Dear Sam: I feel like my resume reflects everything I have done, but I am not sure it tells the right story. How do I fix that?
— Angela
Dear Angela: Many resumes accurately document experience but fail to communicate a clear and intentional narrative. A resume is not simply about including information. It is about selecting and organizing that information in a way that supports where you are trying to go.
When a resume is built chronologically without a clear strategy, it can read as a series of disconnected roles rather than a cohesive progression. This makes it more difficult for the reader to understand your direction and how your experience aligns with the opportunity.
One of the most effective ways to address this is to shift your perspective. Instead of asking, “What have I done?” consider, “What do I want this resume to communicate?”
From there, you can begin to emphasize the experiences that support that direction and de-emphasize those that do not. This does not mean removing relevant experience, but rather shaping how it is presented so it contributes to a clear narrative.
It is also important to remember that hiring managers are not studying resumes line-by-line trying to interpret intent. Most are reviewing materials quickly. If the direction is not immediately apparent, they often move on before making the connections you hoped they would make.
A strong resume guides interpretation. It makes the story clear without requiring the reader to do the work themselves. When your resume communicates a focused and intentional narrative, it becomes much easier for employers to understand your value and where you fit.
