How to Write a Resume That Stands Out ⋆ Margaret Buj

The job market is highly competitive right now, so having a good resume that stands out is a must. With so many people competing for the same jobs, it’s normal to wonder how others get noticed. Maybe you’ve even heard stories of friends landing great jobs because their resumes caught someone’s eye. 

The truth? It’s all about tailoring your resume to the job, keeping it clear, and showing your achievements in a way that’s easy to understand. Numbers help, too.

But how exactly can you do all this? And what should you avoid? Let’s explore some tips that can turn your resume into a tool that works for you.

Why Your Resume Has to Stand Out

Think hiring managers spend a lot of time on resumes? Think again. On average, they’ll give yours just 7 seconds before deciding whether you’re a good fit or not. That’s why your resume needs to stand out—fast.

Here are some things you should take care of before submitting your resume anywhere:

• Customise your resume for each job you apply to. Make sure you’re using the right keywords from the job description. This will not only show you’re a great match but also help you get past those tricky Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that filter out resumes.
• Show what you’ve achieved. Instead of just listing what you did, prove your impact. Something like, “Increased sales by 30%” does a lot more than simply saying you “handled sales.” Numbers tell your story better than words alone.
• Make it easy to read. Use bullet points, clear headings, and keep it clean. The easier it is for someone to scan, the better. Too much clutter and they might miss the best parts of your experience.
• Get personal. Tailor your resume for each job. Show how your skills are perfect for that specific role. It shows you care—and that can help you land that interview.

The key is to get past the tracking systems and have a resume that’s easy to skim.

Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out

Now, how exactly should your resume’s content be to make it stand out? Here are some tips that will help you create a perfect resume.

Take the Help of AI

These days, AI has advanced so much that it can do almost anything. Just like how there’s AI story generator for writing stories and AI lyrics generator for song creation; there are also AI-powered resume builders to help you create your resume.

You can use tools like Resume.io or Zety to create a strong resume. These resume builders can help you with everything from writing your resume’s content to creating the design. They can help you optimise your resume and make sure it matches the language used in your industry or desired role. 

They’re also handy for fixing grammatical errors, getting past the ATS system, catching small mistakes, and offering clearer wording suggestions.

Add a Professional Summary or Objective

Recruiters don’t have time to go through your entire resume. So, a quick summary at the top gives them an instant idea of who you are and what you can offer. It’s your chance to make a strong first impression.

Keep it short and focused. Write 2-3 sentences that capture your top skills, years of experience, and what you’re aiming for in your next role. Make sure it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Here’s an example of a summary: “Experienced marketing professional with 5+ years in digital strategy and content creation. Skilled in driving brand growth and customer engagement. Seeking a role where I can use my expertise to lead impactful campaigns.”

Use Strong Action Verbs

Action verbs make your resume come alive. Instead of listing what you did, they show how you made an impact. Start each bullet point with a strong verb like “achieved,” “developed,” or “led.” These words show you’re proactive and accomplished.

For example, instead of saying you were “responsible for managing a team,” say you “led a team of 10 to finish projects ahead of schedule.” See the difference? It shows your leadership and that you got results.

Avoid weak verbs like “handled” or “worked on.” Choose stronger ones like “executed” or “implemented” to make a bigger impact. And whenever you can, quantify your results. “Increased sales by 30% through targeted marketing” gives a clear, concrete example of success.

Keep Everything Concise and Focused

When it comes to your resume, less is more. Stick to one page if you’re just starting out, and no more than two pages if you’ve got more experience. Why? Hiring managers don’t have time for extra fluff. They want to scan through and get to the point fast.

Use bullet points to make your skills and achievements pop. Keep it short and clear so that what matters stands out.

Avoid adding irrelevant details. Tailor each resume to the job you’re applying for. And remember, clarity is key. Use simple language and a clear layout so it’s easy for someone to see how your background lines up with what they’re looking for.

Showcase Soft Skills and Hard Skills

Your resume should show off both your hard skills and your soft skills. Why? Because employers want someone who can not only do the job but also work well with others.

For hard skills, think about things like software, technical certifications, or industry tools you know how to use. But don’t just list them. Give examples. If you boosted efficiency by 30% using a tool or technique, mention that. It shows what you can really do.

Soft skills matter too. Skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership can set you apart. For example, “led a team of 5 to increase customer satisfaction by 50%” tells them you’ve got the people skills to make things happen.

