Let’s start by clearing out what’s no longer working. We want your career story to be told and catch the attention of those who need to hear it.
For my young professionals out there, keep your resume clean and clear with a one page maximum.
The same goes for your cover letter. It’s tempting to fit every experience into your resume — believe me, I’ve been there and done that. In the words of one of my former teachers, you don’t want the person reading it to be in a bad mood because it’s too long. When it’s too long, most people will skip through it even faster. That’s not ideal.
💡 Career experts agree; cover letters aren’t always required, but a strong one can make all the difference in your job search.
For everyone else, it’s always good to keep the most recent and relevant experiences on your resume and highlight specific instances in your cover letters. Understandably, some people have significant gaps in time in their professional careers. In those cases, prioritize relevant experiences. If there happen to be other jobs or professional experiences since then that can be highlighted, let that job you had straight after your last year of school take a backseat.
Now that we’ve got the main bullet points in place, it’s time to make sure that your resume sounds sleek and modern.
These tired phrases are holding your career story hostage. It’s time to kick them to the curb and make space for what really counts. We’ll give an example about how to revitalize phrases like this in the next section, so keep reading.
What’s still working for you? That introduction might have been collecting dust for a few years, but at one point it accurately described your abilities and career story. Take the tone or a certain word and refresh it.
🕰 Have you always been good with time-management? Update the wording so that strength finally gets the credit it deserves.
Before (dusty old intro):“I am a detail-oriented professional with strong time-management skills and a commitment to teamwork.”
After (much better):“A natural multitasker who thrives in fast-paced environments, I balance deadlines, projects, and collaboration with ease. Busy days become my success stories” (a perfect segue to an example of such a success story)
Of course, there isn’t anything wrong with the first introduction. It gets the job done with no extra fluff. In full transparency, the AI that reads it first won’t notice anything amiss. The only thing missing?
(It’s kind of important.)
It’s your voice. Once your resume and cover letter make it past the initial rounds, which it will, a real person will be scanning cover letter after cover letter. You want to make it stick in their minds. This is your chance to stand out in a clean and memorable way! Make it count.
For more on how to make your resume and cover letter ATS-friendly, click here.
I have an even easier solution for you.
Imagine not going through your cover letter and resume and rewriting every little thing about your career.
You don’t have to imagine it. With Hardly, input your old cover letter and resume along with some key words about what you want your new cover letter or resume to sound like into our cover letter and resume builders. Within minutes, you’ll have a brand-new, clutter-free, and ATS-friendly cover letter and resume ready to submit.
Worried about tone? You don’t have to be. Our AI enhances all text to sound exactly how you want it to. And guess what? All of Hardly’s tools are customizable to your needs. Use what you want, leave behind what you don’t.
Here’s your Hardly toolkit:
Assessments – Use built-in assessments to identify strengths, gaps, and job readiness.
Your career story is not fixed. It grows as you do. Whether you are just starting out or re-entering the workforce after time away, you already have what you need. What matters now is how you tell it.
Clear the clutter. Say what you mean. Let Hardly help you bring your next chapter into focus.
Growth isn’t a straight line to the top. It also isn’t defined by job titles or degrees.
Growth begins the moment you decide to move forward.
If you’re working with a workforce development center to find your next step, growth might mean rebuilding your confidence or figuring out how to talk about everything you’ve learned outside of a traditional job. It might mean navigating a completely new direction. And no matter where you are in your journey, Hardly is here to help you take that next step.
Everyone’s path is different, and that’s the point. Every experience teaches you something worth bringing to your next role.
This section is mostly for our high school graduates, but this advice applies to anyone without a degree looking further their careers without one.
Many of the most successful business men and women in the world don’t have a college degree. Their success didn’t come from a diploma. It came from the skills they built and the way they showed up.
Career success today depends far more on real-world experience than formal education. Every experience you have had has impacted you, whether that’s positively or negatively. It’s up to you to figure out how to channel the growth that each experience has sparked in you into your next steps.
