A great resume can open doors to exciting job opportunities. It’s your chance to make a solid first impression on potential employers. Your resume showcases your skills, experience, and qualifications in a way that grabs attention and sets you apart from other candidates.
Writing an impressive resume takes some effort, but it’s worth it. A well-crafted resume can help you land interviews and get closer to your dream job.
The tips in this article will guide you through creating a resume that highlights your strengths and catches the eye of hiring managers.
1. Tailor your resume to the job description
Want to stand out from other job applicants? Customize your resume for each position you apply to. This shows employers you’re a great fit for their specific needs.
Start by carefully reading the job posting. Look for critical skills and qualifications the employer wants. Make a list of these essential requirements.
Now, review your resume. Move your most relevant experiences and abilities to the top. Use similar words and phrases from the job description when describing your skills and accomplishments.
Highlight achievements that match what they’re looking for. Add numbers and specifics to show your impact. For example, if customer service is vital, mention how you improved satisfaction scores.
Remove or downplay less relevant details. Keep your resume focused on what matters most for this particular job. This makes it easier for hiring managers to see why you’re a strong candidate.
Consider creating a “Core Competencies” or “Key Skills” section near the top of your resume. List 6-8 abilities that align closely with the job requirements. This gives a quick snapshot of your qualifications.
Remember to update your resume for each application. What’s perfect for one job may not be ideal for another. Tailoring your resume can significantly boost your chances of getting an interview.
2. Use a professional font and layout
Pick a clean, easy-to-read font for your resume. Good choices include Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman. Use a font size between 10 and 12 points for the main text.
Make your headings stand out. Use a slightly larger font size or bold formatting for section titles. This helps break up the text and guides the reader’s eye.
Keep plenty of white space on the page. Don’t cram too much information into a small area. Use margins of at least 0.5 inches on all sides.
Stick to a simple color scheme. Black text on a white background is classic and professional. You can use a touch of color for headings if you want, but don’t go overboard.
Use bullet points for lists of skills or job duties. This makes the information more accessible to scan. Keep each bullet point short and start with action verbs.
Align your text consistently. Left-aligned text is the easiest to read. Use the exact alignment throughout your resume for a polished look.
Choose a layout that fits your experience level. A chronological format works well if you have a steady work history. A functional format might be better if you’re changing careers or have gaps in employment.
Keep your resume to one or two pages at most. Use a readable font size, and don’t shrink the margins to fit more text. It’s better to be concise than to cram everything in.
3. Highlight your key achievements
Your resume should showcase your best accomplishments. These are the things that make you stand out from other job seekers.
Pick achievements that are relevant to the job you want. Use numbers and facts to show your impact. For example, “Increased sales by 20% in six months.”
Start each achievement with a strong action verb. Words like “led,” “created,” or “improved” grab attention. Avoid weak phrases like “responsible for” or “duties included.”
Be specific about what you did and the results. Instead of “Helped increase productivity,” try “Streamlined inventory process, cutting order fulfillment time by 30%.
Don’t just list job duties. Focus on times you went above and beyond or solved big problems. Think about awards, successful projects, or positive feedback from bosses or clients.
Remember to update your achievements for each job application. Pick the ones that best match what the employer is looking for. This shows you’re the right fit for their needs.
4. Quantify your accomplishments
Numbers speak louder than words on your resume. They grab attention and show your real impact. Use specific figures to highlight your achievements.
Did you increase sales? By how much? Maybe you boosted efficiency or cut costs. Put a number on it. For example, “Increased quarterly sales by 15%” or “Reduced expenses by $10,000 annually.”
Think about the size of the projects you handled. How many team members did you lead? What was your budget? Include these details. “Managed a team of 12” or “Oversaw $500,000 project budget” sounds impressive.
Time is another great metric. How quickly did you complete tasks? Did you beat deadlines? Mention it. “Completed project two weeks ahead of schedule” shows your efficiency.
Don’t forget percentages. They work well for improvements or growth. Grew social media following by 50%” is more powerful than saying you increased followers.
