Author: Tee Johnson

In today’s hyper-competitive job market, your resume isn’t just a document—it’s your personal pitch to the world’s most desirable employers. Think of it as the trailer to your career blockbuster: if it doesn’t hook them in the first 10 seconds, they’ll scroll past to the next candidate.

Writing a resume that stands out could actually be just as time-consuming as finding a part-time, full-time or seasonal job. But it’s also very important.

Here are some ways to write that resume that can get the attention of Atlanta’s top companies.

How to Create a Strong Resume That Gets the Job

Of course, you need a resume, but a lot of people fail to take advantage of a cover letter. The cover letter can steal attention by using powerful action words the employer is looking for.

Make sure you tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job you apply for. Download this free resume template to see how it’s done.

Every good resume should have a number of key things in common.

• Keywords that match those in the job description
• Strong action words in the top third of the page to grab the recruiter’s attention
• Get it proofread by someone else before you submit

Step 1: Understand the Anatomy of a Winning Resume

Before you type a single word, grasp what makes a resume irresistible to top companies. At its core, a resume is a marketing tool, not a memoir. It should:

• Quantify achievements: Numbers speak louder than adjectives. “Improved sales” is meh; “Boosted quarterly revenue by 35% through targeted CRM integrations” is magnetic.
• Tailor ruthlessly: One-size-fits-all resumes are for amateurs. Customize for each job to mirror the company’s language and priorities.
• Be scannable: Use bold headers, bullet points, and white space. Recruiters skim; make it easy.
• Show fit: Highlight how you solve their problems. Research the company—read their latest earnings call or blog posts.

Length matters: Aim for one page if you’re under 10 years of experience; two pages max for seasoned pros. Use a clean font like Arial or Calibri (10-12 pt) and 0.5-1 inch margins. PDF format preserves formatting across devices.Pro Tip: Top companies value impact over tenure. A six-month stint at a startup where you scaled user growth by 200% trumps a decade of coasting in a cubicle.

Step 2: Choose the Right Resume Format

Not all resumes are created equal. The format you pick depends on your career stage and story. Here’s a breakdown:

Chronological Format: The Gold Standard for Most

• Best for: Linear career paths with steady progression (e.g., software engineers applying to Microsoft).
• Structure: Lists experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role.
• Why it wins: Recruiters at top firms love seeing your trajectory—promotions signal reliability.
• Potential Pitfall: Gaps in employment scream louder here, so address them briefly (e.g., “Career Break: Pursued MBA at Harvard”).

Functional Format: Spotlight Skills Over Timeline

• Best for: Career changers, freelancers, or those with employment gaps (e.g., a marketer shifting to product management at Salesforce).
• Structure: Leads with a skills summary, followed by brief work history.
• Why it wins: It downplays chronology and amplifies transferable skills like “Data Analysis” or “Stakeholder Management.”
• Potential Pitfall: ATS systems sometimes flag it as suspicious—use sparingly for tech-heavy roles.

Hybrid Format: The Best of Both Worlds

• Best for: Everyone else, especially creative fields or executives (e.g., designers at Apple).
• Structure: Starts with a robust skills/professional summary, then chronological experience.
• Why it wins: Balances storytelling with substance, ideal for showcasing both expertise and evolution.

Recommendation: Go hybrid unless your career is a straight shot. Test it by printing it out—does it tell your story at a glance?

Step 3: Craft Irresistible Sections

Now, the meat: content. Each section must pop with specificity and relevance. Let’s build it piece by piece.Header: Your Digital Handshake

• Essentials: Name (bold, 18-24 pt), phone, professional email (no “partyanimal92@gmail.com”), LinkedIn URL, and location (city/state—full address invites bias).
• Optional Add-Ons: Portfolio site for creatives or GitHub for devs.
• Top Company Hack: Include a subtle tagline, like “Data Scientist | AI Ethics Specialist | Ex-Google.” It primes the reader for your value prop.

Professional Summary: The Elevator Pitch

Forget the outdated “Objective” statement—it’s all about the summary. This 3-5 sentence opener is your hook.

• What to Include: Who you are, your expertise, a standout achievement, and what you bring to them.
• Example for a Tech Role at Meta: “Results-driven Full-Stack Developer with 8+ years optimizing scalable applications at FAANG-scale environments. Pioneered a microservices architecture that reduced latency by 40% at Amazon, handling 10M+ daily users. Eager to drive innovative AR/VR experiences at Meta, blending React Native proficiency with a passion for immersive tech.”
• Tailoring Tip: Echo keywords from the job description (e.g., “agile methodologies” if it’s listed).