Working in retail or at your local diner has value. It means you know how to work with people, even in difficult situations. If you had a side hustle in high school, it shows entrepreneurship and the ability to take risks responsibly. Volunteering at your local nursing home shows compassion, willingness to give back to the community, and most importantly, dedication.
These experiences matter and important to build true character alongside your foundation. You’ve already built the skills you need. Now it’s time to make sure employers see them.
Hardly works hand-in-hand with workforce development centers. Our tools, like our resume builder, help you tell your story clearly and professionally. If your experience doesn’t look traditional, that’s okay. Tell us where you’ve been, and we’ll help you present it in the best way possible.
Coming back to work after time away can feel overwhelming. Whether you’ve been raising a family, serving in the military, or navigating a major life change, reentering the workforce requires courage and support.
For some, it’s been years since they’ve had to update a resume or apply for a job. For others, like formerly incarcerated individuals, the gap in employment might feel like a wall. And for veterans, the transition into civilian life can be jarring.
You’ve developed highly valuable skills that aren’t always written in the language employers expect to see. These types of skills could never have been gained by someone in academia. That’s your advantage. You have lived a different life, and have grown skills that are necessary for our society.
If you’ve kept people safe, followed detailed protocols, or learned how to make fast decisions in unpredictable environments, you already have what so many employers are looking for. Adaptability. Leadership. Attention to detail. Teamwork.
Can you work well in a high-pressure environment? The question doesn’t even need to be asked with certain jobs under your belt.
The key is helping employers recognize those strengths. That is what Hardly does best. Our resume and cover letter builders help you translate your story into a format employers understand. And this time, you don’t have to spend hours staring at a blank screen.
The job search is grueling, especially when you’re trying to pivot into a new field without a traditional background.
It’s a time filled with uncertainty.
You apply to dozens of jobs, rewrite your resume over and over, tailor your cover letters and still hear nothing back. Eventually, it starts to feel personal. But it’s not.
Rejections left and right are NOT a commentary on the value you can bring to the table. Forbes states that 70% of people are finding it harder to get a job this year than in years past. You’re not imagining things. The market is tough.
Hardly lets you update your resume as you grow, build custom cover letters for every job you apply to, and track all your applications in one place. We help you stay organized and focused so your effort doesn’t go to waste. Our tools make your growth visible to employers.
Don’t make it harder than it needs to be, right?
Here’s a few steps to get you started:
1. Use Hardly’s resume builder to tell your story clearly and confidently.
A well-crafted resume is your first impression. Use our tools to highlight your strengths, your experiences, and your goals in a way that speaks to employers.
2. Track your applications with the job tracker.
Staying organized during your job search helps you stay focused. Hardly’s job tracker lets you see where you have applied, follow up with confidence, and celebrate each small win.
3. Set one new growth goal each week.
Small goals lead to big changes. Whether it is updating one section of your resume, learning a new digital tool, or attending a workshop, consistent progress builds momentum.
4. Keep showing up.
Growth is not about having everything figured out. It is about taking one step at a time, no matter what stage you are in.
Hardly makes those steps easier. We are here to help you stay on track and own your growth with clarity and purpose.
Here’s a fun fact about me: I’m a perfectionist at heart. However, being perfect is not what growth is about. We’re all running the same race but from different places. Your next step will look different from mine. The most important thing to keep in mind is that we’re both moving forward.
Feeling sad? Take a step forward. Feeling tired? Take another step forward.
Each step forward facilitates more growth and more character.
You have to own each step.
Hardly has your back every step of the way.
Today, employers are looking for skills over degrees.
Ask around. Chances are someone in your circle took an untraditional route from high school to their now successful career. If you don’t know someone like that yet, Hardly is here to help you become that person or support others.