Be honest with your numbers. Don’t exaggerate. Stick to facts you can back up if asked. Accurate figures build trust and show your actual value to potential employers.
5. Include relevant keywords
Using the right keywords in your resume is crucial. It helps you get past applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the eye of hiring managers.
Look closely at the job listing. Pick out essential words and phrases that describe the role and requirements. Include these in your resume where they fit naturally.
Don’t overdo it. Use keywords in a way that sounds normal and flows well. Aim for about 25-30 keywords throughout your resume.
Add keywords to different sections. Put them in your skills list, work experience, and summary. This spreads them out and makes your resume stronger.
Tailor your keywords for each job application. Different positions may need other words. Update your resume each time to match what the employer wants.
Remember to use both total words and acronyms. For example, include “Search Engine Optimization” and “SEO” if both are relevant to the job.
Be honest about your skills. Only use keywords for things you can do. Lying on your resume can cause problems later.
6. Focus on your most recent experience
When writing your resume, put your most recent jobs front and center. Employers care most about what you’ve done lately.
List your current or most recent job first. Give more details about this role than older ones. Include your primary duties and most significant achievements.
For jobs from over ten years ago, keep descriptions brief. You can even leave off ancient positions if they’re irrelevant.
If you’ve had the same job for a long time, break it into sections. Show how your responsibilities grew over the years. This proves you can take on more duties.
Recent volunteer work or internships count, too. Put these near the top if they relate to the job you want. They show you have fresh, relevant skills.
Remember, your resume should fit on at least one or two pages. Focusing on recent experience helps you stay within this limit.
7. Use action verbs
Action verbs make your resume more powerful. They show what you did in past jobs. Instead of saying “responsible for,” use words like “led” or “managed.”
Pick strong verbs that fit your work. If you improved something, say “optimized” or “enhanced.” For teamwork, try “collaborated” or “partnered.”
Use different verbs for each job duty. This keeps your resume attractive. It also helps employers see your skills.
Put action verbs at the start of bullet points. This grabs attention fast. For example, write “Developed new training program” instead of “Was in charge of creating a training program.
Choose verbs that match the job you want. If it’s a leadership role, use words like “directed” or “guided.” For creative jobs, pick verbs like “designed” or “crafted.”
Remember to use past tense for old jobs. Use present tense only for your current job. This shows you know the proper resume style.
8. Keep it concise and clear
Your resume should be short and easy to read. Aim for one page if you’re new to the job market—two pages max for those with more experience.
Use bullet points to list your achievements. This makes your resume easier to scan. Stick to 3-5 bullet points for each job.
Cut out unnecessary words. Instead of “I was responsible for managing a team,” write “Managed a team.” This saves space and sounds more powerful.
Choose simple words over complex ones. “Used” is better than “utilized”. Simple language is easier to understand quickly.
Break up big blocks of text. Use white space to make your resume look clean and organized. This helps hiring managers find essential info quickly.
Proofread carefully. Spelling and grammar mistakes can make you look sloppy. Ask a friend to check your resume, too. Fresh eyes often catch errors you miss.
Remember, recruiters often spend just seconds on each resume. Make yours count by keeping it short, clear, and packed with your best accomplishments.
9. Include a professional summary
A resume summary gives employers a quick look at your skills and experience. It’s a short paragraph at the top of your resume. This summary helps you stand out from other job seekers.
Your summary should be 3-5 sentences long. Focus on your best qualifications for the job. Highlight your top skills, achievements, and years of experience.
Use strong action words to describe your abilities. Tailor your summary to each job you apply for. Match your skills to what the employer is looking for.
Include specific numbers or results when possible. For example, mention how you increased sales or improved efficiency. This shows the real impact of your work.
Keep your summary concise and to the point. Avoid using “I” statements. Instead, start sentences with powerful verbs. This makes your writing more direct and professional.
Update your summary regularly. Add new skills or accomplishments as you gain them. A current summary shows you’re actively developing your career.