Work Experience: Where Achievements Reign

This is your resume’s engine room—60% of the real estate. List 3-5 roles, reverse chronological, with:

• Format: Job Title | Company | Dates | Location
• Bullets: 4-6 per role, starting with action verbs (e.g., “Engineered,” “Orchestrated”). Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
• Quantify Everything:
  • Weak: “Managed a team.”
  • Strong: “Led a 12-person cross-functional team to launch a SaaS product, acquiring 50K users in Q1 and generating $2M ARR.”
• For Top Companies: Focus on leadership, innovation, and scale. If applying to Bain, emphasize “client impact”; for Tesla, highlight “sustainable engineering feats.”

Omit irrelevant gigs (e.g., that summer flipping burgers unless it’s your only experience).

Education: Keep It Concise, Unless It’s Your Superpower

• Format: Degree | Institution | Graduation Year | GPA (if >3.5).
• For Recent Grads: Lead with this; add relevant coursework, honors, or theses.
• For Pros: Tuck it at the bottom. No need for high school.
• Elite Twist: If you attended Stanford or Wharton, flaunt it—but pair with post-grad wins to avoid “Ivy League slacker” vibes.

Skills Section: Your Keyword Arsenal

A targeted list of 8-12 hard and soft skills, bulleted or columnar for scanability.

• Hard Skills: Tools like Python, Salesforce, Adobe Suite—pull from the job ad.
• Soft Skills: Leadership, Adaptability—but back them with evidence elsewhere.
• ATS Must: Include exact phrases like “SQL querying” if the posting does.

Pro Hack: For roles at Deloitte, list “Advanced Excel & Tableau”; for SpaceX, “CAD Modeling & Finite Element Analysis.”Additional Sections: The Cherry on Top

• Certifications: AWS Certified? Google Analytics Pro? List with dates.
• Projects/Portfolio: Link to GitHub repos or Behance for tangible proof.
• Volunteer Work/Extracurriculars: Only if relevant (e.g., coding bootcamps for entry-level devs).
• Languages/Publications: Bonus for global firms like Unilever.

Step 4: Master Design and Formatting for Visual Impact

Top companies aren’t just about smarts—they’re about polish. A sloppy layout signals carelessness.

• Visual Hierarchy: Bold job titles, italicize companies, consistent bullet styles.
• Colors and Graphics: Subtle accents (e.g., navy headers) for creative roles; black-and-white for finance. Avoid charts unless you’re in data viz—keep it ATS-safe.
• White Space: Don’t cram; breathing room invites lingering eyes.
• Tools: Use Canva, Google Docs, or Overleaf for LaTeX pros. Always export to PDF.

Test on mobile: If it breaks there, recruiters will ghost you.

Step 5: Optimize for ATS and Human Readers

80% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS to filter resumes. Yours must pass the robot test:

• Keywords: Weave in 5-10 from the job description naturally (e.g., don’t stuff “project management” 20 times).
• Standard Sections: Stick to headers like “Experience” not “My Epic Journey.”
• File Naming: “FirstLast_Resume_JobTitle.pdf” beats “resume.docx.”
• Avoid: Tables, images, fancy fonts—they confuse parsers.

Once past ATS, charm the human: Use active voice, vary sentence length, and infuse personality without slang.

Step 6. Proofread: Make Sure Your Information Is Accurate

There’s nothing worse than adding your name, address, phone number and email address to your email, but one of them is wrong. You must tailor your resume.

Customization is non-negotiable. Spend 30 minutes per application tweaking:

• Swap bullets to match company pain points (e.g., “cost savings” for GE, “user engagement” for Netflix).
• A/B Test: Send versions to a mentor for feedback.

Proofreading? Triple-check with Grammarly, then read aloud. Enlist a friend—typos at Goldman Sachs? Instant no.

Common Mistakes to Dodge:

• Lying: Inflated metrics get fact-checked in interviews.
• Generic Fluff: Ditch “team player”; show it.
• Overloading: More isn’t better—curate for quality.
• Negativity: No “left due to toxic culture.”

It’s very important than you check that your means of communicating with the job is up to date. That’s the only way they’ll be able to contact you. That leads us to our next point…

So many people don’t bother to hire a proofreader to look over the sentence structure, grammar and punctuation of their resume.

Many recruiters and hiring managers will throw your resume in the trash, if they see errors, especially if it’s for a communications job.

Real-World Examples: Before and After

Before (Dull Dev Resume):

• Software Developer, XYZ Corp, 2020-Present
  • Wrote code.
  • Fixed bugs.

