There really is nowhere to go to learn how to prepare for job interviews and make sure your resume is right, so here it is: your guide to interviews, resumes, and the job application grind.

In this episode- I talk about how to clean up your resume, what questions to prepare before an interview, interview etiquette, and so much more.

Send this to someone who is going through or starting the job application/ internship process, think it will really help!

The Complete Job Interview and Resume Guide for Your 20s (From Someone Who's Now Hiring)

Essential tips from both sides of the interview table—what actually matters when you're starting your career

Job hunting in your twenties is brutal. The endless applications, the rejection emails (or worse, the silence), the anxiety of not knowing what you're doing wrong—it's enough to make anyone question their worth.

But here's the thing: I just went through hundreds of resumes and conducted dozens of interviews from the hiring side for the first time. And let me tell you—most people are making the same basic mistakes that are easily fixable.

Whether you're a recent graduate, hitting the two-year mark and ready for something new, or just want to level up your interview game, this guide covers everything you need to know.

The Resume Rules Nobody Teaches You

Rule #1: One Page Only (Seriously)

This should be obvious, but it's not. I've seen resumes that are 4, 6, even 8 pages long. Unless you're applying for a C-suite position with 20+ years of experience, your resume must fit on one page.

Why this matters: Hiring managers spend about 6 seconds scanning each resume initially. If they have to flip pages, you've already lost their attention.

How to fit everything: Prioritize ruthlessly. Keep only the most relevant experiences and cut anything from high school or early college that doesn't directly relate to the role.

Rule #2: Use the Wharton Format

Stick to the classic structure:

• Name and contact info at the top

• Education (including GPA if it's good)

• Experience (most recent and relevant first)

• Skills

• Interests

Why this works: Recruiters know exactly where to look for information. Don't get creative with layouts—save that energy for your content.

Rule #3: 3-4 Bullet Points Maximum per Job

The problem: I've seen resumes with 10+ bullet points under each role. It's overwhelming and dilutes your best accomplishments.

The solution: Pick your 3-4 most impressive, relevant achievements for each position.

Rule #4: Show Results, Not Just Responsibilities

Instead of: "Conducted research for marketing team" Write: "Conducted market research that led to 15% increase in lead generation and informed strategy for three new product launches"

The formula: Action + Specific Result + Impact

Examples:

• "Built social media presence gaining 100,000 impressions across Instagram and TikTok"

• "Implemented new filing system that reduced document retrieval time by 40%"

• "Led team of 5 interns on project that generated $50K in new revenue"

Rule #5: Skills Section Must Be Accurate

Don't list skills you can't actually demonstrate. If you put "Proficient in Adobe Premiere Pro" on your resume, be prepared to use it if you get the job.

Why this matters: Skills often become job responsibilities. One interview candidate's Premiere Pro "proficiency" became a major part of the role.

The Interview Strategy That Actually Works

Before the Interview: Preparation That Shows

Research the Company (Beyond the Basics)

Know more than just what they do:

• Who's the CEO and what's their background?

• What's the company been up to in the news lately?

• Recent product launches or major announcements?

• Company culture and values?

Pro tip: Reference something recent during the interview. "I saw you just launched [specific product/initiative]—that must be exciting to work on."

Prepare Your "Greatest Hits"

Have ready examples of:

• A recent success story

• A challenge you overcame (and how)

• Why you want this specific role

• What unique value you bring

Interview Day: The Human Approach

Logistics That Matter:

• Dress appropriately: Button-down shirt minimum, tie if it's a formal industry

• Join 3-5 minutes early: Shows respect for their time

• Have a pre-interview ritual: Play a hype song, do jumping jacks—whatever gets your energy up and nerves out

The Conversation Mindset

Remember: Everyone in that interview is human. The best interviews feel like conversations, not interrogations.

Start with small talk:

• "How's your day going?"

• "Weather's been crazy lately, right?"

• "How was your weekend?"

Why this works: It relaxes everyone and shows you can build rapport—a crucial job skill.

Mastering the Open-Ended Questions

Modern interviews focus on broad questions:

• "Tell me about yourself"

• "Walk me through your resume"

• "Why are you interested in this role?"

• "What would you bring to our team?"

How to approach these:

1. Have a narrative: Connect your experiences into a coherent story

2. Be specific: Use concrete examples, not generic statements

3. Show progression: Demonstrate how each experience built toward this role

The "Fake It Till You Make It" Reality

Here's the truth: Everyone in the working world is still figuring it out to some degree. Confidence matters more than having every answer.

What this means:

• Project confidence even if you're nervous

• Admit when you don't know something but show eagerness to learn

• Focus on potential rather than just past accomplishments

Questions You Should Always Ask

Never say "I don't have any questions." Always come prepared with 2-3 thoughtful questions.

The Best Questions to Ask:

1. "Can you tell me about a recent project you or your team worked on that was really successful?"