10. Prioritize relevant skills
When crafting your resume, focus on skills matching your desired job. Look at the job posting and pick out critical skills the employer seeks.
Put these essential skills near the top of your resume. This helps hiring managers see right away that you’re a good fit.
Don’t list every skill you have. Choose the ones that relate most to the job. For example, if you’re applying for a customer service role, highlight your communication and problem-solving abilities.
Use specific examples to show how you’ve used these skills in past jobs. This makes your resume more convincing and memorable.
Remember to include both hard and soft skills. Hard skills are specific abilities like using certain software. Soft skills are personal traits like teamwork or adaptability.
Update your skills section for each job application. Tailor it to fit what each employer is looking for. This extra effort can make a big difference in getting noticed.
11. Showcase your certifications
Certifications can give your resume a big boost. They show you have specific skills and knowledge. Put them in a separate section on your resume. This makes them easy to spot.
List your certifications in order. Start with the newest ones first. Include the name of each certification. Add the organization that gave it to you. Put the date you got it, too.
If you’re working on a certification, you can also list that. Just add “in progress” and the expected completion date. This shows you’re always learning and improving.
Don’t list every certification you have. Focus on the ones that fit the job you want. If you’re applying for an IT job, your food safety certificate probably isn’t relevant.
Make sure your certifications are up to date. If one has expired, either renew it or leave it off your resume. Outdated certifications don’t look good to employers.
Remember, quality beats quantity. A few solid and relevant certifications can impress employers more than a long list of unrelated ones.
12. Include links to your portfolio
Adding links to your portfolio on your resume can make a significant impact. It lets employers see your work firsthand. This is great for creative jobs like writing, design, or photography.
You can put links in different spots on your resume. The header is a good place. You can also add them to your work experience section.
Make sure your links work and go to the right places. Test them before you send your resume. Broken links look harmful to employers.
Your online portfolio should show your best work. Pick samples that match the job you want. Keep it up to date with your latest projects.
If you don’t have an online portfolio yet, make one. There are many free websites to help you. WordPress, Behance, and Squarespace are popular choices.
Remember to make your portfolio mobile-friendly. Many people will view it on phones or tablets. A clean, straightforward design works best.
13. Proofread for errors
Checking your resume for mistakes is super important. Even minor errors can hurt your chances of getting the job you want.
Read through your resume slowly and carefully. Look for spelling mistakes, wrong grammar, and typos. These little issues can make you seem careless.
Try reading your resume out loud. This helps you catch weird-sounding sentences or missing words. You can also ask a friend to look it over for you.
Pay attention to dates, numbers, and job titles. Make sure they’re all correct and match what’s on your job application.
Don’t forget to check your contact info. A wrong phone number or email address could mean missing an interview.
Look at how your resume is laid out. Are the headings lined up? Is the font the same size everywhere? These details matter, too.
Take breaks while proofreading. Returning with fresh eyes helps you spot things you might have missed.
Use spelling and grammar tools, but don’t rely on them entirely. They can miss some mistakes that a human would catch.
Double-check any particular words related to your job or industry. Spell them right to show you know your stuff.
14. Avoid jargon and clichés
Your resume needs to stand out. Using overused phrases can make it blend in with the crowd. Steer clear of buzzwords that don’t add real value.
Skip vague terms like “team player” or “detail-oriented.” Instead, give specific examples of how you’ve shown these qualities in your work.
Replace “results-driven” with concrete achievements. For example, “Increased sales by 25% in six months.”
Avoid technical jargon unless it’s relevant to the job. Use clear, simple language that anyone can understand.
Don’t say you’re a “hard worker.” Show it by highlighting projects you’ve completed or goals you’ve met.
Skip “thinking outside the box.” Describe a time you came up with a creative solution to a problem.
Ditch “synergy” and other corporate-speak. Use plain language to explain how you’ve worked well with others.
Focus on action words that show what you’ve done. “Managed,” “created,” and “improved” are good choices.
