Why Your Resume Isn’t Working (and What to Do About It)

And what to do instead.

In 2025, resumes aren’t just pieces of paper—they’re digital gatekeepers, sales pitches, and trust builders. If yours isn’t getting interviews, it’s likely failing in three key areas.

1. Get Past ATS Filters and Into Human Hands

Most resumes never reach a real person. Why?
Because they don’t pass the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

Fix it:

  • Use keywords directly from the job description—especially in your profile, skills, and experience sections.

  • Avoid fancy formatting, graphics, or putting info in headers and footers.

  • Use simple fonts like Calibri or Arial, and always test your resume with tools like Jobscan.

Pro Tip: Many ATS systems now include AI that screens for meaning, not just keywords. Your resume needs to be clean and strategic.

2. Speak Directly to Employer Pain Points

Hiring managers aren’t looking for your job history. They’re looking for a problem-solver.
If your resume doesn’t show how you’ll make their life easier—you’re getting skipped.

Fix it:

  • Identify the Important Pain Points (IPs) in the job description. What are they struggling with?

  • Use each experience on your resume to demonstrate how you’ve solved similar problems before.

  • Highlight outcomes, not just responsibilities. (e.g., “Cut delivery time by 30%,” not “Managed shipping schedules.”)

3. Reframe Your Resume as a Value-Driven Pitch

Your resume isn’t a biography—it’s a marketing tool. And it needs to communicate value fast.

Fix it:

  • Open with a strong Profile Paragraph that captures your brand, strengths, and unique edge.

  • Use accomplishment statements that start with action verbs and quantify results.

  • Pass the BUL Test: Be Believable, Understandable, and Likeable. If your story doesn’t feel clear and credible, it won’t be remembered.

Bottom Line:
If your resume isn’t targeted, clear, and aligned with the role, it won’t land interviews—no matter how qualified you are.

Want help fixing yours?
We cover all of this—and more—inside our online program, Resume Writing Studio. You’ll learn exactly how to build a resume that gets past ATS filters, speaks directly to employer needs, and positions you as the obvious choice in today’s job market.