Optimise Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Want your resume to get through to an actual person? Then you’ve got to make sure it passes the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) first. These systems scan for certain keywords, so here’s what you need to do:

• Read the job posting carefully. Find the keywords they use (skills, qualifications, etc.) and make sure you include them in your resume. Make sure not to overdo it though.
• Stick to simple layouts and standard section headings like “Work Experience” and “Education.” Fancy designs can confuse the system, so it’s better to keep it clean and straightforward.
• Update regularly. Job trends change, and so should your resume. Keep an eye on new keywords and adjust accordingly.

Remember, 75% of resumes get filtered out by ATS before a human ever sees them. So, precision is key here. Once you get past the system, your resume will have a much better chance of reaching the hiring manager’s desk.

Design and Layout Tips for a Standout Resume

When it comes to your resume design, keep it simple. A clean, professional layout beats a flashy, complicated one every time. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

Use Clean and Professional Layouts

Your resume’s look matters and it’s all about keeping it simple and professional.

Start with a clear, easy-to-read font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10-12 point size. You don’t want to make it hard for someone to read your resume.

Make sure there’s enough white space (0.5 to 1-inch margins) so everything looks organised and easy on the eyes. Structure your resume with clear headings like Summary, Experience, and Education. These guide the hiring manager’s eye and make your resume easy to scan.

Use bullet points for your skills and accomplishments. It keeps things tidy and allows them to quickly see what you bring to the table. And go for minimalistic templates—skip the flashy graphics or bright colours. The focus should always be on your content.

Avoid Overly Fancy Designs

It might be tempting to make your resume stand out with fancy designs, but simple is better. A clean, minimalist layout is much easier to read and keeps the focus on what really matters—your experience and skills.

Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (10-12 points). These fonts look professional and are easy to read. Also, limit your colour scheme to black, white, and maybe one accent colour. Too many colours can make your resume look cluttered.

Keep things consistent. Make sure your spacing, bullet points, and headings look the same throughout the resume. This gives it a polished and organised feel, making it easier for recruiters to find the info they need.

And don’t try to cram everything into one page. Leave enough white space around the text so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. This makes your resume more inviting to read and helps key details stand out.

Use F-Pattern Layout

Recruiters scan in an “F” pattern—starting from the top left, moving across, and then working their way down. This pattern means they spend most of their time looking at the left-hand side and the top sections.

So, put your most important details right where they’ll see them first. Start with your name, contact information, and a strong professional summary at the very top. Then, align your recent experience and education along the left-hand side. This makes it easy for recruiters to spot what matters most without having to search.

Include Icons and Graphics

Clean, simple icons can draw attention to key details like your phone number, email, or LinkedIn profile. They add a bit of visual interest and help recruiters spot your contact info quickly. But remember, less is more.

Stick to using icons only in your header section for things like contact information. Make sure they blend well with your resume’s overall look—nothing too flashy. Avoid cluttering the rest of your resume with unnecessary graphics. You want to keep the focus on your skills and experience, not on fancy visuals.

Use Templates

Using resume templates can make things easier and more effective. The right template? One that keeps things clear and readable.

Here’s what to look for:

• Consistency: Use the same font sizes, styles, and formatting throughout. It makes your resume look polished and professional.
• Clear headings and a logical order: Employers should be able to skim your resume and find what they need quickly.
• Bullet points help organise your skills and experience: Short, to-the-point descriptions work best because most recruiters don’t read every word—they skim.

Finally, pick a simple colour scheme—black, white, and one accent colour. This keeps it professional but still visually appealing, letting your qualifications shine.

Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that can hurt your chances of getting noticed. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Not tailoring your resume. Recruiters like resumes that match the job description. If yours isn’t customised for each job, it could get passed over.
• Too much personal info. Including things like your age or marital status isn’t just unprofessional—it might even violate anti-discrimination laws. Stick to the basics.
• Typos and errors. This is a big one. About 58% of hiring managers will throw out a resume if they find mistakes. Double-check your resume and have someone else take a look too.
• Generic objective statements. Skip the boring objectives. Instead, start with a strong summary that highlights your relevant skills and what you bring to the table.
• Irrelevant experience. Don’t overload your resume with jobs that don’t matter to the role. Focus on work that shows off the right skills. Remember, hiring managers only spend a few seconds on each resume, so make those seconds count.

Keeping all this in mind while creating your resume will increase the chances of your resume standing out. So, make sure to apply these tips and avoid those common mistakes, and you’ll be good to go.

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