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4 Resume Tips That Took This Engineer To Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Dropbox & More!

"After careful consideration, we've decided not to proceed with your application for this role."

For a job seeker, this statement cuts deep. Yet, all one can do is accept the setback and keep searching for another opportunity - another chance to prove oneself. But perhaps getting the right job isn’t just about perseverance - it might be about redefining your first impression, starting with your resume.

Like hundreds of software professionals, Akshay Phadke, a Seattle-based software engineer, faced his fair share of rejections before landing job offers from Big Tech firms.

His secret? A resume that stands out.

Phadke, who graduated from the University of Mumbai and earned his Master’s from the Georgia Institute of Technology, shared four key strategies that worked for him when applying to numerous tech firms. With his carefully considered resume-building strategy, this software engineer reached final interviews with Meta, Amazon, Dropbox, and Yelp and got job offers from Microsoft, 23andMe, and Wayfair. He surely did something right in there! Here are his tips.

Be Selective with Technical Skills

A resume overloaded with technical skills might seem impressive at first glance, but it can do more harm than good. Recruiters aren’t looking for a lengthy inventory of tool - they want to see how you have applied your expertise to create impact.

According to Phadke, listing too many technical skills, even if you're proficient in them, can leave a negative impression rather than a positive one. It invites unnecessary scrutiny and shifts the focus away from what truly matters. Tech firms prioritize depth over breadth, evaluating candidates based on the meaningful problems they have solved rather than the sheer number of skills listed.

Phadke suggests including only the top 3-4 technologies you’re most proficient in. Additionally, mentioning your proficiency level for each skill ensures transparency. This way, if an interviewer asks about a technology you’re not highly skilled in, you can be upfront without overstating your expertise.

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Less Is More

Your resume is your first impression, and in a competitive job market, every second counts. A cluttered, lengthy resume can drown your achievements, while a well-structured one ensures the most important details stand out. Think of it as a trailer to your career, engaging enough to make recruiters want to know more.

Phadke advises keeping your resume concise, ideally one page long. Hiring managers typically spend just a minute scanning each resume, so a lengthy one may lose their attention.

To make his resume more engaging, Phadke used crisp, compelling descriptions for his projects, creating a hook that sparked curiosity and encouraged recruiters to learn more about him.

Also Read: This Patna-girl Sent Her Resume to Google, And Bagged a Job of INR 1.10 Cr

Create a Visual Connection

A visually appealing resume instantly grabs attention, making it easier for recruiters to navigate your experience and skills. Clean typography, and thoughtful use of color can create a lasting impression. Beyond aesthetics, a visually polished resume reflects professionalism and attention to detail—qualities that employers value.

As reported to Business Insider, Phadke used Figma and Adobe Photoshop instead of Microsoft Word to break away from the sea of similar-looking resumes. He chose a Sans-Serif font over a Serif for a more polished and professional look. He also kept the color scheme gray to provide a softer reading experience.

As an interesting touch, Phadke included logos of the companies and universities he had been associated with, reinforcing strong brand recognition and credibility.

Highlight Individual Contributions

Hiring managers care about your specific contributions to a project. Blending team achievements with personal work can dilute your impact.

Phadke recommends clearly articulating your own contributions and objectively demonstrating the value you bring to a company. Additionally, showcasing projects across different domains highlights your adaptability to new technologies and work environments. This reassures recruiters that you can handle challenges outside your comfort zone.

Akshay Phadke secured a role at Microsoft before moving on to the B2B SaaS fintech startup Vareto and later Webflow. If you want a resume that doesn’t get overlooked and instead earns you an interview, incorporating these tips can set you up for success.

To help you further, check out the following resources:

Are you ready to write your own success story? Take the first step today and set your career in motion!

Shreeya Thakur

Sr. Associate Content Writer at Unstop

I am a biotechnologist-turned-content writer and try to add an element of science in my writings wherever possible. Apart from writing, I like to cook, read and travel.

Updated On: 14 Feb'25, 01:27 PM IST