The job market is challenging, even on its best day. You scroll through LinkedIn or Indeed and see job postings with qualifications for entry-level jobs like this:
That overwhelming spreadsheet of applications rejection emails and recruiter names that I know you have (don’t worry, we’ve all been there) can be simplified with an effortless job tracker designed by Hardly to keep you organized and focused.
Let’s dive into why skills are outweighing degrees these days.
Some fields like medicine, law, or engineering will always require formal education and hard skills. That’s fair. In recent years, many qualified people have gravitated toward other paths, like those in the trades or other fields like marketing, business, entrepreneurship, and design.
The downside for hiring professionals? Thousands of applicants look nearly identical on paper. They have the same:
degree.
internships.
cover letter rewritten over and over to fit the qualifications.
How do you stand out and differentiate yourself when everyone checks the same boxes?
Employers are shifting their focus from just degrees to actual experience. It’s heartening to see employers begin to focus on hiring the right skills, drive, and passion. Instead of where you went to school, they want to know what you can do.
What have you built, led, designed, managed, or solved? Experience and demonstrated capabilities are what matter in today’s job market. Hardly’s resume builder helps you highlight your skills clearly and use the right keywords to catch recruiters’ attention.
Companies like Google, IBM, and Delta have already removed degree requirements for many roles. Likewise, more are following, because they’ve realized what we’ve always believed:
💡 Your experience matters more than a diploma.
Organizations are finally starting to recognize that traditional education is not the only path to job readiness.
This change didn’t happen overnight. It’s driven by many factors. Here are the top 2 overall factors:
Technology Evolution
Tech evolves faster than most college programs, so degrees can become outdated in record time. Many new job positions today didn’t exist 10 years ago. Equity and access have become central conversations. College isn’t affordable or accessible for everyone. Employers are realizing that talent is everywhere but opportunity is not.
Changing Nature Of Work
Freelancing gig work side hustles remote jobs and entrepreneurship have expanded how people develop and prove their skills. Someone who started a small business managed a family schedule or ran social media for a nonprofit might bring more relevant experience than a recent graduate without hands-on training.
Skills-first hiring also changes how we think about career paths. Gone are the days of climbing one narrow ladder for forty years. Today’s workforce is built on pivots, growth, and reinvention. You can move between industries, start over in a new city, or explore a different role without returning to school each time. That freedom can feel intimidating but it is also incredibly empowering. Your career doesn’t need to follow anyone else’s template. You are allowed to build it your way.
More than anything, this movement puts the spotlight back on people. It recognizes that value does not come from a piece of paper. It comes from action. Value comes from showing up, figuring things out, making progress and learning as you go. That mindset matters more than a transcript ever could.
Electricians, welders, plumbers, and carpenters are all professionals with serious skill sets, and their work is more essential than ever. These are smart, valuable, and often high-paying career paths that deserve the same level of respect as any corporate job. People in the trades build and maintain the world we all rely on. And right now, there is real opportunity. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, skilled trades are among the industries most impacted by the labor shortage, which means demand is high and growing.
Hardly was built with that in mind. Whether you are fixing engines, framing houses, designing websites, or running your own landscaping business, your work has real impact.
Hardly helps you turn hands-on experience into language that speaks to employers. Whether you have been working for twenty years or you are just starting out, Hardly makes it easier to identify your skills, frame your story, and stay organized throughout your search. You don’t need a business degree to prove that you are capable and ready. You just need the right words.
Workforce development nonprofits play a crucial role in bridging the gap between job seekers and employment opportunities. Between helping job seekers overcome barriers to employment, gain new skills, and secure meaningful careers, they often have their plates full to the brim. Add in other challenges such as limited staff capacity and/or outdated processes, and things really get dicey.
That’s where Hardly comes in. Our AI-powered career platform helps workforce development organizations automate job search tools, streamline resume and cover letter creation, track application progress, and provide career assessments—freeing up staff to focus on personalized coaching and long-term career success.