After (Top-Tier Ready):

• Senior Software Engineer, XYZ Corp (Acquired by Oracle), 2020-Present | Remote
  • Architected a Kubernetes-based CI/CD pipeline, accelerating deployment cycles by 60% and supporting 5M+ transactions daily.
  • Collaborated with PMs to integrate ML models via TensorFlow, enhancing fraud detection accuracy from 85% to 97%.

For templates, search “ATS-friendly resume templates” on Indeed or LinkedIn—adapt one to your field.

Final Word

Writing a resume that attracts top companies isn’t about perfection; it’s about precision—distilling your career into a compelling narrative that screams “Hire me.” Follow this guide: choose your format wisely, pack sections with quantifiable wins, design for delight, and tailor like your dream job depends on it (because it does).

Remember, even Elon Musk started with a strong pitch.Update your resume today, then hit apply on that stretch role at OpenAI or Bain. Track applications in a spreadsheet, follow up politely, and prepare for the interview grind. You’ve got the tools—now go land that offer.

In a raw and unflinching revelation that’s sending ripples through the city’s hip-hop community, Atlanta-born rapper Gucci Mane has come forward with his wife, Keyshia Ka’oir, to disclose his long-private struggles with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

The couple’s candid discussion, tied to the release of Gucci Mane’s new memoir Episodes: The Diary of a Recovering Mad Man, shines a spotlight on mental health challenges often shrouded in stigma within the music industry—and offers a beacon of hope for others in the A.

Gucci Mane Goes Public With Mental Health Struggles

Gucci Mane, whose real name is Radric Davis, detailed his diagnoses in the book, which hit shelves this week.

The 45-year-old East Atlanta native, a pioneer of trap music with hits like “Lemonade” and “Wasted,” described harrowing “psychosis” episodes where he felt trapped in a “warped world,” haunted by voices in his mind.

“It was like a war inside my head,” Mane shared during a recent joint interview with Ka’oir on The Breakfast Club.

The memoir chronicles years of chaos, including his high-profile 2016 arrest and subsequent rehabilitation, which he now attributes in part to unmanaged mental health issues.

Buy Episodes: The Diary of a Recovering Mad Man

Ka’oir, the entrepreneur behind the popular Ka’oir Fitness and Ka’oir Cosmetics brands, emerged as a pillar of strength in Mane’s story.

The couple, married since 2017, detailed how she recognizes early warning signs of his episodes—such as sudden mood shifts or withdrawal—and implements a structured plan to de-escalate situations.

“He needed someone to help him,” Ka’oir said, emphasizing the importance of routine, medication adherence, and open communication.

“We’ve built a system that works for us, and it’s saved our family.”For Atlanta, where Mane’s influence looms large—from his early days freestyling at local spots like Magic City to his role as a mentor for emerging artists like Young Thug and 21 Savage—this disclosure hits close to home.

The city’s rap scene has long grappled with the toll of fame, substance abuse, and unspoken mental health battles. Mane’s transparency could destigmatize these conversations, especially in Black communities where schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are often misdiagnosed or dismissed.

Dr. Elena Ramirez, a psychiatrist at Grady Memorial Hospital’s behavioral health unit, praised the couple’s bravery. “When public figures like Gucci Mane share their stories, it encourages others to seek help,” she told the Atlanta Chronicle. “We’re seeing more patients inspired by such narratives—it’s a game-changer for access to care in urban areas like ours.”Mane’s journey to this moment wasn’t easy. After serving nearly three years in federal prison on firearm charges, he emerged transformed in 2016, crediting sobriety and therapy for his comeback.

Albums like Everybody Looking and his 2018 collaboration The Return of East Atlanta Santa marked a creative renaissance. Yet, behind the platinum plaques, the demons persisted.

In Episodes, he recounts how untreated symptoms fueled paranoia and isolation, nearly derailing his marriage and fatherhood to their two children, Ka’oir Khamani and Iceland.The book isn’t just a confessional; it’s a call to action.

Mane and Ka’oir urge fans to prioritize mental wellness, sharing resources like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Georgia chapter, which offers free support groups in metro Atlanta.

“Mental illness is real,” Ka’oir posted on social media, echoing a sentiment that’s resonated with thousands of likes and shares from local influencers.

As Atlanta continues to crown itself the Mecca of Hip-Hop, Gucci Mane’s vulnerability reminds us that true strength lies in the unfiltered truth.

Final Word

You can buy Episodes: The Diary of a Recovering Mad Man on Amazon. It’s also available at local bookstores like A Cappella Books in Little Five Points, and Gucci Mane is slated for a low-key signing at the Fox Theatre next month—proceeds benefiting Atlanta-based mental health initiatives.

For immediate support, contact the Georgia Crisis & Access Line at 1-800-715-4225 or visit nami.org/georgia. For a detailed look, check out our Atlanta Mental Health Resources Guide.

