this resume format changed my life

I landed interviews with big tech, startups, and fun remote roles (but substance matters)

February 04, 2025

In partnership with

18-hour sleeper bus, Vietnam

Good morning legends- We’re taking your resume to the next level this week.

🚨 Housekeeping Items: 10 Days Until the Polaroid Camera Draw 🚨

Want more entries? Here’s how:
📩 Refer a friend – 5 bonus entries per referral (your unique link is at the bottom).
✍️ Share your DN story – Hit reply, share your experience, and get 5 more entries.

Resume Optimization 101:

Keep it simple and direct. No fluff, no fancy designs. Your resume must pass the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) before a human even sees it. The format is critical.

There are plenty of ATS-friendly templates that are ready for you to use. Here are a few free ones: Jobscan, Resume.io, ResumeGenius

Also, I will provide the exact format (keep scrolling) I’ve used in my career as well with an example template.

This format has landed me interviews in big-tech, startups, and high-paying remote roles based in the US.

DISCLAIMER: But remember, it is not the format that gets you the job. It’s the substance of the resume, your experience. Getting the interview is the first (and most important) step.

Okay, bs-free points coming for you that have personally worked well for me:

✅ 1-page only – Hiring managers don’t have time
📊 Quantify your experience – "Increased revenue by X% in Y months by doing Z."
🔑 Use the right keywords – Copy the job description into ChatGPT or Perplexity to extract key terms to plug in your resume
🛠️ List relevant tools/platforms – flex your knowledge
📜 Keep certifications recent – 2018 isn’t cutting it, get new certs!
🤖 AI skills matter – Almost every role wants it, so highlight it (get an AI cert)
🎯 Tailor each resume for every role – One-size-fits-all doesn’t work
📄 Skip the cover letter – Unless specifically required
🔍 Check your match score – Use Jobscan to get your score
🚫 No headshots – Especially for US-based remote roles
💬 Message the hiring manager on LinkedIn – Keep it short and reference the role
🎯 Limit applications per company – Two max. Avoid looking desperate.
📝 Triple-check spelling – Grammarly is your friend.

Lastly, if you read anything read this.

Apply for that role, even if you don’t think you have all the requirements. The requirements are for a “perfect” candidate, most times they don’t exist. Let them disqualify you, never disqualify yourself. 

Don’t be your own enemy here.

FREE TEMPLATE

As promised–my resume format template is ready for you to download. To snag it, simply refer 1 friend with your link below & check your inbox!

This week’s menu:

  • Frosted Tips ❄️

  • Remote roles of the week (AI) 💰

  • Meet Charlotte - Nomad Diaries 📔

  • Pin It: Location of the week 🗺️

  • Our Sponsor: PodPitch 🎤

  • Jam of the week 🎧

Frosted Tips of the Week:

  • Pack Your Warm Socks (and hockey skates)🇫🇮: Despite the hefty costs of living in Finland, they have the lowest income requirement for their Digital Nomad Visa. Not sure how strategic this would be but their requirement is only €1,220 per month. Maybe you can rent an igloo for less than €1,000 per month! Jokes aside (and costs), I’ve heard Finland is a paradise for outdoor lovers.

  • Spain Raises The Bar : Spain, being the most popular digital nomad visa in 2024, has just raised the income requirements. Why? Well, Spain’s income requirements for the DN Visa is directly correlated to be next 2x the national minimum wage. With a climb in the minimum wage, the requirements jump to 2,762€ per month for individual applicants. This is gross income to, so still relatively accessible.

sakura with the monstrous beauty Mt. Fuji - Submitted by me, myself, and I

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remote roles of the week:

Always looking for the golden nuggets for you.

I have zero affiliation with these roles & companies, I simply want to see you win and if the opportunity fits, great.

Spotlight Job Posts This Week: 3️⃣

Lumenalta -Culture Coach - This isn’t your everyday leader role, it’s a bit more niche. If you're tech-savvy and can chat effortlessly to software devs but also have a teaching or coaching background, this remote role may be calling your name.

AHA- Product Success Specialist - This role has positions all across the globe and is a hybrid model. But if you show you’re an A1 player, this could turn into remote. With incredible company perks like 25 days off and 100% benefits coverage, Product Marketers and Specialists should have a closer look.

The Rundown AI - Writer (Tech/Robotics): Tech nerds and AI lovers, this newsletter on AI has a list of more than 900k people and are looking for an additional writer specializing in robotics. The money is good, the perks look solid, and the trajectory of this newsletter is the moon at this point.

Nomad Diaries: Charlotte

Digital Nomad Profile: Charlotte
home city/country: Toulouse, France 🇫🇷
current base: San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
role/profession: Project Manager
# of years as a digital nomad: 3

“hi 🙂 My name is Charlotte and I’m super happy to share with all of you today. I found this newsletter from Instagram!

Nicaragua, what brought you there? A while ago me and my friends did some backpacking/surfing trip in Central America and I feel in love with San Juan del Sur. The culture and the ocean made it feel like home. Many years later when I began my digital nomad journey I returned as soon as I could.

what’s your biggest digital nomad hack? Avoid taxis and only use Uber. My experience with local taxis is mostly negative and can be scary at times as a solo female traveller.

biggest digital nomad f*ck up? I still can’t believe I did this but I wanted a inspo pic for Instagram that showed me working remotely from my surfboard. It was very cringe and my laptop got so wet and water damaged.

what’s your non-negotiable item when travelling? notebook and pen keeps me creative. i like to doodle and draw.

favourite & least favourite destination?

fav: of course its here in Nicaragua

least fav: Mexico City was nice but maybe a bit too busy and hectic for me

okay last one, one piece of advice for a new nomad? dont come to San Juan del Sur 🤣

Want to be featured in our Nomad Diaries? Reply back to this email & we can set it up!

📍Pin It: San Juan del Sur 🇳🇮

the quieter pocket of San Juan del Sur

Looking for an off-the-radar paradise? San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, blends stunning Pacific beaches, a laid-back surf culture, and a growing digital nomad scene—without the tourist crowds. Thank Charlotte!

Let’s run it down:

  • 💰 Cost of Living: ~$1,000-$1,300 per month for a solo nomad (but it’s getting more expensive by the day it seems)
    🏢 Coworking/Coliving Spots: Check out Outsite or Socialtel Maderas for solid WiFi and ocean views
    🛂 Visa Info: Most nationalities get 90 days visa-free; extendable up to 180 days
    🏄 Perfect for Beach Lovers: Playa Maderas & Playa Remanso are top surf spots, with year-round warm water
    🍽 Food & Culture: Enjoy fresh ceviche at The Beach House or grab sundown cocktails at HulaKai Hotel
    🧘 Stay Active: Join yoga sessions at Zen Yoga SJDS or take a boat trip to secluded beaches
    🌎 Digital Nomad Community: Connect with remote workers via San Juan del Sur Expats & Nomads Facebook group
    🏠 Housing Tips: Affordable long-term rentals are available—check out local Facebook groups or Airbnb for deals (like this one)

    🚀 SJDS is perfect for those who want a mix of work, surf, and adventure without breaking the bank.

It wouldn’t be a weekly newsletter without the jam of the week. A vibey house-tune for your Tuesday.

Just gonnnna leave this here again.

Somehow we always end up here, the end of the issue. It’s a good habit.

Appreciate you, stay frosty.

Until next time,