Let’s explore the different types of workforce development nonprofits that can benefit from Hardly’s technology.
Who They Are: Non-profits that provide job search assistance, skills training, and employer connections to job seekers in their communities.
How Hardly Helps:
✅ Automates resume and cover letter optimization for job seekers
✅ Offers job seekers AI-driven career recommendations and job tracking tools
✅ Reduces administrative burden, allowing staff to focus on coaching
📍 Example: A job center in Indiana uses Hardly to help job seekers quickly generate ATS-friendly resumes, ensuring they stand out to employers. Check out their website here.
Who They Are: Organizations that help individuals transitioning from incarceration rebuild their lives and find stable employment.
How Hardly Helps:
✅ Translates nontraditional work experience (prison jobs, training programs) into professional resumes
✅ Provides AI-assisted career tools to reduce stigma in applications
✅ Helps reentry case managers track job applications and employment outcomes
📍 Example: A nonprofit supporting justice-involved individuals uses Hardly to create skill-based resumes, helping participants secure jobs in industries open to second-chance hiring. Check out their website here.
Who They Are: Organizations that help young adults (ages 16–24), especially those facing barriers like poverty or homelessness, enter the workforce.
How Hardly Helps:
✅ Provides easy-to-use resume builders for first-time job seekers
✅ Helps career coaches guide youth through job searches with structured tools
✅ Tracks job applications and progress, making it easier to report success metrics
📍 Example: A youth employment program uses Hardly to help teens with no prior job experience create professional resumes as they train in a variety of tech fields.
Who They Are: Nonprofits that assist immigrants and refugees in securing employment by helping them navigate language barriers, credential recognition, and cultural differences.
How Hardly Helps:
✅ Helps those that may have a tough time “bragging” about themselves in a professional way
✅ Simplifies cover letter writing for non-native English speakers
✅ Generates applicable skills for job titles
📍 Example: A refugee assistance program uses Hardly to help newcomers tailor resumes for U.S. employers, making their overseas experience more marketable in the American job market.
Who They Are: Organizations that assist military veterans in transitioning to civilian careers by translating their skills and experience into job-ready applications.
How Hardly Helps:
✅ Translates military experience into civilian job qualifications
✅ Helps veterans articulate leadership, teamwork, and technical skills in applications
✅ Connects job seekers with employers actively hiring veterans
📍 Example: A veteran career center partners with Hardly to create skill-based resumes that showcase military leadership in ways that appeal to civilian employers.
Workforce nonprofits are on the front lines of economic mobility, and Hardly ensures they have the right tools to support job seekers faster and more effectively. By automating tedious career preparation tasks, providing AI-driven job search support, and streamlining case management workflows, Hardly helps nonprofits scale their impact without overburdening staff.
If your organization is dedicated to helping people find, secure, and grow in their careers, Hardly can help. Let’s transform workforce development together.
Hey there! If you’re diving into the tech world and need to whip up a resume that rocks, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to make your resume stand out:
Tech folks love things clear and concise. Your resume should be easy to skim, with no fluff. Stick to bullet points for your skills and achievements, and keep your sentences snappy.
Your tech skills are your superpowers. Don’t just say you’re into programming; name the specific languages you’re good at, like Python or Java. The more specific, the better!
In tech, what you’ve built says a lot. Got some cool projects? Flaunt them! Add links to your GitHub, personal site, or any live demos you’ve got.
Got some achievements? Quantify them! Saying “Boosted website speed by 30%” sounds way more impressive than just “improved website performance.” This can make your tech resume stand out.
List your jobs, but keep it relevant to tech. If you’re new to the game, any internships or even volunteer gigs where you flexed your tech muscles will help.
Need help making your non-tech jobs relevant? Use Hardly’s free resume builder to quickly edit job details to highlight tech-related skills. Suddenly, that retail job can focus on how you were detail oriented.
