A researcher analysed 125k resumes and discovered this

A researcher analysed 125k resumes and discovered this

If you’re struggling to get interviews, the problem isn’t a mystery, it’s likely in your resume (or in your job search strategy? make sure to check that section too hehe..)This single document is your professional foundation, an aggregation of your experience, accomplishments, and key skills. It’s also the tool hiring managers and recruiters use to decide whether you’re worth their time. Simply put, your resume is the most critical asset in your job search.
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What You’ll Learn in This Guide:

• How to build an ATS-proof resume that passes initial screenings and grabs attention, with free templates included.
• Advanced techniques to structure and phrase your experience, using metrics and impactful language.
• The art of personalization, tailoring your resume for specific roles and industries.
• How to research companies, what to research, and how to align your resume with their needs and culture.
• Common mistakes to avoid and final steps to polish your resume for perfection.

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Before beginning: if you just need a template for your resume / cover letter, here’s our collection: CV Templates by LABORO

Alright.

1.1. Let’s start from data

One of the biggest issues with resume tips from the Internet is that most of it is subjective. What works for me might not work for you and vice versa. When Austin Belcak released his findings from analyzing 125,340 resumes, he outlined clear principles for creating an impactful resume, whether it’s your first or a refined version of one you've used for years.

This paper shares the five key learnings from Belcak's study, explores their implications, and concludes with practical tips for resume writing to help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Full article: https://cultivatedculture.com/resume-statistics/

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Here's a summary of the key takeaway.

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1. Despite LinkedIn boosting interview rates by 71%, just 48% of resumes include a profile link.

It’s one of the easiest wins when it comes to your resume, and yet, most people skip it. Adding a link to your LinkedIn profile takes five seconds, but it can make a massive difference in whether you get called back.
Despite LinkedIn boosting interview rates by 71%, just 48% of resumes include a profile link.

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2. Candidates Only Included 51% Of Important Keywords And Skills, Heavily Under-Indexing On Soft Skills

If your resume doesn’t include the right keywords, it probably won’t even make it past the first filter. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are designed to scan for specific skills and phrases, and if they’re missing, you’re out.
Yet most people miss the mark completely. Candidates only included 51% of the important keywords and skills, with soft skills being the most overlooked.

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3. One of the biggest things that makes a resume stand out? Numbers.

Whether it's revenue growth, hours saved, or conversion rates, measurable results show impact and make your achievements real. But most people skip them.
Only 26% of resumes included five or more metrics, which means the vast majority miss a huge opportunity to prove their value.

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4. Most Resumes Miss the Ideal Length of 475–600 Words

Recruiters don’t read resumes, they skim. That’s why keeping the length just right is crucial. Too short, and it feels thin. Too long, and it gets ignored.
The data shows the ideal resume length is 475 to 600 words, but 77% of resumes fall outside that range, missing the mark on both clarity and impact.

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5. On the total analysed sample, 51% of Resumes were Filled With Fluff That Hurts More Than It Helps

Buzzwords like “motivated self-starter” or “results-driven professional” might sound impressive, but they don’t actually tell recruiters anything useful.
Still, 51% of resumes included fluffy content, clichés, or even incorrect pronouns, making them feel less authentic and more forgettable.

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At the end of the day, your resume isn’t about sounding impressive, it’s about being clear, specific, and human. Cut the fluff, show real results, and focus on what actually matters. That’s what gets interviews.
And if tailoring your resume feels like too much work, laboro.co makes it easy, it automatically generates a customized resume and cover letter for every job you apply to, so you stand out every time.