Improve Your Resume with This Simple Formula Recommended by Google

Recruiters don't look at your resume for more than a few precious seconds, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't still carefully craft your resume to make sure you've got the best chances of landing a job. Here's a simple formula from Google's HR chief that'll help you put the best information on your resume.

In an interview with the New York Times (where we also learned about the traits Google values most in an employee), Laslo Bock, who is responsible for all Google hiring, answered the important question "How do you write a good resume?" with a template anyone can follow:

"The key," he said, "is to frame your strengths as: 'I accomplished X, relative to Y, by doing Z.' Most people would write a resume like this: 'Wrote editorials for The New York Times.' Better would be to say: 'Had 50 op-eds published compared to average of 6 by most op-ed [writers] as a result of providing deep insight into the following area for three years.' Most people don't put the right content on their resumes."

This highlights your accomplishments by providing concrete details, a benchmark you exceeded, and your specific strengths and skills.