Remember, your resume should tell your unique story. Use words that genuinely reflect your skills and experiences.
15. Use a professional email address
Your email address matters when applying for jobs. It’s often the first thing employers see. A professional email address can make an excellent first impression.
What makes a good email address for your resume? Use your first and last name. This looks clean and professional. For example, [email protected] or [email protected] work well.
Avoid using nicknames or funny words in your email. Stay away from numbers, too, unless you need them. These can seem unprofessional to employers.
If your name is taken, try adding your middle initial. Or use a dot between your first and last name. These small changes can help you get a professional email address.
Free email providers like Gmail or Outlook are OK to use. Just make sure the address itself looks professional. Your email address represents you, so choose wisely.
Understanding What Employers Look For
Employers want resumes that show you’re an excellent fit for their job. They look for key things that prove you can do the work well.
Relevance to Job Description
Match your resume to what the job posting asks for. Read the job ad carefully. Pick out the primary skills and duties they want. Then, highlight those same skills on your resume. Use the exact words they use in the job listing. This helps your resume get past computer scans.
Put your most relevant experience at the top. If you’ve done similar work before, ensure it’s easy to see. Tailor each resume to fit the exact job you’re applying for. Don’t use the same resume for every application.
Highlighting Achievements
Don’t just list your job duties. Show how well you did them. Use numbers and facts to prove your success. Did you increase sales? By how much? Did you save the company money? How?
Give specific examples of problems you solved. Explain how your actions helped your past employers. Use strong action words like “created,” “improved,” or “led.” These words grab attention and show you’re a doer.
List awards or recognition you’ve gotten at work. This proves others value your skills. Include any big projects you finished on time or under budget.
Structuring Your Resume for Maximum Impact
A well-structured resume grabs attention and highlights your best qualities. The correct format, language, and optimization can make your resume stand out to human readers and computer systems.
Choosing the Right Format
Pick a format that fits your work history and skills. The three main types are:
- Chronological: Lists jobs from newest to oldest
- Functional: Focuses on skills over job history
- Combination: Mixes elements of both
For most job seekers, a chronological format works best. It’s easy to read and familiar to employers.
Use clear headings for each section:
- Contact Info
- Summary
- Work Experience
- Education
- Skills
Put your most vital sections near the top. Recent graduates might put education first, while experienced workers should lead with work history.
Using Professional Language
Your words matter as much as your format. Use clear, direct language that shows what you can do.
Avoid buzzwords like “synergy” or “go-getter.” Instead, use action verbs that show results:
- Increased
- Improved
- Managed
- Created
Be specific about your achievements. Use numbers when you can:
- “Increased sales by 20%”
- “Managed a team of 15 people.”
Keep sentences short and to the point. Aim for 1-2 lines per bullet point in your work history.
Optimizing for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Many companies use ATS to scan resumes before a human sees them. To get past these systems:
Use keywords from the job listing. If they ask for “project management,” use those exact words.
Stick to standard section headings like “Work Experience” and “Education.”
Avoid fancy fonts or graphics. Simple, clean layouts work best.
Save your file as a .doc or .pdf unless the job listing asks for something else.
Test your resume by copying the text into a plain document. If it’s easy to read, it’s likely ATS-friendly.
Summary
Writing an impressive resume is more than just listing your job experiences; it’s about strategically presenting your skills, accomplishments, and qualifications in a way that resonates with potential employers. By following these 15 tips, you’ll be able to craft a resume that not only highlights your key strengths but also showcases why you’re the best candidate for the job.
From tailoring your resume to each job posting, using professional fonts and layouts, quantifying your achievements, and including relevant keywords, every detail contributes to making a lasting impression on hiring managers.
Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, these strategies will help you optimize your resume for human eyes and applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Ultimately, your resume serves as your marketing tool. With straightforward, concise, and impactful content, you’ll increase your chances of securing interviews and moving closer to landing your dream job.
Keep your resume updated, proofread, and tailored for each application, and you’ll be well on your way to job search success.
