The Guide to Google's XYZ Resume Formula

Resumes
The Guide to Google's XYZ Resume Formula

Hiring managers spend 6 seconds skimming each one. The result? Good people get overlooked.

At Canyon, we think your resume should work as hard as you do. That’s where the XYZ method comes in.

What is the XYZ resume?

The XYZ resume is a simple framework that helps you write about your experience in a way that’s outcome-driven, easy to scan, and relevant to the job you actually want.

The format looks like this:

I did X, using Y, to achieve Z.

It’s a sentence structure that forces you to get clear — not just about what you did, but how you did it and why it mattered.

Here’s an example:

Launched a referral program (X) using Typeform and Zapier automations (Y), resulting in a 28% increase in qualified leads (Z).

It’s tight. It’s skimmable. And it tells a complete story in one line.

Why it works

Hiring managers aren’t reading your resume for fun. They’re trying to answer three questions fast:

  1. Can this person do the job?
  2. Do they care about outcomes?
  3. Will they make my team better?

XYZ answers all three — without wasting space or relying on buzzwords.

How to write a XYZ resume (step-by-step)

1. Start with your biggest wins

Go role by role and jot down 2–3 things you’re most proud of. If nothing comes to mind, ask:

  • What did I help ship, fix, grow, or improve?
  • Did anything I worked on change a number, metric, or behavior?

2. Apply the formula

Turn each bullet into:

  • X: What you did
  • Y: How you did it
  • Z: Why it mattered

Avoid filler phrases like “Responsible for…” or “Worked on…” and get straight to the point.

3. Cut anything that doesn’t move the needle

If it doesn’t show impact, cut it. You’re not writing a biography — you’re making a case.

Real examples

For engineers

Built internal dashboard (X) with React and Supabase (Y), reducing bug triage time by 35% (Z).

For marketers

Created SEO playbook (X) using keyword clustering and backlink outreach (Y), doubling organic traffic in 4 months (Z).

For designers

Redesigned checkout flow (X) after user testing and analytics review (Y), increasing conversion by 18% (Z).

For PMs

Launched usage-based pricing (X) after analyzing retention trends (Y), increasing expansion revenue by 22% (Z).

Bonus: Tailor it

You don’t need to rewrite your resume for every job — but you should adjust the emphasis. If you’re applying to a product role, highlight business results. If it’s engineering, go deeper into systems, tooling, and speed.

The XYZ method is flexible, but intentional.

Final thoughts

In a crowded job market, clarity wins. The XYZ method helps you write a resume that respects the reader — and sells your experience without the fluff.

You already did the hard work. Now tell the story like it matters.