Talk about your highest education level, and if you’ve got tech-related certifications or courses, definitely include those. They show you’re constantly leveling up your skills.
One size doesn’t fit all. Tweak your tech resume for each job you apply for. Match it up with the job description to sneak past those pesky automated resume filters. Hardly’s free resume builder template is guaranteed to be ATS friendly and you can optimize your resume to a specific job description in seconds!
Add a personal touch with a brief professional summary at the top of your tech resume. It’s like your own mini-ad for why you’re awesome for the job.
There’s a bunch of online resume builders and templates out there, especially for tech resumes. They can save you a ton of time and make sure your resume looks slick. Interested in trying one out? Conveniently, we have an awesome one: Check out Hardly’s free resume builder.
Remember, your resume is just the starting point. It’s your foot in the door, but you gotta back it up with solid skills and a great chat in the interview. Keep updating your resume as you level up your skills, and always give it that special touch for each job you’re after. You’ve got this! 🚀
If you want a way to shortcut your resume to success, use Hardly’s free resume builder. In a few minutes, you’ll have a show-stopping resume that is ready for any ATS. You can also check out our recent article on resume writing tips here.
Tired of feeling stuck with your resume and cover letter? This post walks you through refreshing your career story by removing outdated language, emphasizing your real skills, and using Hardly’s smart tools to streamline your job search. Your story evolves. Make sure your application materials do too!
You don’t need a perfect plan to move forward. Whether you are reentering the workforce, switching careers, or taking your very first job, growth is already happening. With the right tools, you can own it.
The job market is shifting. Employers now value skills over degrees. Hardly helps you stand out by showcasing what you can do, not just where you studied.
In the ever-evolving landscape of job applications, adapting to the latest trends and technologies is crucial. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) have become an integral part of the hiring process, streamlining recruitment and helping employers find the best-fit candidates efficiently. As we step into 2024, it’s essential to understand the latest strategies for optimizing your resume to stand out in the digital crowd.
Applicant Tracking Systems use sophisticated algorithms to scan, analyze, and rank resumes based on specific criteria set by employers. In 2024, these systems are likely to become even more advanced, emphasizing the importance of tailoring your resume to align with their requirements.
Keywords play a pivotal role in ATS success. As technology evolves, so do the keywords relevant to specific industries and roles. Stay updated on industry trends, buzzwords, and the latest terminologies. Incorporate these keywords naturally, ensuring a seamless integration that mirrors the language used in job descriptions. Hardly’s resume builder helps ensure that you have the right keywords where it counts.
While a visually appealing resume is important, ATS primarily looks for well-organized and cleanly formatted documents. Stick to simple, professional templates with standard fonts. Avoid graphics, charts, and elaborate designs, as these can confuse the ATS algorithms and hinder your resume’s chances of being parsed correctly.
One-size-fits-all resumes are a thing of the past. In 2024, customization is key. Tailor your resume for each job application by emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific role. This not only enhances your chances with ATS but also captures the attention of hiring managers who may review your application after the initial digital screening.
Need help with this? Use Hardly’s free resume builder to quickly edit your resume for a specific job description.
ATS algorithms are becoming more adept at recognizing quantitative data. Instead of listing generic job responsibilities, focus on quantifiable achievements and results. Use numbers and percentages to highlight your impact in previous roles, providing concrete evidence of your contributions.
In a tech-savvy job market, including URLs to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or online portfolio can add depth to your application. These links not only provide additional context but also offer the ATS a more comprehensive view of your professional persona.
As mobile devices continue to dominate internet usage, it’s essential that your resume is mobile-friendly. Use simple, legible fonts and avoid complex formatting that may not translate well on smaller screens. This optimization ensures that your resume is accessible to recruiters on various devices. Hardly’s free resume builder template is guaranteed to be ATS friendly.
