Key Strategies for Crafting a Resume That Gets Noticed

See the tips to make your resume stand out!

Your resume is like your first handshake with a potential employer—it’s your chance to make a great first impression.

Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to make a change, getting your resume right can make all the difference.

Let’s dive into some simple, yet effective tips that can help you create a resume that truly stands out and gets you noticed!

1. Personalize each resume for the job

It’s tempting to use the same resume for every job, but customizing it really makes a difference. Every job is different, and employers want to see how your skills fit their needs. Plus, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes, so tailoring yours helps you get noticed.

Here’s how to do it:

• Look over the job posting and highlight the key skills they’re asking for.
• Make sure your experience matches what they’re looking for.
• Use the right keywords from the description to get past the ATS.

2. Nail your career summary

The career summary at the top of your resume is your chance to make a strong impression—think of it as your elevator pitch. Keep it brief but impactful.

Here’s what to include:

• Job title and expertise: Share the role you’re after and your area of expertise.
• Top skills and achievements: Highlight what makes you stand out.
• Career goals: Mention your career direction to show you’re focused.

3. Focus on achievements, not just duties

Employers want to know what you’ve achieved, not just what you did. Instead of listing tasks, focus on the results you delivered to show how you can make a real impact.

Here’s how to highlight your achievements:

• Use numbers: For example, “boosted sales by 30%.”
• Mention awards: If you’ve been recognized, include it.
• Show impact: Explain how you helped improve efficiency or grow revenue.

4. Keep the layout simple and clean

Keep your resume layout simple and neat. Hiring managers only skim resumes, so make it easy to read and professional.

Here’s how to keep it clean:

• Use bullet points to make it easier to skim.
• Stick to readable fonts like Arial or Calibri, size 10-12.
• Leave some white space between sections.
• Keep formatting consistent throughout.

5. Use action words and be concise

The language you use on your resume really matters. Strong action verbs show you’re proactive and results-driven, so keep it short and to the point—hiring managers don’t have time to read long paragraphs.

Use words like “Led,” “Achieved,” “Developed,” “Managed,” “Improved,” and “Delivered” to highlight what you’ve done and show that you get results.

6. Highlight your skills and certifications

What skills do you have that make you the right fit for the job? Whether it’s technical abilities, leadership qualities, or communication skills, make sure your resume shows what you can bring to the table. Don’t forget about certifications—they’re an important way to show you’re qualified for the role.

How to showcase your skills:

• Create a skills section: List both hard skills (like software proficiency) and soft skills (like teamwork or problem-solving).
• Include certifications: If you have any certifications that are relevant to the job, make sure they’re included. This is especially important for technical roles.

7. Proofread and get feedback

Once your resume is ready, give it a good proofread. Typos and mistakes can make you look careless, so double-check everything. It’s also a good idea to have someone else take a look—they might catch something you missed.

Here are a few tips:

• Read it aloud to spot any awkward phrases.
• Use spell-check, but don’t rely solely on it.
• Ask a friend or mentor for feedback.

Conclusion

Creating a resume that stands out doesn’t have to be complicated. By personalizing your resume for each job, focusing on your achievements, keeping the layout simple, and proofreading carefully, you’ll put yourself in the best possible position to impress hiring managers.

Written by

Everaldo Santiago