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How to Create an Effective Resume: XYZ Resume Format

Have you ever heard of the google XYZ resume format? As the leading trend in the recruitment industry, it is a tool that contributes to your job search. Your resume is a controllable element in your job application. If you can tailor it well to include this format while making it ATS-friendly, you’re one step closer into an organization.

Remember, your resume should be able to get you past those scanning bots, to the recruiter’s table and onto a proper interview. In this article, I’ll explain what the XYZ resume format is, why it’s important and how to use it to secure a job interview. 

What is The XYZ Resume Format?

This resume format is sophisticated yet straightforward. In one sentence, it includes what you’ve accomplished (X) + the qualitative results (Y) + the skills or experience you utilized to achieve the outcome (Z). Essentially, it’s an easy-to-read, concise, and practical way to provide context and flow.

Why is The XYZ Resume Format Important?

Nowadays, most recruiters don’t enjoy going through only “what you have done” in the past; they most often want to see “how you did it” and “the results”. With the XYZ resume format, you hone in on specific achievements and impress your hiring manager with past results. It also helps work well with applicant tracking systems (ATS) as you’ll be able to include specific keywords. Since most recruiters are always looking for the ‘X-Y-Z formula’ in resumes, you should definitely use it. Sounds interesting? We have more valuable tips to give you to land a job! Visit us at our services page to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the XYZ resume format effective?  This resume format often starts with an active verb that helps provide clarity to the reader while demonstrating your confidence and active participation in your previous work. Following the active verb is your achievement – what you did and how you did it, which helps you focus on the most relevant experience and results for the position while providing a baseline for comparison and details of what you did to achieve your goal. The use of facts, numbers or figures, which the XYZ resume format allows, helps to add credibility and gives insight into your strengths. This resume format provides the reader with a concise context and a smooth flow while reading your resume. Simultaneously, they get the gist of your achievement and how you are the best candidate for that position with your proven results.  What should a sentence structure in the X-Y-Z format look like? A sentence structure in the X-Y-Z format should look like this: action verb, achievement, measurement, detail of what you did to achieve your goal. Here’s an example of correct XYZ resume formatting: 20 minute stairmaster hiit workout – eating bird food buy s drol boys and ballet: dance develops strength, balance, discipline – active for life Formular: Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]. X is in red Y is in green Z is in blue  Negotiated reduction in costs to perform post-delivery support by 40% ($900k) with XYZ by designing and using results from an online auction of multiple vendors. Grew revenue for 15 small and medium business clients by 10% QoQ by mapping new software features as solutions to their business goals. What are some components of an effective resume? An effective resume should include at least seven sections. The first three shows your name, contact information and your executive summary or objective. The following two include your relevant work experiences that show what you’ve done in the past and the results that came from it, with appropriate and applicable skills that match the job descriptions. An effective resume should also contain relevant links, traceable educational background, and additional information to give you extra points and standings with the recruiter. What are some of the biggest resume mistakes to watch out for? Spelling and grammar typos – Although they can seem obvious, as a result of tweaking resumes back and forth to fit the job descriptions, you can be vulnerable to this kind of error. Read your resume from bottom to top to help you focus on each line in isolation or have someone proofread it. Your resume length – Ideally, a one-page resume is good and if you have a lot of relevant work experience in line with the job offer, opt for a 2-page resume. If you have qualified working experience that goes back 20 years, delete it once they’re irrelevant to the job descriptions. Other mistakes include poor formatting, not including your contact information, adding confidential information and using a generic resume for all your job positions you’re applying to. 

8 Tips For Important Resume tips

These days, some organizations rarely ask for a cover letter, so there is a lot of emphasis on resumes. And whether you are looking for part-time or full-time work, an internship, or considering changing your career path, it’s essential to make yourself well suited for the job position. Here are eight crucial resume tips that should be noted while constructing your resume.

1. Do the basic formatting.

The fundamental rule is to keep things simple when formatting and ensure that your resume is readable. Make your resume simple and give it a professional look by using black text with consistent font size, style, and design elements to avoid distracting the recruiters. Format your resume as a pdf, and before hitting the submit button, check for typos, use bullet points and make sure your contact info is up-to-date. 

2. Incorporate keyword phrases.

Include the exact keywords and key phrases from the job description in your resume summary, skills, and professional work experience. You could copy them from the job description, paste them into your resume, and write words around them to make sure it fits together. Applicant tracking systems calculate the number of years you’ve practiced a particular skill, so adding and repeating industry-specific keywords in each job description will serve you well. 

3. Customize your resume to fit the job description.

Make sure to adapt your resume and tailor it to the job requirement by avoiding irrelevant work experience and unnecessary information. If you have tons of relevant experience, you’ll want to describe it while still getting your message across briefly. As much as possible, keep your resume under a single page except when you’re applying for a technical position requiring multiple project experiences, which might take you onto a second page.

4. Use the XYZ resume format.

You should articulate your work experience to fit the one-page rule by using the popular google XYZ resume format, which is the crux of this article. Google describes this as “Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z].” 

Start with your accomplishment (don’t forget to include an action verb before your achievement), add the qualitative evidence of your result (numbers and facts), and don’t forget to add the skills you used to achieve. This resume format shows a lot of credibilities, and efficiency, while maintaining the flow of communication to the reader. 

5. Reduce industry shorthands.

A point about industry shorthands is that they come off as you being aware of the trends in the industry, but the disadvantage to using them is that you may never know who is reading your resume. Industry-specific terminologies may consist of complex industry words that might not be easy to understand by people not active in that industry and may not be in the ATS. For example, a person from the software team who is part of the hiring team may not quickly grasp the meaning of shorthands like “QoQ” (for the quarter over quarter ). So, only use relevant and straightforward industry shorthands if you’re 100% sure that the resume reviewer will know what you mean.

6. Include numbers, metrics, or data. 

Drop the old-fashioned resume that contains only text, and use numbers, metrics, and data. For example: Grew revenue for 15 small and medium business clients by 10% QoQ by mapping new software features as solutions to their business goals. 

It’s even more impressive if you can add a comparison, for example, “…compared to an average of 8 small and medium business clients by 5% QoQ from my peers.” Providing meaningful comparison and factual data helps.

7. Add your name and contact info to page 2.

If you’re going to use a 2-page resume format, make sure your up-to-date contact information is on both pages. Your first page might not be convincing enough to the hiring manager, but seeing a skill relevant to the job description may prompt them to tag your name down for the interview. So your name and contact info on the second page would provide the recruiter with your ID. 

8. Add relevant links and contact info.

How annoyed do you get when you try to reach someone over the phone a couple of times, and all you get is a voice message saying: this number doesn’t exist or is not reachable? Now imagine your interviewer going through the same thing. Make sure your resume has clickable links and contact info that can help your recruiters reach you or see proof of the recent projects you’ve done. 

Additionally, for technical applicants, if you’re going to be adding your GitHub links to projects you’ve worked on, make sure the programming languages you used for each are listed prominently alongside each project.

