How can you make your resume stand out to FAANG recruiters

In today’s competitive job market, especially with FAANG companies (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google), your resume isn’t just a document—it’s a key that can open doors of success, but can close them as well if you aren't prepared. Getting your resume noticed by FAANG recruiters can be a real challenge. With recruiters spending only seconds reviewing each application, your resume needs to shine.

But don’t worry. This blog will guide you step by step on how to create a resume that stands out in the fast-paced world of FAANG recruitment.

1. Start with a strong summary#

Your resume summary is the first thing recruiters see, so make sure it’s clear and to the point. This section should tell them who you are, what you do, and what role you’re aiming for. Avoid fancy words and long sentences—just be clear about who you are and what you want. 

Example:

Let’s take an example where you have an experience in developing scalable cloud systems:

2. Tailor your resume for each application#

A one-size-fits-all resume doesn’t work, especially when applying to different FAANG companies. Each role and company is different, so your resume should be, too.

Tailor your resume according to the following:

• It should clearly be customized according to the role you’re applying for.

• It should be adjusted according to the values of the company you are applying to.

Examples:

Suppose you were working at a startup and were responsible for developing back-end systems—this is something Amazon looks for in a candidate.

Now, let’s say you’re applying to Apple, a company known for its focus on design and user experience. The following is an example that reflects the company’s values.

3. Highlight relevant experience and skills#

Your experience and skills are the most important parts of your resume. Keep it simple and show how you’ve made an impact. Clearly list your work experience, focusing on achievements that show your impact and skills. Whenever possible, use numbers to show the impact of your work. In the competitive world of FAANG recruitment, quantifiable results matter.

Example:

Suppose you were responsible for optimizing a company’s back-end system.

4. Showcase impactful projects#

Your projects are your chance to show off what you can do. Don’t just list them; explain the challenges you faced and how you solved them. This section should highlight the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Example:

Let’s consider an example where you developed a mobile app as part of a project where performance optimization was key.

Keep it clean and concise#

A cluttered resume is hard to read and won’t make a good impression. Your resume should be easy to read and well-organized. Recruiters will spend very little time looking at your resume, so you need to make sure it’s clear and to the point. Avoid clutter and stick to one page if possible, especially if you’re early in your career.

Example:

Let’s take an example where you want to describe your work as a software developer at a company.

5. Include keywords for ATS#

Many companies, including FAANG, use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to filter resumes before a human ever sees them. Including relevant keywords from the job description in your resume will help you pass the initial ATS screening.

Example:

Let’s look at an example where the job description states the required proficiency in specific programming languages and experience with cloud technologies.

6. Don’t forget the soft skills#

FAANG companies care about more than just technical skills. They also want to know you can work well with others. Show that you have strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills by providing specific examples. Don’t overlook these in your resume—include specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated them in your past work.

Example:

Suppose you led a project where collaboration across different teams was key to its success.

Soft skills usually matter in behavioral interviews. Educative offers a detailed course for acing behavioral interviews at FAANG companies.

Conclusion#

Creating a resume that stands out to FAANG recruiters isn’t about using fancy language or stuffing it with keywords. It’s about being clear and specific and showing why you’re the right fit for the job. Make your resume tell your story, one that’s easy to read and hard to ignore.

If you create a great resume and get a call from a company, congratulations!

But remember, this is just the first step of the ladder. You’ll need to prepare for the next stages, which include technical interviews like coding and system design, as well as behavioral interviews. Educative offers the following courses on all these phases to help you succeed in your FAANG interview journey.

• Grokking Coding Interview Patterns in Python

• Grokking Modern System Design Interview for Engineers & Managers

• Grokking the Behavioral Interview