SMEs
Value Proposition Title: Bridging Front-End and Back-End for Seamless Solutions

Mobile App Developer

Concise Professional Title: Mobile App Developer with expertise in Swift and Kotlin
Title with Personality: Mobile Experience Maestro
Descriptive Job Summary: Developing user-friendly mobile applications
Skill-Focused Title: Skilled in iOS and Android Development
Impact-Oriented Title: Innovator in Mobile User Experience
Experience-Highlighting Title: Developer of High-Quality Mobile Apps
Role-Specific Title: Mobile App Developer for Travel and Tourism
Value Proposition Title: Enhancing Mobile Engagement with Intuitive Apps

Product Designer

Concise Professional Title: Product Designer focused on UI/UX
Title with Personality: Product Design Visionary
Descriptive Job Summary: Leading the design of user-centric products
Skill-Focused Title: Expert in UI/UX Principles and Prototyping
Impact-Oriented Title: Driver of Product Design Excellence
Experience-Highlighting Title: Designer with Extensive Product Development Experience
Role-Specific Title: Product Designer for SaaS Solutions
Value Proposition Title: Transforming Ideas into User-Centric Products

Software Engineer

Concise Professional Title: Software Engineer specializing in clean code practices
Title with Personality: Software Quality Advocate
Descriptive Job Summary: Ensuring software reliability and performance
Skill-Focused Title: Proficient in Java, C++, and Python
Impact-Oriented Title: Enhancer of Software Quality and Maintainability
Experience-Highlighting Title: Engineer with a Focus on Clean Code
Role-Specific Title: Software Engineer for Financial Applications
Value Proposition Title: Building Reliable and Efficient Software Solutions

Graphic Designer

Concise Professional Title: Graphic Designer experienced in branding and digital marketing
Title with Personality: Visual Storyteller
Descriptive Job Summary: Crafting visually compelling brand identities
Skill-Focused Title: Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite and Digital Illustration
Impact-Oriented Title: Creator of Engaging Visual Content
Experience-Highlighting Title: Designer with a Passion for Branding
Role-Specific Title: Graphic Designer for Tech Startups
Value Proposition Title: Elevating Brands with Creative Visual Solutions

Project Manager

Concise Professional Title: Project Manager with a track record of delivering complex projects
Title with Personality: Project Execution Strategist
Descriptive Job Summary: Managing projects from concept to completion
Skill-Focused Title: Expert in Agile and Waterfall Methodologies
Impact-Oriented Title: Deliverer of Successful Project Outcomes
Experience-Highlighting Title: Manager with Proven Project Delivery Experience
Role-Specific Title: Project Manager for Software Development Projects
Value Proposition Title: Ensuring Project Success through Effective Management

Introduction

Content and Design Checklist:

Clear Structure:

Professional Appearance:

Relevant Information:

Contact Information:

Accessibility Checklist:

Semantic Structure:

Alt Text for Images:

Color Contrast:

Fonts:

Technical Requirements Checklist:

Exporting Accessible PDFs:

PDF Walkability (AST Walkable):

Metadata:

Hyperlinks: