5 Expert Tips To Make Your Resume Stand Out
One of the most impactful things you can do to make your resume stand out is to customize it for each specific job you’re applying to. This shows the hiring manager that you’ve put thought and effort into your application.
1. Align your resume with the role
Identify the essential skills, qualifications, and experiences they’re looking for. Then, adjust your resume to highlight how your background aligns with those specific requirements.
- Reorder bullet points to put the most relevant experiences first
- Add or remove certain details based on what’s most pertinent to the role
- Adjust your professional summary to speak directly to that company’s needs
Hiring managers can easily tell when they’re looking at a tailored resume rather than a one-size-fits-all document, and making your resume unique will help separate you from the crowd.
2. Lead with a strong professional summary
Your professional summary (or profile) at the top of your resume is prime real estate. It’s often the first thing a hiring manager reads, so use it strategically to make a solid first impression. In 3-5 concise sentences, sum up your most impressive and relevant qualifications.
A strong summary should:
- Highlight your years of experience in the field
- Mention 1-2 of your most significant professional accomplishments
- List your most in-demand skills and areas of expertise
Avoid vague statements or clichés. Instead, use specific details and quantifiable achievements.
3. Focus on achievements, not responsibilities
When describing your work history, don’t just list your day-to-day tasks. Instead, focus on your accomplishments and the results you’ve achieved. Quantify your achievements with specific numbers, percentages, or dollar amounts.
For example:
“Increased social media engagement by 200% in 6 months by implementing a new content strategy.”
“Reduced customer churn rate from 15% to 5% by overhauling the onboarding process”
“Led a team of 12 developers to deliver a $2M project on time and 10% under budget”
These concrete details are more impactful than vague statements like “improved social media presence” or “reduced customer churn.”
4. Optimize for applicant tracking systems (ATS)
To ensure your resume passes digital gatekeepers, use a clean, simple layout without fancy formatting or graphics and stick to common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
Include relevant keywords from the job description (but don’t overdo it) and use standard section headings like “Work Experience” and “Education.” Make sure you save your file as a .docx or .pdf extension per application instructions) and don’t use headers or footers, as some ATS can’t read them.
While you should write for human readers first, keeping these ATS considerations in mind can help ensure your carefully crafted resume gets seen by hiring managers.
5. Polish your presentation
Finally, pay close attention to your resume’s overall look and feel. A polished, professional appearance can make a big difference in how you’re perceived.
Some tips:
- Stick to 1-2 pages unless you have extensive relevant experience
- Incorporate white space to make your resume easy to scan
- Proofread meticulously – even tiny typos can be a red flag
Final Words
By implementing these five strategies, you’ll create a resume that truly stands out from the crowd. Remember, your resume is often your first chance to make an impression on a potential employer, so make it count!
We are here to guide you in your employment journey. Good luck!
Lori Lane Personnel Services, Inc.