To wrap up,

There are many formulas for successful resume writing, but the google XYZ resume format is one of the most coveted for employers. This formula makes your resume easy to read without compromising the credibility of your achievements. 

Although it may be hard to quantify your hard work, there is almost always something you can point to that differentiates you from others. You can’t control the biases and attention span of whoever reviews your resume, but you can control what’s on the page in front of them. Use the formula, and recruiters will take notice.

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Mastering The XYZ Google Resume Format

The XYZ Google resume is perfectly suited to the fast-paced world of tech and engineering. Landing your dream job in one of these highly competitive fields often demands more than a standard resume, and this carefully crafted Google format offers a framework for just that.

Google, a recognised powerhouse in the industry, advocates for the XYZ resume format, a distinctive approach that can set you apart in a competitive job market. 

Let’s take a look at the  XYZ Google resume  and how you can leverage this formula for success.

Table of Contents

What Is The XYZ Google Resume?

The XYZ resume format emphasises real world accomplishments and highlights the importance of applicable skills to modern recruiters. 

The formula for the  XYZ Google resume  is a clear and concise way to emphasise achievements whilst highlighting their context and real world application. 

The XYZ Google Formula

Crafting a standout XYZ Google resume means properly applying all of the essential elements recommended by Google. 

Here’s a look at the formula and what it means for your resume structure.

The XYZ Google Formula: 

“Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z].”

Example: “Managed a community support program (X) that saved $2 million (Y), by designing a streamlined customer service portal (Z).”

• Accomplishments [X]:  Clearly articulate achievements and contributions.
• Measurement [Y]:  Demonstrate the impact of accomplishments by providing measurable metrics or results.
• Methodology [Z] : Describe the specific actions and strategies employed to achieve these accomplishments.

Utilising this formula gives a well rounded and easily understood view of achievements and means that recruiters can quickly assess suitability for the role.

Do you have a year end review coming up? Make sure you’re ready.

Advantages of The XYZ Google Resume

There are a number of advantages for both applicants and recruiters when it comes to the XYZ  resume format .

Simple For Recruiters

All applicants should be aiming to make life simple for the hiring manager. Applications should be easy to read and should clearly and visually highlight the most important information. 

The XYZ resume format gives applicants the opportunity to provide valuable context without the addition of huge blocks of text. It provides the opportunity for storytelling in the most efficient and memorable format possible.

Clarity and conciseness are both essential for a good resume. 

Some applicants  utilise bullet points  to highlight important information, whilst others like to use impactful and  brief statements  to succinctly emphasise key skills and achievements.

The reality is that the XYZ Google format allows for the use of both. A good resume should be easy to read and allow recruiters or an  ATS  to easily pick out highlights.

The clear format should also be able to provide sufficient context to allow recruiters to more fully understand how an applicant can impact the wider business. 

Easy To Adapt

Every resume should be adapted to suit the role. Even in very similar industries, no two roles and no two businesses are identical. A resume should always reflect this.

By providing  data-backed  and thoughtfully crafted achievements that can be easily swapped in or out to support the application, those applying for roles have the opportunity to personalise resumes in an incredibly impactful way.

Google-Specific Advantages

Applicants hoping to secure a place in a competitive Google programme are facing a less than 1% likelihood of landing a role. This makes the XYZ Google resume format even more crucial for ambitious applicants.

To maximise the impact of an XYZ Google resume, applicants should tailor their resumes to reflect what Google prioritises in candidates. Researching Google’s current projects and incorporating relevant skills and experiences can significantly increase the resume’s effectiveness.

Crafting an XYZ Google resume also often means aligning previous achievements to highlight Google’s core values. It’s an opportunity to showcase how accomplishments reflect Google’s ethos of innovation and impact.

Key Features Of The XYZ Google Resume

Crafting an effective resume requires a strategic writing approach and a keen understanding of the benefits of  keywords  and company values. 

Here are some areas to consider when crafting an XYZ resume:

1. Prioritising Relevant Skills

The skills section provides an opportunity to fully utilise the advantages of this format. 

Building a good XYZ Google resume asks applicants to assign skills to specific real-world projects and achievements. This not only demonstrates that skills are up-to-date but also highlights their relevance and value for hiring managers. 

A  well-crafted skills section  is one of the key areas that hiring managers will look at to understand not only hard and soft skills but also how they offer immediate benefits.

2. Aligning With Company Values

An essential step in building a good XYZ Google resume is aligning individual achievements with the business’s core values to show the manager why an applicant might be a good fit.

It should be highlighted that this format very much relies on achievements and a mutual understanding of priorities. Relevant and aligned achievements are often valued over long and detailed descriptions of employment history.

3. Understanding Hiring Priorities

To stand out with an XYZ Google resume, applicants need a good understanding of what the business prioritises when looking at potential candidates. 

This involves researching current projects, analysing the job description for  keywords , and building a good understanding of any focus areas. 

4. Leveraging XYZ Format in Work Experience

In the work experience section, building a good  XYZ Google resume  involves moving beyond generic job titles and emphasising achievements in each role. 

Instead of simply listing previous positions and responsibilities, applicants should highlight successful projects, proud moments, and impactful actions that had a lasting effect on the business. 

The inclusion of quantitative results in these areas is key to properly showcasing the scale of any impact and the value of an applicant’s actions.

Building A Good XYZ Google Resume

With all of this in mind, it’s time to  10x your chance of landing that dream job  with thoughtful and impactful resume changes.

Crafting a good XYZ Google resume requires more than just simply following the formula. Of course, a formula can provide a valuable and recognised basis for your resume, but there’s additional work to be done to ensure it’s the best in a competitive field of applicants.

We help applicants to land high-paying roles with expert  rewrites ,  reviews  and  optimization  strategies that make sure your resume is memorable.

Maximise your impact with an improved professional resume.

About the author

Kazuyoshi Fujimoto, PE Founder | Engineering Career Coach | Principal Mechanical Engineer

Kazu oversees all of ultmeche’s engineering services. He provides consulting such as resume reviews, rewrites, mock interviews, and all services career related. Additionally, Kazu performs consulting work regarding Oil & Gas, Automotive, and Aerospace & Defense. Kazu is licensed as a professional engineer in the state of California and has 9+ years of experience in Oil & Gas, Automotive, and Aerospace & Defense.

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The XYZ Formula for Writing Resumes – A Recipe for Success Backed by Psychology

Written by Nicole Wren

One of the simplest, but most effective methods for resume writing is one favoured by one of the world’s largest and most renowned companies, Google. 

In fact, Google recruiters say that without employing this method, your resume is almost guaranteed to go into the ‘reject’ pile.  It’s the ‘XYZ’ formula, and it’s a formula you can start using in your own resume.

The XYZ formula is a way to frame your career achievements, and once you see it in action, you’ll be surprised at what a difference it can make. 

It’s a bit similar to the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) formula used in many selection criteria responses.

