XYZ Resume for Job Seekers

The job market is fiercely competitive, particularly in tech and engineering. Google, a company with a famously strong applicant pool, revealed that they look for the XYZ resume format, but what is it, and how can job seekers use it to secure dream roles?

March 2, 2024 by Kazu Fujimoto

What Is The XYZ Principle From Google?

Google’s XYZ resume format isn’t necessarily a unique approach, although it prioritises information differently. It highlights something that many recruiters now look at  – accomplishments in real scenarios.

The XYZ format stands for accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]. It allows applicants to showcase achievements, how they were measured, and the actions that led to these successes.

Why Choose The XYZ Resume Format?

The XYZ resume format presents a number of clear advantages for ambitious job seekers. Not only is it a recognised format for success, but it presents clear benefits for recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) as they look at potentially hundreds of applications for competitive positions.

Clarity and Conciseness

More than anything else, this format offers a clear and concise opportunity to present significant achievements. It’s a great way to help recruiting managers quickly understand the real-world impact of successes in previous roles without simply stating actions. For applicants, this emphasis on success can help them to stand out in a competitive pool.

Customization for Each Role

A resume should be tailored for every role. Job descriptions and recruiter priorities are different for each and every business, and an application should reflect this. 

The XYZ Resume format provides opportunities to show tailored achievements evidenced by data. This allows recruiters to quickly gather a view of how an applicant would operate in their business specifically.

Data-Backed Results

Recruiters aren’t just looking at the actions an applicant takes, but instead how these contributions help the business to move forward. 

Data-backed achievements allow applicants to show their influence on a new level. They provide a clear view of just what a candidate can offer to the hiring business.

Storytelling

The XYZ resume format provides context for achievements and allows recruiters to better understand how an applicant has impacted a business. 

It provides the opportunity to paint a picture of successes and provides valuable information that emphasises the significance of implemented change. 

The XYZ resume offers succinct storytelling without excessive blocks of text and unnecessary content.

Key Features of The XYZ Resume

Crafting a standout X-Y-Z resume involves understanding and incorporating the essential elements that Google recommends.

• Accomplishments [X]: Clearly articulate your achievements and contributions in a quantifiable manner.

• Measurement [Y]: Demonstrate the impact of your accomplishments by providing measurable metrics or results.

• Methodology [Z]: Describe the specific actions and strategies you employed to achieve your accomplishments.

Example: Managed a community support program (X) that saved $2 million (Y), by designing a streamlined customer service portal. (Z)

When describing achievements, it’s important to be succinct, accurate and clear in the points being made to ensure recruiters get a good view of experiences and success.

What Is XYZ Format In A Resume?

To fully utilise this format, your resume should be filled with intentional and evidenced examples of achievements. This doesn’t mean completely overhauling a traditional resume structure, contact information and qualifications are still important elements that aren’t to be overlooked, but a thoughtfully crafted resume will undoubtedly be an advantage.

Your work experience section, for example, shouldn’t just read “Team Manager” or “Senior Engineer”, it should highlight the achievements in these roles. Try to include successful projects, proud moments and exciting contributions that you were able to make to the wider business. Use quantitative results to show the scale of any impact.

Similarly, the skills section of your resume provides opportunities to shine. Discuss your skills in relation to projects and achievements where possible. Provide evidence that your skills are up-to-date and valuable for the hiring manager.

Building The Principles Of XYZ Into a Resume

There are a few ways that the XYZ format can be built into a resume, one common option is by utilising resume bullet points.

Bullet points help to emphasise information in a clear and concise manner, further highlighting real-world achievements.

They allow hiring teams to quickly browse a resume and pick out essential information without reading long blocks of text.

The XYZ Resume Format Vs. Chronological Resumes

How different is a chronological resume, then, to this Google approved approach?

A chronological resume is very much focused on employment history, career progression and suitability based on previous positions and job titles. The XYZ format is much more achievement focused. It focuses less on historic roles and more on what was actually achieved in these roles.

These options cover many of the same key areas, but which is better? The best resume format might depend on individual skills and experiences.

Choose the XYZ Resume Format if:

• You want to focus on showcasing specific achievements and their measurable impact.
• Your work history includes diverse roles and you want to highlight problem-solving abilities that might not be directly related to the role you’re applying for.

Choose Chronological Resumes if:

• You have a stable work history with clear career progression.
• The job you’re applying for values traditional resumes and a detailed work history.
• You have a history of working in respected businesses that are recognised industry leaders.

What Is The Best Resume Format?

In truth, a good resume should encompass the key qualities of many different resume formats. The key to success is purposeful creation.

It’s crucial to recognize the impact of a professionally reviewed and rewritten resume in highly competitive industries. Resumes should be tailored and keyword optimized to reach the right people and secure vital interviews.

We help applicants to land their dream jobs by crafting resumes that stand out. We utilise many formats and theories to ensure that recruiters recognise your skills and achievements and view you as a key candidate.

Optimise your resume today.