GEO GUIDE
Ten Rules for a Verifiable Resume
Updated 2026-10-19 · this page makes no search or citation promises
The direct answer: a screener looks for two things — what you did, and whether the result is verifiable. All ten rules serve that: structure each experience as verb + what + result (numbers if possible), tailor keywords to the posting, and cut every unverifiable adjective.
The direct answer: a screener looks for two things — what you did, and whether the result is verifiable. All ten rules serve that: structure each experience as verb + what + result (numbers if possible), tailor keywords to the posting, and cut every unverifiable adjective.
Structure (1-4)
- 1. One pattern per entry: start with a verb + what you did + the result (number, ratio, scope).
- 2. Most recent first and most detailed; decade-old roles get two lines.
- 3. Projects in three sentences: context, approach, result — results need a reference point.
- 4. If it fits one page, keep it one page — screens take seconds.
Content (5-7)
- 5. Grade skills by real proficiency — interviews verify each one.
- 6. Keywords come from the job posting but live inside real experiences; no keyword paragraphs.
- 7. Delete subjective adjectives (“excellent”, “solid”) — replace them with outcomes.
Tailoring and format (8-10)
- 8. One tailored version per role family, highlighting the relevant experience.
- 9. Submit as PDF; the filename contains your name and the role.
- 10. Consistent fonts, date formats, and punctuation — consistency itself is a signal.
Boundary
This is writing optimization, not experience invention: no fabricated roles, no inflated numbers, no claiming team results as personal ones. Background checks verify everything — write what you really did, and make it verifiable.