It goes like this:

• Describe what you achieved (X)
• Describe how the achievement was measured (Y)
• Describe what you did (Z)

For example, we recently helped a hospitality manager, who told us she ‘ordered supplies and maintained costs’. We asked a series of questions to gather more information, and she told she had actually managed to find a cheaper supplier and saved the business she had been working for a considerable sum.

Through using the XYZ formula, we were able to develop this outstanding achievement:

• Significantly reduced business costs and increased business profit (X), as measured by a 15% reduction in food costs (Y), by reviewing purchased items and negotiating with suppliers (Z).

Much better, hey?

Why does this process work? Social psychologists recognise that we judge others on their behaviour, rather than their words (i.e., “actions speak louder than words”).   

Simply stating that you do a task is not enough in today’s competitive job market, you need to give specific examples.

So, spend some time reviewing your resume and consider ways to turn your duties into strategic accomplishments using the XYZ formula (or  ask us for help) . Our resume writers are skilled in writing resumes for those just starting out , mid-level professionals and executives .

Trust us, it will dramatically improve your chances of avoiding the dreaded ‘reject’ pile.  ​

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Mastering the XYZ Resume Formula: Should You Trust Google?

Learn how to optimize your resume using the xyz resume formula. find out if google can be trusted in this process..

Let's face it, crafting the perfect resume can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with a million pieces. You're often left wondering, "How can I make my resume stand out? What's the secret sauce?" Well, what if I told you there's a formula that could transform your resume from just 'okay' to 'oh wow!'?

This XYZ formula is credited to Laszlo Bock, who worked at Google as the SVP of People Operations. However, I was unable to verify if he is the brain behind it.

Now, you might be thinking, "What's this XYZ thing all about?"

In the simplest terms, it's about framing your achievements in a way that catches an employer's eye: Accomplished [ X ] as measured by [ Y ], by doing [ Z ]. Why is this so important? The XYZ Resume Formula helps you do just that by highlighting your achievements in a clear, quantifiable, and impactful way.

Throughout this article, I'll break it down for you, give you some examples, and share tips on how to apply it to your own resume. Whether you're a fresh graduate stepping into the job market or a seasoned professional looking to make a career leap, this formula could be your key to crafting a resume that represents the value you bring to the table.

What is the XYZ Resume Formula?

Even though it sounds like a secret code from a spy movie, in reality, it's a simple yet powerful framework to showcase your achievements in the most effective way on your resume .

Here's the breakdown: Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z].

X stands for the achievement or task you accomplished.

Y represents the measurable outcome or the impact of your action.

Z details how you achieved it, the method or approach you used.

Imagine you're a chef. Instead of saying "Cooked meals," which is pretty vague, you'd say, "Designed innovative Italian dishes (X), increasing customer satisfaction ratings by 30% (Y), by incorporating authentic, regional ingredients and unique cooking techniques (Z)."

But as you can see, it doesn't sound right for some roles. That's why let me share three other examples with you.

Example for an Accountant:

Original Statement: Managed company budgets and expenses.

XYZ Formula Applied: Streamlined budget management (X), reducing overall expenses by 20% (Y), through the implementation of an advanced analytical approach and cost-saving strategies (Z).

Example for a Marketing Specialist:

Original Statement: Led digital marketing campaigns.

XYZ Formula Applied: Orchestrated innovative digital marketing campaigns (X), increasing online engagement by 40% and generating a 15% rise in sales (Y), by leveraging targeted social media advertising and SEO optimization techniques (Z).

Customer Service Representative

Before : Handled customer service inquiries.

After : Resolved an average of 50 customer inquiries per day (X), achieving a 95% customer satisfaction rate (Y), by utilizing advanced conflict resolution techniques and personalizing customer interactions (Z).

See the difference? It turns a simple task into a narrative of success and skill.

This formula helps you improve your resume ! It's not just about listing your job duties; it's about showcasing your achievements in a way that's quantifiable and, frankly, impressive.

Even though this formula is great, it might not be the perfect fit for every resume or profession, and it won't magically guarantee you an interview or job offer. But trust me, it'll definitely give you a solid helping hand.

Subscribe now because you never know when you'll need these tips. It's free!

Breaking Down the XYZ Resume Formula

Let's dive into the nuts and bolts of the XYZ Resume Formula. Knowing each part is like having a secret trick up your sleeve during the job hunt.

X - The Achievement : This is your starting point. Think about what you've accomplished in your role. It's not just about your daily tasks; it's about the moments you shined. Were you recognized for something? Did you complete a major project? That's your X.

Y - The Measurement : Numbers are your friends here. By how much did you increase sales or efficiency? By what percentage did customer satisfaction improve? This is about proving your impact with real, tangible results. If exact numbers aren't available, reasonable estimates work too. Just make sure they're grounded in reality.

Z - The Method : How did you achieve X and get those Y results? This could be a new system you implemented, a team you led, or a strategy you devised. Z is all about showing your approach and your unique way of solving problems.

Benefits of Using the XYZ Resume Formula

Now, why should you start rearranging your resume with the XYZ formula?

Here are some compelling reasons:

Stand Out in the Crowd : In a sea of standard resumes, the XYZ formula makes yours pop. It's about selling not just your skills, but the success stories that make you unique. Trust me, most resumes out there don't really "sell" the amazing people behind them.

Quantifiable Achievements : Numbers talk!!! By quantifying your achievements, you're giving potential employers concrete evidence of your capabilities. It's the difference between saying you improved sales and stating you boosted sales by 25%.

Clarity and Precision : This formula helps you cut the fluff. It encourages you to be clear and precise, which is exactly what hiring managers appreciate when they have stacks of resumes to go through.

Tells Your Professional Story : The XYZ formula allows you to weave a narrative in your resume. It's not just about what you did, but how and why it mattered. This storytelling aspect can be incredibly engaging for recruiters.

Flexibility Across Industries : Whether you're in tech, healthcare, education, or any other field, the XYZ formula is universal. It adapts to your experiences and showcases them in the best light.

XYZ Resume Formula

And there you have it, XYZ Resume Formula, unpacking how this simple yet powerful approach can transform your resume from a mere document to a standout story of your professional achievements.

Remember, the job market can be a tough nut to crack, but with the XYZ Resume Formula, you're not just another candidate in the pile. You're a story, a collection of impressive achievements, each quantified and clarified for maximum impact. This formula isn't just about getting you noticed; it's about getting you the job.

As you go back to your resume, think of it as your personal billboard. Each bullet point is an advertisement of your skills, achievements, and potential. Use the XYZ formula to make these bullet points as compelling as possible.

Stay confident, be proud of your accomplishments, and let the XYZ Resume Formula showcase the best version of your professional self.

Best of luck, and happy job hunting!

Share this article with others who are seeking remote work so they can benefit from this guidance as well!

People always ask me about the secret of how to adapt the XYZ formula for different career levels and how the XYZ resume formula impacts ATS systems. Well, let me tell you, you're in for a surprise because I'm about to spill the beans!

