You can feel it the moment you step into AFROTECH™. The vibe is top-tier, the energy is contagious, and the Black excellence and brilliance are on every corner. AFROTECH™ isn’t just a tech conference; it’s a movement. It’s where ambition meets opportunity, where culture and innovation collide, and where your next big break might be one conversation away.
That same spirit of innovation and opportunity is what’s driving this year’s collaboration between Bayer and Howard University. People may know Bayer as a familiar name in their medicine cabinet, but the company is much more than that. The global life sciences leader in health and agriculture is partnering with the Washington D.C.-based HBCU for the second year in a row to bring The Yard to AFROTECH™ — a dynamic space to connect, unwind, and get real-time resume feedback from Bayer volunteers.
Whether you’re job-hunting, internship-seeking, or just leveling up your personal brand, this is the moment to make sure your resume is ready to do the talking when you’re in the right room.
Here are seven ways to get your resume AFROTECH-ready, so you can approach opportunities with confidence and preparedness when they arise.
- Write Like You Mean It
Your resume shouldn’t just list what you’ve done. It should show how you made an impact. Use strong, action-oriented language that clearly conveys your contributions. Instead of saying “Managed a project,” try “Led a project that cut delivery time by 25%.” Make every line earn its spot.
- Keep It Short and Powerful
Reviewers have about 10 minutes, so get straight to the good stuff. Aim for one page if possible, and make it easy on the eyes: a clean layout, plenty of white space, and clear sections. This isn’t the time for five pages of backstory — keep it tight.
- Let Your Goals Be Known
If you’re gunning for a specific type of role or pivoting into tech, show it. Add a short professional summary at the top that frames where you’re headed. Your resume should point toward your future, not just recap your past.
- Show You Know How to Work With People
Tech isn’t just about skills; you need to be a team player as well. Be sure to highlight leadership roles, team projects, or times you made things happen with others. Recruiters want to see that you’re not just talented but also someone who adds value to a team.
- Make It Easy to Skim
Nobody’s reading a wall of text while balancing a coffee and their conference schedule. Use bullet points, bold section headers, and consistent formatting so your value pops in seconds. If your story is clear at a glance, you’ve done it right.
- Treat the Review Like a Conversation
That 10-minute resume review? That’s not just feedback; it’s face time with someone who might change your career. Come prepared with one or two thought-provoking questions, such as “What do recruiters look for in early-career candidates?” or “How can I position my skills for growth roles?” Make your time count.
- Bring It Every Way Possible
AFROTECH™ moves fast. Bring a few printed copies (on nice paper, no wrinkles!) in a folder or binder and have a PDF ready to share digitally. A QR code linking to your resume or LinkedIn is a great way to make it easy for recruiters to connect with you on the spot.
The Bottom Line
AFROTECH™ is where preparation meets possibility. The Yard is your chance to turn hallway chats into job offers and quick introductions into long-term opportunities. When you come ready, you can spend less time scrambling and more time connecting, learning, and saying yes to what’s next.
So don’t wait until you get to the expo floor to think about your resume. Do the work now, and walk in knowing that if opportunity shows up, you’re already in position to take it. Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.