   • Shows genuine interest in their work

   • Often leads to engaging follow-up conversation

2. "Where do you see your team in a year, and what are you working on to get there?"

   • Demonstrates forward-thinking

   • Shows you're interested in growth and strategy

3. "How does your team measure success?"

   • Helps you understand expectations

   • Shows you're results-oriented

4. "What are the next steps in the hiring process?"

   • Practical and shows continued interest

Questions That Show You're Thinking Strategically:

• "What's the biggest challenge facing your team right now?"

• "What would you want someone in this role to accomplish in their first 90 days?"

• "How has this role evolved over the past year?"

The Follow-Up That Seals the Deal

Always send a thank-you email within 24 hours.

The Template That Works:

Subject: Thank you - [Your Name]

Hi [Interviewer's Name],

Thank you so much for your time today. I really enjoyed hearing about [specific project/topic you discussed]. 

[Add 1-2 sentences showing you were engaged and thinking about what they shared]

I look forward to hearing about the next steps in the hiring process.

Thank you again,

[Your Name]

Key elements:

• Reference something specific from your conversation

• Keep it brief and professional

• Reiterate your interest

The Mindset That Changes Everything

Dealing with Rejection

Remember: Rejection is redirection. Every "no" gets you closer to the right "yes."

The reality: The hiring process is grueling for everyone. Every successful person has been rejected multiple times.

What helps:

• Set daily goals (5 applications, 5 LinkedIn connections, 5 networking outreaches)

• Take breaks when you need them

• Focus on what you can control (your preparation, attitude, and effort)

The Confidence Equation

You belong in these interviews. You wouldn't have gotten the call if you weren't qualified.

Mindset shift: Instead of "I hope they like me," think "I hope this is a good mutual fit."

Remember: They want to hire someone great. If you're great, you're helping them solve their problem.

Industry-Specific Tips

Tech/Startup Roles:

• Emphasize adaptability and learning agility

• Show examples of taking initiative

• Demonstrate comfort with ambiguity

Finance/Consulting:

• Dress more formally

• Prepare for case studies or technical questions

• Emphasize analytical thinking and attention to detail

Creative/Marketing Roles:

• Show personality in your communication

• Prepare examples of creative problem-solving

• Discuss campaigns or projects you admire

Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances

Resume Red Flags:

• Multiple pages for entry-level positions

• Typos or formatting inconsistencies

• Generic objective statements

• Listing irrelevant skills or experiences

Interview Killers:

• Being late or unprepared

• Speaking negatively about previous employers

• Not having questions about the role

• Seeming disinterested or low-energy

• Not following up afterward

The Two-Year Mark: When to Start Looking

If you're hitting the 1.5-2 year mark at your current job, this might be the perfect time to explore options:

Why this timing works:

• You have real experience to discuss

• You've learned what you like and don't like

• Companies see you as someone with experience but still moldable

• You're not job-hopping if you make a thoughtful move

Building Your Network While Job Searching

LinkedIn Strategy:

• Connect with 5 new people daily

• Engage with posts from companies you're interested in

• Share relevant content occasionally

• Reach out to alumni from your school

Networking Outreach:

• Be specific about what you're looking for

• Offer value, not just requests

• Follow up appropriately

• Express genuine gratitude for people's time

The Long Game: Building Career Capital

Think beyond just landing the next job:

What to Look For:

• Opportunities to develop new skills

• Great managers who will invest in your growth

• Companies with strong training programs

• Roles that position you for future opportunities

Red Flags to Avoid:

• Extremely high turnover

• No clear path for advancement

• Poor work-life balance with no upside

• Toxic company culture

Your Action Plan

If You're Starting Your Search:

1. Update your resume using the one-page rule and result-focused bullets

2. Research 10 companies you'd actually want to work for

3. Set daily application goals and stick to them

4. Practice your interview stories with friends or family

5. Prepare your standard questions for interviewers

If You Have Interviews Coming Up:

1. Research each company thoroughly

2. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your skills

3. Practice your "tell me about yourself" answer

4. Plan your outfit and test your technology

5. Prepare thoughtful questions about each role

The Bottom Line

Job searching sucks, but it's temporary. The right opportunity is out there, and every interview is practice for the one that matters.

What really matters:

• Preparation beats perfection every time

• Authenticity trumps trying to be who you think they want

• Persistence is more valuable than any single skill

• Learning from each experience makes you better

Remember: Everyone successful has been exactly where you are right now. The difference isn't talent or luck—it's not giving up when it gets hard.

You've got this. Just stay consistent, keep improving, and trust that the right opportunity will recognize what you bring to the table.

About Guyset

This post is based on an episode from Guyset: A Guy's Guide to What Should Be Talked About - a weekly podcast for guys in their twenties navigating career challenges, job searches, and professional growth. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

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