Adapting the XYZ Formula for Different Career Levels

Your career journey is unique, and whether you're just starting out, mid-way through, or at the top of your game, this formula can be tailored to highlight your specific achievements.

Let's break it down for different career levels:

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Google recruiters explain how to demonstrate 'past experience' on your resume — even if you've never had a job

• Applications for Google's 2022 internship programs are now open. 
• Two recruiters gave resume tips at a workshop for graduates on October 19.
• They said past experience is a "must have" — but it doesn't have to be formal work experience.

Getting a job at Google is not easy — but new advice from internal recruiters ahead of the tech giant's internships might help.

Applications for Google's 2022 internship cohort opened on October 19, and close on November 26.

Over the years, Insider has spoken to current and former Googlers about how to land a role . They say being a good collaborator and being curious are some of the traits the company values.

But you also need to make sure your resume stands out . Ahead of the deadline for the new internships, two recruiters from Google's university programs team — Katarzyna Kamińska, university programs specialist, and Emily Salkey, program manager for talent outreach — hosted a panel at the recent Black Tech Fest on October 19, which was run by the non-profit Colorintech.

They shared tips on how graduates should structure their resumes.

Past experience is a "must have" 

Keep in mind that recruiters are looking for specific information, most notably your past experience, Kamińska said.

But this doesn't necessarily mean that you have to have lots of internships or formal work experience.

"Experience can come in many forms and we are absolutely aware of that," she said. 

If you're applying for tech positions, for example, recruiters need to see your knowledge of programming languages. Relevant computer science projects, student activities, research you've participated in, hackathons, or class projects could all count, she said.  

You should also include your education, and date of graduation.

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"If you're still studying and don't yet have a date, you can include the 'expected date' of graduation," she said.

There is no perfect format

A recruiter has around 30 to 40 seconds to look at your resume, so make sure that it is clear and concise, Kamińska said. She recommended a PDF of no more than two pages.

As for the exact format, "there is no one template that Google would encourage applicants to use," she said. Use whatever template you're comfortable with, as long as it can convey the key information quickly. 

Showcase your transferable skills

It's good to show what type of person you are, Kamińska said — so include volunteering experience, awards, or transferable skills you're particularly proud of. 

Transferable skills can be ones from past jobs, volunteering hobbies, or elsewhere, Kamińska said.

"As an example, if you are working in retail, you can basically think about what you have learned and how you can utilize this in your role at Google," she said.

Use the 'X-Y-Z formula' to highlight skills

Use the X-Y-Z formula pioneered by Google's former vice president of people operations, Laslo Bock , to highlight your skills on your resume, Salkey said. It stands for:

Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y] by doing [Z].

"This is a really impactful way of demonstrating what you did in each experience, why you did that, and how it was impactful," Salkey said. 

Using numbers can also help to demonstrate impact, Salkey said.

As an example, you might write on your resume:

Participated in a city hackathon, working on a facial recognition project.

But this doesn't showcase technical skills, Salkey said. A better example would be:

Won second place out of 40 teams in the city hackathon, building facial recognition software that helps detect human emotions, using Python and Java.

It shows the recruiter exactly why it was important, and highlights specific coding skills.

There are also more general mistakes to avoid on a resume , according to careers experts. These include lying about your experience, using present tense for past jobs, and including the word "phone" in front of your number.

On February 28, Axel Springer, Business Insider's parent company, joined 31 other media groups and filed a $2.3 billion suit against Google in Dutch court, alleging losses suffered due to the company's advertising practices.

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Here's the resume I used to get a job at Google as a software engineer.

Here’s the résumé I used to get a job at Google as a software engineer.

Hi everyone!

On my programming-education YouTube channel called CS Dojo , many people have asked me to explain how I would go about writing a résumé for software engineer positions.

So, here’s my article about it.

In this article, I’m going to first walk you through the résumé I personally used to get a software engineer job at Google.

Then, I’m going to show you how I would change it today based on what I’ve learned since then.

I’m also going to give you some general tips and advice on how to build your own software engineer résumé.

I don’t really consider myself an expert on résumé writing, but hopefully I’ll be able to provide some insights based on my personal experience, as well as some research I’ve done to write this article.

See my résumé here.

If you’d like, you can download my résumé here as you follow along with this article.

The Structure

First of all, let’s quickly go over what sections I have on my résumé. Then, we’ll go over each of them in turn to talk about them in more detail.

From the top, I have:

Technical Skills

Other skills.

This is the part where you include the work experience you want to show. You don’t have to include every single position you’ve ever held. That’s why I didn’t include my math tutoring position. It’s less relevant than my other, more technical positions.

If you have significant non-work experience that’s relevant, you can also include it here. For example, if you led a team for a coding competition, you might want to include it here. You could also include it in the project section, but it will stand out more in the experience section.

I have four positions in my experience section:

• Program Manager Intern at Microsoft
• Data Science Intern at Microsoft
• Founder and President at Data Science Club at UBC (University of British Columbia)
• Software Development Intern at Moneytree (a startup in Japan)

Let’s take a look at the first position as an example.

In my résumé, it looks like this:

The headline has the following structure:

<Title> at <Company>, <Lo cation>, <Date> as in:

Program Manager Intern at Microsoft, Redmond, WA, 5/2015–8/2015

This is a fairly standard format.

Then, below it, I have a description of what I did:

I was responsible for designing and implementing a specific feature within Microsoft Dynamics CRM with developers and other PM’s. My responsibilities included the initial research, planning the project, designing the product, creating wireframes, and writing and executing on a spec.

How I would change it today

When you write your résumé, don’t necessarily assume that the reader knows all the technical terms, especially company-specific ones. In the above description, I mentioned Microsoft Dynamics CRM, but many people are not familiar with it. So, I would change it to the following:

I was in the team that was responsible for Microsoft Dynamics CRM, which is a piece of customer relationship management software. I led the effort to build a feature that allows users to easily keep track of business expenses. My responsibilities included the initial research, planning and managing the project, designing the feature, creating wireframes, and writing out our specs.

Note that in addition to clarifying the term Microsoft Dynamics CRM , I added a quick explanation about what exactly I built.

Now, let’s take a look at another position I have in the experience section.

The headline is: Founder and President at Data Science Club at UBC, Vancouver, BC, 10/2013–5/2014

I have three bullet points below it:

• Responsible for acquiring more than 120 members
• Organized meet-ups to exchange our ideas on data science
• Formed a team of several students to work on a machine learning competition on Kaggle

First, note the use of bullet points here. Sometimes it makes it easier to read and skim the résumé.

Also, note how I used a specific number in the first bullet point — Responsible for acquiring more than 120 members . Using a number often makes your accomplishment clearer. Of course, you don’t always have to use a number. Use it when it makes sense.

I wouldn’t make any major edits in this one. Only minor grammatical edits.

This is, of course, the part where you list your relevant education.

