The Resume Playbook
You do good work. Your resume should show it.
The hard part of a resume isn't having experience. It's putting that experience into words on one or two pages. The Resume Playbook walks you through that translation, step by step, so you can build a resume that's clear, specific, and focused on where you want to go next.
Created by Tierra Gordon, founder of TG Career Co., drawing on more than nine years of HR and talent management experience, including screening resumes and interviewing candidates for roles from entry level to senior level. Tierra has been writing resumes since 2019.
This guide is for you if:
• You're early in your career and building your first professional resume
• You haven't updated your resume in years and aren't sure what's changed
• You're ready for a promotion or a bigger role
• You're changing careers and need to show how your skills transfer
• You know you do good work but struggle to describe it
What you'll learn:
• What a resume needs to do, and how employers may read it
• How to structure each section, including a headline and a summary that previews your strengths
• How to turn everyday responsibilities into clear accomplishments, even without exact numbers
• How to tailor your resume to a specific job, honestly
• How applicant tracking systems actually work, without the myths
• How to use AI tools smartly, without sounding like everyone else
• How to spot the red flags that weaken an otherwise strong resume
What's inside:
The Resume Playbook Guide, 38 pages:
• Annotated sample resumes that show what each section does and why
• Four styles of professional summaries, each shown before and after
• 10 before-and-after bullet examples across 10 professions
• A complete resume makeover, from original to revised
• A Resume Red Flags spread with 12 common mistakes and their fixes
• A section on using AI wisely, with dos, don'ts, and smart prompts
• 50 strong action verbs, organized by category
The Resume Playbook Workbook, 18 pages
• 13 worksheets and checklists, in the order you'll build your resume
• Print it, or type directly into the PDF
• Reusable for every job search
What you'll receive:
One zip file with two PDFs: the 38-page guide and the 18-page workbook. Use them on your computer, tablet, or phone, or print the workbook at home. For typing in the workbook, we recommend the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a resume template?
No. It's a guide and workbook that teaches you how to write your own resume, with examples to follow. That way it fits your experience, not someone else's.
Will it work for my industry?
Yes. The examples span HR, project management, administrative support, education, healthcare administration, sales, operations, and more, and the methods apply to most professional roles.
I'm changing careers. Will this help?
Yes. The guide includes a career changer example and shows how to connect your experience to a new field.
How do I open a zip file?
On most computers, double-click it. On a phone, open it in your Files app.
Can I share it?
The Resume Playbook is licensed for one person's personal use. Please don't share, resell, or redistribute it.
Who created this guide?
Tierra Gordon, founder of TG Career Co. She has more than nine years of HR and talent management experience, has screened resumes and interviewed candidates for roles from entry level to senior level, has written resumes since 2019, and holds an MS in Organizational Development.
Want personalized help?
TG Career Co. also offers resume reviews, rewrites, and LinkedIn optimization at linktr.ee/tgcareerco.
The Resume Playbook provides guidance and expertise but can't guarantee interviews, job offers, or career outcomes. Hiring decisions are always made by employers.