A Former Google Recruiter's Tips on the Perfect Resume vs. the Worst Resume - Keanna Carter
Nov 15, 2024
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In this insightful discussion, Keanna Carter, a former recruiter at Google and GoPuff turned career coach, shares her expertise on crafting standout resumes. She highlights how tailoring resumes to job descriptions boosts success and reveals the common mistakes applicants make. Keanna emphasizes the importance of networking and using AI wisely in job applications. With tips on aligning resumes with LinkedIn profiles and debunking ATS myths, listeners will find actionable advice to navigate today's competitive job market.
Tailoring resumes to job descriptions and including metrics can significantly enhance a candidate's chances of landing interviews.
Networking and making genuine connections are crucial strategies for job seekers to transition effectively in today’s competitive job market.
Deep dives
Recruiting Background and Experience
The speaker emphasizes Kiana Carter's extensive background in recruitment, having worked at major companies such as Google and GoPuff. Starting her career at Facebook, Kiana's initial exposure led her to pursue a full-time role in recruiting. At Google, she progressed from a recruiting coordinator to a full-cycle recruiter, gaining valuable insights into the candidate experience and the nuances of hiring. After two years, Kiana transitioned to the startup environment at GoPuff, where she focused on building engineering and data teams, ultimately leading her to launch her career coaching venture.
Key Elements of a Successful Resume
Kiana highlights the crucial aspects that differentiate standout resumes from mediocre ones. A job title match is vital, as hiring managers prefer candidates with relevant titles for the role they're recruiting for. Additionally, resumes should be clean, concise, and free of grammatical errors; even small mistakes can hinder a candidate's opportunities. Metrics and action verbs are essential, as they showcase an applicant’s impact and responsibilities effectively, further enhancing the chances of landing an interview.
Navigating the Current Job Market
The discussion addresses the current job market's challenges, where networking and referrals have become increasingly important for candidates. Kiana notes that internal candidates have a better chance of making career transitions due to established trust and performance history. She advises against applying to roles that have been open for an extended period, suggesting that candidates focus on recently posted jobs to increase their chances of being considered. This strategic approach underscores the need for proactive job searching, leveraging connections to elevate applications further.
The Role of AI in Resume Creation
Kiana discusses the impact of AI on resume writing, cautioning against relying solely on AI-generated content. While AI can serve as a helpful tool for checking grammar or improving the flow of information, Kiana emphasizes that personal touch and authenticity are irreplaceable. Candidates should view AI as a source of inspiration instead of a crutch, ensuring that their unique experiences and achievements are effectively communicated. Highlighting the dangers of overusing AI tools, she encourages job seekers to integrate personalized elements into their resumes to avoid an impersonal or generic presentation.
In this episode, I interview Keanna Carter, an experienced recruiter who has worked with top companies like Google and GoPuff. Keanna shares valuable insights on how to create stand-out resumes, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for making a career change. She emphasizes the importance of tailoring resumes to job descriptions, networking, and using AI tools wisely in the job application process. Listeners will gain actionable advice on optimizing their resumes and job search strategies in today's competitive market.