Here’s what I have:

For each university, I have the university name, location, a type of degree (BS — Bachelor’s of Science here), a major, the expected graduation date, as well as the GPA listed.

According to an article on CareerCup , the general rule of thumb is to show GPA only if it’s higher than 3.0 out of 4.0. I agree with this recommendation.

I would keep this section as-is. Let’s go to the next section.

Here’s what I listed under this section on my résumé:

• Wireframing: Balsamiq, Microsoft PowerPoint
• Visual Design: Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator
• Statistical Analysis: R
• Machine Learning: Python with NumPy and Pandas, Ruby, Spark (prior experience)
• Programming Technologies: SQL, MATLAB, Ruby on Rails, Java
• Programming Technologies, front end: JavaScript, HTML/CSS, LaTeX
• Version Control: Git, GitHub, Bitbucket

I would say that I listed way too many things here. I would cut it down to just these two:

• Data Science: R, Python with NumPy and Pandas, Spark (prior experience)
• Programming Technologies: SQL, MATLAB, Ruby, Ruby on Rails, Java, JavaScript, HTML/CSS

I would only list these two, because the other skills were less relevant in this case.

Also, note how I put Spark (prior experience) to show that I have some experience with Spark, but I’m not proficient with it.

You can use this section if you want to include other relevant skills. I included Japanese and public speaking in this section.

I would cut this section out entirely since it’s not that relevant to the software engineer position I was applying for.

Awards and Projects

Include relevant awards and projects in these sections.

The word “relevant” is important here. If you won second place in a regional karate championship, for example, it’s probably not that relevant.

However, you might want to include it if it’s really impressive — for example, competing on a national or international level with karate.

I have one award and three projects on my résumé.

Here is the award I have on my résumé:

TELUS / IEEE Student Innovation Challenge Our team won a third place at the pitch contest where we presented an idea for a device that helps the blind. Our idea was a device that converts 3-dimensional spatial information into sound so that blind people can “see” the environment by hearing. We were awarded a $3000 grant to develop a prototype.

How I would change it

I would clarify my wording a bit so it’s easier to read. Maybe something like:

TELUS / IEEE Student Innovation Challenge At this technical product pitch contest, we presented an idea that helps blind and visually impaired individuals. Our idea was a device that converts 3-dimensional spatial information into sound. It would convert the proximity of the object in front of you to the loudness of the sound, and the height of the object to the pitch of the sound. We were awarded a $3000 grant to develop a prototype for this idea, and we are currently in the process of developing it.

Now, in addition to this award, I listed three projects which I thought would be the most impressive.

One of them was this one:

YamBomb! , August 2014 A colleague of mine at Microsoft and I created a gaming app with which one would send a “bomb” that “explodes” in 24 hours unless they pass it to somebody else. It started with a few users and organically grew to more than 70 users within a week of its launch. We developed the application with Ruby on Rails and Yammer API.

Note how I used a specific number (70 users) here as well. I also mentioned the tech I used for this project — Ruby on Rails and the Yammer API. (Yammer is a website by Microsoft, and it’s kind of like Facebook that’s used to communicate internally within a company.)

How I would change it now

No major edits here.

How I would edit the entire résumé today

Now, there is one major issue with this résumé I used back then — it was too long. It’s about 2 pages, and ideally, it should be one page.

Let’s see if we can get it down to a single page.

I was, in fact, able to get it down to one page. Here are some of the major changes I made:

• I took off Founder and President at Data Science Club at UBC from the experience section. It’s good, but less relevant than the other ones.
• I took off Suffolk University from the education section. It’s not too relevant since I had already transferred out of it.
• I combined the awards and projects sections into just Projects , and listed only 2 projects.

Now, what I omitted would’ve been perfectly good information to show on my résumé. It’s just that they were less impressive and relevant than the other things I listed.

Just by omitting those pieces of information, my résumé became much easier and quicker to read.

Okay, here’s the edited, one-page version of my résumé:

• Word (.docx)
• Pages (.pages)

Feel free to use it as a template.

Now, here are some key takeaways.

1. put yourself in the shoes of the recruiter/hiring manager..

Don’t automatically assume that they will be familiar with every technical term you are familiar with. Think about what’s commonly used and not so commonly used in your particular field.

Also, keep refining your paragraphs so they are easy to read. Use short sentences. Clarify what’s not clear. It’s probably a good idea to have a friend of yours read it for you to make sure everything is clear.

2. Omit anything that’s not too relevant.

Speaking Japanese is a good skill, but it wasn’t relevant for the particular position I was applying for. So, I didn’t really have to list it.

3. It’s not about the quantity. It’s about the quality.

If you show 4 projects instead of 2 projects, is it always better? Well, not necessarily.

Having more information on your résumé clutters it out, and it makes it harder to find important information.

But, you might say — you still got the job without doing any of these!

Yes, that’s true. I think it’s important to build an easy-to-read résumé, but it’s even more important to build strong skills and experience first to show on your résumé.

Some additional tips/advice

Should i list education first, or work experience first.

The general rule of thumb is, list whichever one’s more impressive/relevant.

For me, I had some good experience with Microsoft, which was more impressive than my education. That’s why I listed it first.

If you’re still in school, my default choice would be to show your education first. But if anything from your experience stands out, then put the experience section first.

Should I include my email address, phone number, and location?

You should always include your email address, but other than that, it’s up to you.

I only included my email address in my résumé to keep it simple. However, if you want to show that you’re in a certain location, or if you want to include your phone number, go ahead and do so as well.

What if I don’t have that much experience to show on my résumé yet?

Basically, you should think about all the skills and experience you’ve gained up to this point, and think about how they might lead to the next step.

As an example, here’s how I did it:

• I had next to no experience a few years before I applied to Google.
• So, I built a simple website with Ruby on Rails, which I learned on my own.
• Using this project, I got my first technical internship in Japan.
• Using this, combined with my statistics background, I got a data science internship at Microsoft.
• Using that experience and the connections I built there, I got my second internship at Microsoft.
• Using all of these, I got my full-time software engineer job at Google.

I like to think of it sort of like a snowball.

It might be just tiny at the beginning, but if you keep building on it, it will just keep growing.

Here are some additional resources for writing a software engineer résumé:

• There’s a nice overview about this topic on CareerCup here .
• My friend Zhia Hwa Chong , who is a software engineer at Twitter, has a nice article about it here .
• Quincy Larson , Teacher / Founder of freeCodeCamp, also has a nice article on this topic here .

Okay, good luck, and thank you as always for reading my article!

If you have any questions about this or anything else, please feel free to let me know in a comment below or on Instagram or Twitter (@ykdojo on both).

If this article was helpful, share it .

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Understandably by Bill Murphy Jr.

Here's why Google wants to see the "XYZ Formula" on every resume

"accomplished [x] as measured by [y], by doing [z].".

