Resume Tips That Actually Work – CGN with Colin McIntosh

Hosts Percy Barr, Wayne Pratt and Bernie Franzgrote

GROWTH CATEGORY Leadership & Ops

Canada Growth Network Power Hour with Colin McIntosh sharing resume tips that work, ATS myths, and one-page resume strategy.

Most resumes don’t fail because people lack talent.
They fail because they lead with fluff instead of proof.

In this Canada Growth Network Power Hour, Colin McIntosh from Sheets Resume explains what hiring managers actually look for — and what quietly kills your chances.

This conversation will change how you think about your resume.

Watch the full conversation here:

WHO THIS IS FOR

SMB owners
Solopreneurs
Corporate escapees
Leaders building systems

KEY LESSONS

1. Remove the Summary. Lead With Proof.

Colin challenges the traditional resume summary.

Almost anyone can write a strong paragraph today. AI tools make that easy. But not everyone can say they led a product used by 1.4 billion people or worked at a Fortune 100 company.

If you have real proof, put it at the top. Lead with your strongest result.

2. Stop Trying to Game ATS Systems

Many people stack keywords into their resumes hoping to “beat” applicant tracking systems.

Colin explains that most systems err on the side of inclusion. If you are qualified, you will likely pass. But you still must pass a human reviewer.

Keyword stuffing may get you filtered out faster once a recruiter sees it.

3. One Page Forces Clarity

Colin strongly recommends one page whenever possible.

Cutting content feels painful. But when you remove weaker items, the remaining lines must be strong. Every sentence should earn its space.

Your resume is not your life story.
It is a tool to get a phone call.

PRACTICAL STEPS

Here are three actions you can take this week:

• Move your strongest measurable result to the top of your resume.
• Remove your summary and replace it with proof.
• Cut one section that does not directly support getting an interview.

Keep it clear. Keep it direct.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Colin McIntosh is the founder of Sheets Resume and a resume strategist focused on clarity over clutter.

He helps job seekers and professionals present their value in a way that hiring managers can scan and understand quickly.

Connect with Colin:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colindmcintosh/
Website: https://www.resume-now.com/

LISTEN ON AUDIO

Listen here!

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FAQ

Do I need a resume summary?

In most cases, no. If you have strong results, lead with them instead of writing a general paragraph.

Will ATS systems reject my resume without keywords?

If you are qualified for the role, you are likely to pass. Focus on relevance and clarity.

Is one page always better?

For most professionals, yes. It forces clarity and keeps recruiters focused on your strongest proof.