As we step into 2024, the job market is set to become more competitive, and understanding how to navigate ATS is crucial. By staying informed about the latest trends in optimization, you can increase your chances of making it through the digital gatekeepers and securing the opportunities you deserve. Remember, it’s not just about impressing humans anymore; it’s about impressing the algorithms first.
If you want a way to shortcut your resume to success, use Hardly’s free resume builder. In a few minutes, you’ll have a show-stopping resume that is ready for any ATS. You can also check out our recent article on resume writing tips here.
Tired of feeling stuck with your resume and cover letter? This post walks you through refreshing your career story by removing outdated language, emphasizing your real skills, and using Hardly’s smart tools to streamline your job search. Your story evolves. Make sure your application materials do too!
You don’t need a perfect plan to move forward. Whether you are reentering the workforce, switching careers, or taking your very first job, growth is already happening. With the right tools, you can own it.
The job market is shifting. Employers now value skills over degrees. Hardly helps you stand out by showcasing what you can do, not just where you studied.
Your resume is often your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on potential employers. A well-crafted resume can open doors to exciting career opportunities, while a poorly structured one may close them. In this competitive job market, it’s crucial to master the art of resume writing. Let’s explore some best practices to ensure your resume stands out and effectively showcases your skills and experiences.
Want a shortcut to resume success?
One size does not fit all when it comes to resumes. Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position. This not only demonstrates your attention to detail but also increases your chances of catching the recruiter’s eye.
Your professional summary is the first thing recruiters see. Craft a concise and compelling summary that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. This section should provide a snapshot of who you are professionally and what you bring to the table.
Instead of listing job duties, focus on your accomplishments. Quantify your achievements wherever possible by using metrics and numbers. This gives recruiters a tangible sense of your impact in previous roles, making you a more attractive candidate.
Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb to convey a sense of proactivity. Be specific about your contributions and responsibilities, avoiding vague language. This adds clarity and paints a vivid picture of your capabilities.
Arrange your resume in a clean and organized format. Use headings and subheadings to create a logical flow, making it easy for recruiters to scan your resume quickly. Consistent formatting, font, and bullet points contribute to a polished appearance.
Incorporate a dedicated skills section that aligns with the requirements of the job. Include both hard and soft skills, ensuring a well-rounded portrayal of your capabilities. Tailor this section for each application to emphasize the skills most applicable to the position.
Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. To increase your chances of passing through this initial phase, incorporate keywords from the job description. This not only demonstrates your suitability for the role but also helps your resume get noticed by the ATS.
Clearly outline your educational background, including degrees earned, institutions attended, and graduation dates. If you have relevant certifications, list them here as well. Keep this section concise but informative.
While maintaining a professional tone, inject a bit of personality into your resume. This can be achieved through your professional summary, achievements, or a designated section for interests and hobbies. This helps you stand out and adds a human touch to your application.
Typos and grammatical errors can leave a negative impression. Proofread your resume meticulously to ensure it is error-free. Consider asking a friend or mentor to review it as well, gaining valuable feedback and catching any oversights.
Want a shortcut to resume success?
Crafting an effective resume is an essential skill in today’s competitive job market. By following these best practices, you can create a compelling document that showcases your strengths, experiences, and unique value proposition. Want a shortcut to resume greatness? Try Hardly’s AI Resume Builder!
Remember, your resume is not a static document; update it regularly to reflect your evolving skills and career achievements. With a well-crafted resume in hand, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the job market and land the opportunities you seek.
Tired of feeling stuck with your resume and cover letter? This post walks you through refreshing your career story by removing outdated language, emphasizing your real skills, and using Hardly’s smart tools to streamline your job search. Your story evolves. Make sure your application materials do too!
You don’t need a perfect plan to move forward. Whether you are reentering the workforce, switching careers, or taking your very first job, growth is already happening. With the right tools, you can own it.
The job market is shifting. Employers now value skills over degrees. Hardly helps you stand out by showcasing what you can do, not just where you studied.