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• • Managed over 2 large delivery projects with a maximum team size of over 50+ (onsite/offshore)
• • Successfully implemented a faster process for new feature ideation, validation, design, development and revenue generation
• • Worked with a team of 30+ on the development on Intel Xeon Scalable Processors
• • Executed innovative strategy and product roadmap based on financial projections, customer feedback, and market competition
• • Handled team of 10 people consisting of offshore & onsite
• • Designed and developed a tool that reduced production time by 25% directly preventing a quarterly loss
• • Worked closely on 2 projects with development team to write test plans for quality assurance
• • Together with a team of 7 developed 5 backend PL/SQL procedures, packages, and functions for Cognos (BI) Report
• • Optimized the network stack, reducing the initial connection latency by 33%
• • Improved the performance of the migration tool by 53% by applying efficient data processing techniques
• • Reduced room usage analytics computation time (in an internal tool) by 37% by logic refactoring and elimination of incurred technical debts
• • Rated with the best annual performance rating for all the years during my stint; given to top ~5% employees
• • Developed integration services in asp.net to facilitate communication and data transfer between 4 different applications

5 Google Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your google resume should clearly highlight your technical proficiency. Illustrate your prowess with Google's suite of tools and analytics. Demonstrate your ability to innovate and drive results as expected at Google. Your google resume must be an exemplar of your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Resume Guide

Our in-depth guide will give you actionable tips on, looking for related resumes, how to create the perfect google resume, how to format the header section of your google resume, do you need a summary or an objective on your google resume, how to make an impact with the experience section of your resume, which skills will impress google hiring managers, how important is the education section of your google resume, are there any certificates that appeal to google hiring managers, do you need to add other sections to your google resume, key takeaways: your quickest path to a stellar career.

Very few could predict the growth scale of Google twenty years ago. Let alone the tech giant’s popularity as one of the world’s top employers.

But how does one become a Googler?

For many, Google’s recruitment process is shrouded in mystery. Actually, the tech giant’s approach to onboarding new people reflects their motto:

"Our mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful."

As such, although the hiring process is rigorous, many steps are taken along the way to make sure you’re heard. That you have a chance at the role you’ve applied for.

All you have to do is:

• A comprehensive research about the company
• Prepare a stellar Google resume
• Practice for the interviews

Yes, interviews. There will be several, and often on the same day.

Sounds scary, doesn’t it?

Worry not, we’re here to help!

Keep on reading to find out how to build your resume and set yourself up for success.

• What Google’s recruiters are searching for in a candidate
• How long should your resume be and do you need a cover letter to supplement it
• How write your resume , depending on the position you’re aiming for
• Resume formatting rules Google hiring managers request you abide by
• What you should include in the header of your resume
• What formula to use when describing your work history and related experience
• How to design the talent section and balance your soft and hard skills
• What to do after you submit your Google resume to make yourself stand out
• Product Manager
• Software Engineer
• Business Analyst
• SQL Data Analyst
• Marketing Director

"The No. 1 thing you want to be thinking about is to tell your story — not just your work experience, but also what you’ve learned and the accomplishments you’re most proud of."

Brendan Castle, former Global Head of Recruiting at Google

Everyone has a story to tell. But what makes it set itself apart is how you frame it.

Because merely listing your achievements and awards won’t do.

Recruiters want to see what motivates you. What drives you to move forward. Your passions.

A story that sums up how you’ve overcome professional, and life challenges is far more compelling.

Google is committed to being an equal opportunity workplace . So, don’t hold yourself back because of who you are or past criminal mistakes.

Nobody’s life is picture-perfect. And you shouldn't strive for it to be. As long as you have the drive and prepare well, the opportunity is there for you to take.

Now, how does one even begin preparing for a job at Google?

Well, we suggest you start with the company’s career search tool . From there, you can filter through the jobs by:

• Skills and qualifications
• Organizations

No matter how you choose to do your search, remember to opt for positions you’re passionate about.

Also, while you can create a big list of your desired roles, you can only apply for 3 jobs every 30 days .

When it comes to the resume format , most common layouts are valid. Make sure it plays to your strengths.

Google recruiters prefer the reverse-chronological format. Don’t worry if you’re a college grad or don’t have much experience, the company gives some leeway.

What does this mean?

It means you can keep the traditional format, but you can switch up the resume sections . Apart from the header, that is.

This allows you to keep it professional. And impress recruiters with your best achievements.

If you’re more experienced, begin your resume as usual. Start with your most recent and relevant experience first.

Don’t go back more than a decade, unless it’s absolutely necessary. After all, you're not writing a novel.

But how long can your resume be?

Well, Google suggests that it shouldn't be longer than a page, if you're applying for a business role.

How about technical and engineering specialists? You can stretch your resume to two pages.

Just remember, Google hiring managers want brevity and impact. Don't overdo it!

And if you’re applying for several positions, tailor each resume to the specific role. One cookie-cutter resume won’t do.

If you’re a recent grad, or you expect to graduate soon, begin with your academic accomplishments.

Keep the fonts and sizing consistent throughout the resume. In terms of color scheme, black or dark readable ink is preferable.

You’ll find more information on Google’s formatting preferences throughout this article.

With all this in mind, which sections should feature on your resume?

Top resume sections to have on your Google resume:

• A header to detail your name, job title, and contact information
• An experience section to flaunt your professional wins
• A leadership and awards box to show that the quality of your work is outstanding
• A skills part to display the extent of your social and technical abilities
• Other sections to include to make your resume even better

What about the resume summary? It’s optional. Some resumes would be as strong without a summary. It all depends on your circumstances.

We’ll get to that later on in this guide.

For now, let’s focus on what to take into account before you start your journey.

Google places an emphasis on doing thorough research. This also includes doing some introspective thinking.

Remember, brevity and impact.

To do that, you have to be able to concisely convey your story.

But how do you do it?

Consider the questions in the table below:

What to keep in mind when writing your Google resume:

• What was your role in each work situation you’ve been so far?
• How did you contribute to the team and the project?
• What were your greatest achievements for each project you’ve been involved with?
• Do you thrive better as an individual contributor or as part of a team?
• What was the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your life? How did you overcome it?
• Think about the biggest mistake in your professional life. What did you learn from it?
• How do you measure success? How do you set up your projects for success?
• From all the projects you’ve done so far, which one is your favorite? Why?
• What was the most fulfilling job you’ve ever had? Why?
• How do you balance trade-offs in your work?
• What's your favorite product? Why?
• What is the one thing you look for when recruiting team members for your projects?
• How do you prioritize tasks and projects?
• Is there a team you love working with? Why? How is it different from other teams you’ve worked with?

Think of this as an exercise in finding your calling in life.

Then, once you’ve checked everything is correct and there are no typos, save your resume as a PDF file .

A good rule of thumb is to follow up with the hiring manager on LinkedIn. Thank them for their consideration and share why this job is important to you.

Afterwards, get ready for the interview process. This includes:

• Online assessments
• Short virtual chats
• Project work
• In-depth interviews

This part of the resume isn’t difficult to fill out. But it’s the first one hiring managers see when they look at your resume.

