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Writing a CV that gets read

Two short guides: how to write a CV a person will actually read, and how to get it through the software that reads it first. Both apply whether or not you use Tarshih.

Resume Guide

A short, practical guide to resumes that get past the filter and get read by a human, whether or not you use Tarshih to build one.

1. Start from the job description, not your memory

Before you write or edit a single line, read the job description closely and pull out the exact skills, tools, and qualifications it names. Recruiters and ATS software both weigh how closely your resume mirrors that specific language, not just whether you have relevant experience in general.

2. Use a structure that survives parsing

Stick to standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills), a single column where possible, and avoid putting critical information inside text boxes, tables, headers, or footers. Many ATS parsers silently drop content in those elements, even when it looks fine to your eye.

3. Quantify your impact

"Improved onboarding process" is forgettable. "Redesigned onboarding, cutting new-hire ramp time from 6 weeks to 3" is not. Wherever you can, attach a number, a percentage, or a scale to what you did.

4. Keep formatting simple

Standard fonts, consistent date formats, and minimal graphics. Save as a text-selectable PDF or .docx, not an image or a scanned file, so both ATS software and humans can actually read it.

5. Tailor every single application

A resume optimized for one job description is rarely optimized for the next one. This is the part Tarshih exists to automate: re-tailoring your resume and cover letter for each role, so you don't have to manually rewrite bullet points every time you apply.

ATS Tips

Fast, practical fixes to help your resume clear applicant tracking systems.

Quick tips

Mirror the job description's exact keywords and phrasing, don't just paraphrase them.

Use standard section headings like "Experience" and "Education", not creative alternatives.

Avoid tables, text boxes, and columns for anything you need the ATS to actually read.

Spell out acronyms at least once ("Search Engine Optimization (SEO)").

Save and submit as a text-based PDF or .docx, never a scanned image.

Keep critical information out of headers and footers; many parsers skip them.

List your job titles clearly and consistently; unusual titles can fail to match the role being searched for.

Use a simple, widely supported font rather than a decorative one.

Name your file clearly, e.g. "FirstName-LastName-Resume.pdf", not "Resume(3)_final_FINAL.pdf".

Tailor your resume per application. A generic resume, however well formatted, will consistently score lower than one tailored to the specific job description.

Your next application deserves better odds

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