In the words of the Trap God himself: “We all got episodes. The key is writing the next chapter.”

In a city as vibrant and fast-paced as Atlanta, the pressures of daily life, work, and unexpected events can take a toll on mental well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or a crisis, help is available right here in the Peach State.

As Mental Health Awareness Month approaches its end and we head into the holiday season, local experts emphasize the importance of reaching out early.

Need Help With Your Mental Health? Check Out These Atlanta Resources

According to the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, timely access to support can make all the difference in recovery.

To support our community, the Atlanta Beacon has compiled a list of five accessible mental health resources tailored for residents of Atlanta and Fulton County. These include crisis hotlines, community support groups, county services, hospital programs, and statewide providers with local reach. Remember, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is always a free, confidential call away at 988, available 24/7.

1. Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL)

For immediate crisis intervention, GCAL serves as Georgia’s frontline resource, connecting callers to counselors who can dispatch mobile crisis teams or link you to outpatient care, detoxification, and stabilization services.

aging.georgia.gov Available 24/7 for all ages across the state, including Atlanta, it’s ideal for urgent needs like suicidal thoughts or threats of harm. You can call on behalf of a loved one, and teams respond in homes for on-site assessments in 159 counties.

• Contact: 1-800-715-4225 (TTY: 1-800-255-0135) fultoncountyga.gov
• Website: dbhdd.georgia.gov/gcal

2. NAMI Northside Atlanta

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northside Atlanta chapter offers free peer-led support groups, educational programs, and advocacy for individuals living with mental illness, their families, and caregivers.

naminorthsideatlanta.org Focused on reducing stigma through community discussions and resources, it’s a welcoming space for Atlantans seeking understanding and connection without judgment.

• Contact: 770-234-0855 (or NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI, M-F 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET) namiga.org
• Website: naminorthsideatlanta.org

3. Fulton County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Services

Fulton County’s adult mental health program provides no-cost or sliding-scale therapy, psychiatric assessments, group counseling, and crisis management for uninsured residents, veterans, and those with Medicaid or Medicare.

Services cover depression, anxiety, addiction, and co-occurring issues, with locations across Atlanta, North Fulton, and South Fulton. They also offer HIV early intervention counseling and testing as part of holistic care.

• Contact: 404-612-6520 (After-hours: GCAL at 1-800-715-4225)
• Locations: The Center for Health & Rehabilitation (265 Boulevard NE, Atlanta); North Fulton Service Center (7741 Roswell Road NE, Sandy Springs); South Fulton Service Center (5600 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park)
• Website: fultoncountyga.gov/services/behavioral-health

4. Grady Health System Behavioral Health Services

As Atlanta’s largest safety-net hospital, Grady offers integrated inpatient, outpatient, and emergency behavioral health care, treating conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, and substance use disorders.

gradyhealth.org Their multidisciplinary teams provide everything from walk-in evaluations and therapy to community-based support and crisis response teams that co-respond to 911 calls. Special programs assist homeless individuals and those transitioning from hospitals.

• Contact: 404-616-4444 (Outpatient); 404-616-1000 (Hospital/Emergency)
• Locations: Behavioral Health Outpatient Center (10 Park Place SE, Atlanta); Grady Memorial Hospital (80 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE, Atlanta)
• Website: gradyhealth.org/services/behavioral-health

5. Georgia HOPE

This community-based provider delivers in-home and telehealth mental health counseling, substance use treatment, and family preservation services throughout Georgia, including Atlanta.

findhelp.org With a focus on accessible therapy that meets clients where they are—literally—Georgia HOPE emphasizes recovery and wellness through personalized plans.

• Contact: 706-279-0405
• Website: gahope.org

Bonus: For Veterans

Veterans face unique challenges, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and the transition to civilian life. The good news is that a range of free or low-cost services are available nationwide through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and partner organizations.

These resources offer everything from crisis intervention to ongoing therapy, peer support, and educational tools. If you’re in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line—confidential support available 24/7 via phone, chat, or text (838255).

The VA provides comprehensive care, including outpatient counseling, inpatient treatment, medication management, and telehealth options for conditions like PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders. Services are available at over 1,300 VA facilities or virtually, with no copays for many preventive mental health visits.

• Contact: Call your local VA medical center or 1-877-222-8387 (VA Health Benefits Toll-Free).
• Website: va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health

Final Word

Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you’re unsure where to start, a quick call to GCAL or 988 can guide you to the right fit. Atlanta’s mental health community is here to support you—because a healthier mind builds a stronger city.

For more local resources, visit the Georgia Department of Human Services’ mental health page.