What’s so special about it?

Nobody likes typos and missing information. Especially recruiters.

That’s why you need to ensure that all your contact information is in the resume header . And your portfolio links are working.

• Email address
• Phone number
• Relevant social media profile
• Online portfolio

Take a look at the samples below:

2 Google Resume Header Examples

This one looks okay. But it could be much better.

The details here are incomplete. For starters, Travone’s job title isn’t very descriptive. There are various types of engineers. He needs to be more specific.

Naturally, when speaking about Google, it’s safe to assume he means software engineer. But merely listing ‘engineer’ looks sloppy.

Secondly, no phone number is included, nor the address is full.

Don’t forget to add your location, even if you’re applying for a remote position. Or your current job is one.

Think of the legal or technical repercussions, if something goes wrong. All because of non-disclosure.

But, suppose Travone is gunning for an engineering position. His LinkedIn profile, while professional, isn’t very appropriate.

Instead, reference your GitHub or Kaggle. Google technical recruiters want to see your portfolio. As well as your thinking process while you build software.

Google values contributions to the open source community.

Another thing to keep in mind is your programming languages. List them in the header and opposite to your contact details.

You don’t need to go into detail about them yet. But you need to be comfortable interviewing them later.

Here is what a better version of Travone’s header box would look like:

Actually, you can do without it in most cases. If you’re a seasoned specialist in your field, you can skip the summary part.

What is this?

Depending on your circumstances, your resume will have either an objective or a summary.

Summaries are used by professionals with extensive experience in their respective field.

By contrast, resume objectives are reserved for college grads and individuals changing their careers.

The main difference is that summaries focus on experiences. While objectives emphasize motivation and relevant skills.

So, if you still wish to include one, keep the summary relevant to the job.

This can become one of your resume’s greatest assets. So, don’t recount facts and details you’ve already highlighted in other sections.

The summary allows you to show that bit of enthusiasm the company expects from a future Googler.

Here is what it may look like:

A google resume summary example

Notice how both the candidate and the company have been addressed.

The applicant highlights how she can be beneficial to her future employer. Yet, she also indicates where her interests and passions lie.

Need more tips on summaries and objectives? Check out our thoughts on how to compose a stellar resume summary .

You may have heard this advice before, but even Google says: look at the job ad.

The role duties described in it will give good hints at the type of person recruiters want.

Check whether the position resonates with you. Ask yourself:

• Are you passionate about the job?
• Do you have relevant skills or experience?
• What can you bring into the role?

If you’re applying for a technical position, show how you’re involved with your community. Any participation in the following will make you stand out:

• Mobile app projects
• Web development work
• Hackathon and competitions awards
• Contributions to the open source community

What about recent grads?

Former Global Head of Recruiting at Google had this to say:

"For recent college graduates, Castle suggests that job applicants highlight recent academic research, tutoring, student group or class project experiences. More seasoned candidates, he adds, should use metrics and concise examples to show the impact of their work."

With this in mind, Google says data is all you need to provide context for your work. Avoid explaining your duties and responsibilities. Instead, share achievements.

"Here at Google, we’re always looking at data. So when you tell us about something you’ve accomplished, try to include data that shows the impact you made and how it ties to the role you want."

Google Careers Resume Tips and Advice Video

The company suggests using their XYZ method.

What is it?

This is a way to measure the impact of your work. XYZ stands for the following sentence template:

** “Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z].”**

For example:

“Boosted employee satisfaction rates by 45% by introducing a 3-day mental health leave program at the office.

Always begin your sentence with an action word. These make your accomplishments pop even more.

They bring the impact of your actions to the forefront and keep things short.

Yet, take into account the amount of space the experience section takes. Since this part should take the bulk of your resume, there are few rules you need to follow:

• Streamline your bullet points. If they spill over onto the next line, limit the new line to 1-2 words.
• When listing the dates of your employment, use the month-year format. For instance, ‘July 2022’.
• If you’re a technical expert, bold the names of programming languages you’ve used in each project.

It may sound like too many rules are in play. But they make Google resumes readable and easily scannable.

Let’s see what this looks like in action.

4 Google resume experience examples

• • Grew client base
• • Mentored local talents
• • Won a digital marketing award

Going back to Travone’s resume. His first draft isn’t very spectacular.

Because it looks more like a list of short notes for a resume rather than the resume itself. There are a few key mistakes here:

• The most obvious one is the typo. Always proofread your resume. And once you’re done, proofread again.
• The address is incomplete. Do mention where you’re based, even if you do remote work.
• The candidate hasn’t provided any quantifiable results for his work.

What would make this experience entry stand out more? Apply all the rules we talked about.

Have a look at the example below:

• • Grew client base by 250% over three years by designing and executing over 20 marketing campaigns.
• • Mentored 250+ local talents, interested in digital and content marketing, by organizing the Marketing Youth Initiative.
• • Selected among 360 contestants as the winner of the 2022 Effective Digital Marketing Awards by leading over 7 teams.

Infinitely better, wouldn’t you agree?

It sounds good and all, we hear you say, but what about the techies?

We’ve got you!

Check out our experience samples for the Software Engineer and Business Analyst roles.

• • Increased software products revenue by 16% QoQ by designing and executing new product features, using C++.
• • Increased team productivity by 70% by streamlining the business partners’ feedback and recommendation processes.
• • Reduced vendor production costs by 53% after optimizing current software products and fixing existing issues.
• • Increased overall reports accuracy by 19% by restructuring and combining relevant data sets.
• • Boosted upsell rates by 30% YoY across all accounts by auditing and expanding current client data sets.
• • Onboarded 24 new clients in the span of 3 years by analyzing their needs and suggesting tailor-made solutions.

Google recruiters prefer to combine the following in one section:

• Certifications

They call it the Leadership and Awards section.

What does it include?

It incorporates anything from:

• Prizes and awards
• Relevant leadership positions
• Recognitions
• Scholarships
• Certificates
• Professional Licenses

And many more!

Why are they merged this way?

The company’s hiring managers want to see a well-rounded story.

You are the sum of your interests, goals, skills, experiences and failure. Each part plays an important role in how your professional life has shaped up so far.

There are many people with a relatively similar skill set. Yet, none of them will be completely alike because of different life experiences.

So, how do you go about making the skills part eye-catching?

Keep on reading to find out!

How to describe your hard skills on your Google resume

This part can either be extremely easy to do or a complete nightmare. It all depends on the position you’ve chosen to apply for.

If you’re a techie, the hard skills section should be a no-brainer. If you have skills which you haven’t mentioned as part of your work experience, add them here.

This is your chance to reference side projects and other interests you have. Remember, you’re telling both your professional and life story.

Of course, you must keep them relevant to the job. Don’t forget to link them to particular outcomes and lead with numbers. Just like in the experience section.

So, which abilities are trending for technical specialists and engineers?

Must-have technical talents for a Google software engineer:

• Software development
• Data structures
• Software products launching and testing
• Software design and architecture
• Data Analysis
• Machine learning

Main hard skills for a Google business intelligence analyst:

• Programming experience
• Building data infrastructure (design, architecture, data pipelines, etc.)
• Extracting large data sets
• Data science
• Advanced analytics
• Machine learning tools and methodologies
• Conceptual, logical and physical data modeling
• Experimental analysis
• Predictive modeling

Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about non-techie experts!

Here are some of the crucial skills for marketing specialists at Google:

Key hard skills for a Google director of marketing:

• Business acumen
• Consumer electronics marketing
• People Management
• Inventory management
• Trends analysis
• Leadership skills
• Ability to facilitate and influence cross-functionality
• Strategic planning
• Ability to develop and lead marketing strategies
• Build and execute marketing initiatives in collaboration with local and global teams
• Accounting and budget allocation
• SKU prioritization
• Target setting and measurement

How to attract recruiter’s attention with your soft skills

Many consider this task to be even harder than talking about one’s technical prowess. But, if you follow Google’s XYZ formula, you can’t go wrong.

What would this look like?

Have a look at the table below:

Notice how each ability is tied to a specific outcome. This is why introspective thinking and research are important.

If you keep track of all your projects, as well as their impact, you’ll be ready in no time.

Before you list any skills on your resume:

• Review the job description again and see if you’ve ticked all the requirements
• Make a list with all the relevant skills you can offer
• Check whether you’ve failed to address any of the listed abilities on your resume

Bear in mind to balance out your soft and hard skills. Regardless of the job position you’re aiming for.

Although Google has many ML and AI specialists, none of them are robots. And you shouldn’t favor one side of your professional life more than the other.

That’s why soft skills are important to include on your resume.

Here are some of our suggestions on trending social skills for Googlers:

Most popular soft skills to list on your Google resume:

• Ability to understand customer needs

If you sift through the job postings on their career site, almost each one says:

“degree in a relevant field, or equivalent practical experience”

As part of Google’s equal opportunity workplace program, you shouldn’t worry about having a traditional education.

But, if you’re a college grad, the company prefers if you list:

• All post-secondary institutions you’ve been enrolled at
• All degrees and majors you’ve studied

Start with your most recent academic accomplishments first. Use the ‘month-year’ format to specify your graduation date.

Google recruiters recommend including your cumulative GPA, if you’re a current student or a recent grad.

Also, don’t hesitate to go into more detail about your education. After all, as a recent grad, this was your professional experience.

_To outshine other candidates, find more tips on building the perfect education resume section . _

Similar to the education part of your resume, these will depend on your circumstances. If you have relevant industry certificates, include them.

Just make sure that everything is in order and up-to-date.

Apart from the mandatory sections, anything else would be a bonus. If you still have some space left, you can include:

• Cover letter
• Association memberships (especially if you’ve held leadership positions)
• Publications, patents, papers, conference presentations, etc.
• Outstanding or popular side projects
• Involvement in student groups or societies

Google says that cover letters are optional because they may not get considered at all. But if you choose to send one, you must tailor it to the job position.

Explain how the opportunity to work at Google aligns with your passions.

Let the recruiters get to know you. And remember to use data when referencing relevant achievements.

If you decide to include other sections, check out a Googler’s profile on LinkedIn. See how they have framed their work experience. Better yet, if they have their resume public, read it.

• Carefully read the job ad before you begin writing
• Use the reverse-chronological resume format, but feel free to switch the sections up
• If you’re a techie, include the programming languages you know in the header
• If you’re a recent grad, build a strong resume objective to pitch your talents
• When describing your work experience, used the XYZ method to make an impact
• Once you have your first draft, proofread for typos and formatting errors
• Don’t forget to follow up with the hiring manager after you’ve submitted your resume

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The Art of Resume Writing – should you listen to Google?

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Whilst browsing through social media at the weekend, I stumbled across an article by Bill Murphy Jr published on Inc.com, writes Matt Craven, Founder and CEO of The CV & Interview Advisors.

Now, I don’t know much about Bill and Inc.com, but it was quite an interesting piece about Google’s Recruiters recommending the XYZ formula on your resume to improve your chances of getting hired at Google. There were also several other recommendations that Bill mentioned that are worthy of analysis, comment and perhaps deliberation.

If you are seeking a job at Google then it makes sense to follow their advice, but if you are seeking a job elsewhere, there were a number of points that might do you more harm than good, writes Matt.

1. Formatting

According to Bill, Google recommends that resumes should be in PDF format. Interestingly, the rest of the global recruitment industry recommends Microsoft Word as the accepted modus operandi.

The first and main reason is that many recruitment systems (ATS and the like) cannot read the data in a PDF and therefore, your resume is unlikely to successfully pass through the recruitment software and be read by a human.

The second reason is that recruitment firms prefer a format that allows them to remove your contact details and put your resume in their own in-house template before sending it to their clients – if you send them a PDF, they are unable to do this.

Given their day job, Google’s recruitment software algorithms may be more advanced than your average ATS and able to read PDFs, but outside of a Google application, Microsoft Word is a much safer option. A PDF might make your resume look moderately more attractive, but if it doesn’t get read by the machines, it’s never going to get read by a human.

2. Keep it to one page

Apparently, Google prefers a one-page CV, unless you are applying for a technical or engineering position. This may be Google’s preference, and the one-page recommendation does get mentioned from time to time, but it’s largely an urban myth with little foundation.

Let’s face it, how can you make an informed shortlisting decision based on one page of information, and why do hiring managers and recruiters check out job seekers on LinkedIn if they desire less information?

The purpose of a resume is to sell yourself, and one page for most people would be hugely restrictive and inadequate. Two pages is definitely not an issue, and in many countries, even three pages is acceptable.

Now, I can’t vouch for the integrity of their research, but ResumeGo claims that recruiters are 2.3 times more likely to prefer a two-page resume than a one-pager. I’m wholeheartedly in agreement that a slightly longer resume will serve most qualified and senior candidates better.

3. Using the XYZ formula

Google are describing a well-known formula for writing accomplishments that many resume writers call the ‘results first’ technique. It is widely acknowledged that accomplishments are the foundation of a successful application and Google’s description of this makes a lot of sense.

X is for “accomplished what?”, Y is for “measured by”, and Z if for “by doing what?”, so put in Google’s words, "Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z].

Let’s have a look at an example:

“Reduced costs by 10% by leading a major cost rationalization program”.

You could also flip this around as follows:

“Led major cost rationalization program that reduced costs by 10%”.

Both would be perfectly acceptable, and your choice will depend on where you want to place the emphasis. Typically, it’s the outcomes that are the most important piece of information, but if you want to highlight the fact that you led a cost rationalization program because this appears prominently on the job description then a “results-last” approach might be more appropriate.

In fairness, we are splitting hairs and as long as you have packed your resume full of accomplishments, with tangible, measurable and statistical outcomes, you will have given yourself a much stronger chance of being hired, whether that be by Google or any other organization.

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