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7 tips to make your resume stand out and get that job

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The importance of an outstanding resume

How to write a resume, fine-tuning your resume, make your resume stand out, it all starts with your resume.

Looking for a job is like a rollercoaster. 

There are high and low points throughout the process. The unknown of new opportunities excites you, but you feel vulnerable and anxious at the same time. Everyone experiences that turbulence at some point in their job search . 

Need resume help?

Writing a resume is one of the first steps in that journey, and it’s one of the most overwhelming. You want to make a good first impression — which might leave you second-guessing every last action verb and skill you choose to include. Tools like resume builders and ChatGPT can help you brainstorm a first draft, but it’s up to you to perfect it.

Learning how to make your resume stand out may feel like a science, but there are rules and guidelines you can follow to convince a hiring manager that you're the best choice for the role. 

Within a single sheet of paper is the story of your career. Your work history, accomplishments, and skill set weave together an account of your potential as an employee. And on a job application, your resume should grab a hiring manager’s attention based on the story you tell . 

On average, potential employers spend just 7.4 seconds reviewing a resume. While that may sound like an impossibly short amount of time to judge a candidate, it's often necessary. Some positions draw hundreds of applicants pining for their next job. Hiring managers have to quickly go down a new hire checklist to ensure you have the technical skills or experience necessary to perform the job. 

During this time, hiring managers and recruiters also need to filter out mismatched candidates before reaching out for interviews. They’re looking for someone genuinely interested in the new job — someone motivated enough to show how passionate and qualified they are. And if a hiring manager uses an applicant tracking system, they’ll also filter resumes based on keywords and specific skills. You need to survive both the algorithm and their keen eye. 

Aligning your most relevant qualifications and tuning your language to fit a company's vernacular is a lot of work, but it’s worth it. Effective resume writing targets the job description, and a one-size-fits-all resume can’t do that. The extra effort you spend personalizing every application could put you one step closer to landing your dream position and ending the job search. 

The blank page is daunting to look at. But great resumes start with headings and sections, and starting with an outline helps you fill the page faster. 

Here are the sections you should include:

1. Work experience

Arguably the most crucial section, clearly label your work experience with separate points for every job entry. If you can, only include jobs that highlight your suitability for the role. 

But don't be afraid to include experience that isn’t obviously relevant. While a career change from product engineer to project manager may seem unrelated in technical skills, you can show off the value of transferable soft skills . The key is to include a description or bullet points that make the connection clear.

Each entry should include the following:

Your job title

Name of the organization

Dates of employment

A short description of your accomplishments

Many job seekers opt to organize this section in chronological order from most to least recent. This is likely the best option if your career and skill learning has a clear linear trajectory. 

But sometimes, it makes more sense to put your most relevant experience at the top, even if it's not your most recent job. This is sometimes known as a functional resume . You want your reader to see your best work first. A new parent who quit a full-time job for a part-time job with less hours may want to focus on career highlights rather than recent positions. 

It also might make sense to split your resume into sections for different skills. If you're applying for a management position at a software development company, you might want to have subsections that emphasize management experience and development experience separately. This helps a hiring manager quickly gauge your full potential. 

2. Unpaid work or volunteering 

This section is similar to your work experience but only covers unpaid positions. Follow the same format, instead with volunteer or personal projects relevant to the role or that helped sharpen your skills. This could also include internships. Remember to also include descriptions here so hiring managers clearly see why you chose to include every point.

3. Education

This section will likely be the smallest. List any relevant degrees — associate, bachelor’s, master’s , and even PhDs — in order from most to least recent. Here's what to write:

Name of educational institution

Name of your program or degree

Date of graduation (if you feel comfortable putting this information)

Extra details like Latin honors or GPA (if relevant)

4. Certifications

You may have professional certifications relevant to your role. List them here with the date you acquired them. This is an especially important section if the job you’re applying for requires certification or licensure, legally or otherwise.

If you’re applying for a role that requires something like a driver’s license or certification in a programming language, be sure to highlight it. But non-required certifications fit here as well, like those from online courses. These demonstrate essential soft skills such as self-motivation and initiative .

A summary statement typically goes at the top of your resume, though it usually isn’t recommended. A vague summary or objective statement wastes space. Employers likely don’t want to hear that you’re a “Motivated employee looking to learn new skills” because that doesn’t say much about you. 

If you decide to include a summary, be specific. And if everything you’re saying appears later in your resume, it might be best to omit it entirely. Save this statement for your LinkedIn summary .

List soft skills and technical skills that are relevant to the role. Reinforce each one with practical work experience, metrics, or engaging action verbs that tell a more complete story. The less guesswork a hiring manager has to do, the easier it is to identify the strength of your candidacy. 

This is your space to be as specific as possible. Instead of writing that you have “good communication skills ,” write “thoughtful communicator who uses active listening and empathy to construct strong interpersonal relationships ." And instead of writing “coding,” specify what languages you know and how you’ve used them. You can also emphasize self-directed learning experiences to show your initiative.

7. Link to portfolio

If possible, link to some of your representative work, or at least have a sample 

If relevant, link to some of your representative work or have a portfolio with sample projects ready in case the hiring manager asks for them. In some fields, especially creative, a digital portfolio is standard, so include a link to yours if possible. 

Recruiters and hiring managers may also check your LinkedIn profile and domain-specific profiles, like GitHub, for concrete examples of successful projects. Ensure your resume is consistent with your body of work across all professional platforms.

An effective resume leads a hiring manager's eye to all the right places. Here are three tips for submitting an accurate and concise document: 

1. Include only relevant information

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, including every single piece of professional experience is unnecessary. All of the metrics, skills, and certifications should reflect the specific job you're applying to. Unessential information confuses and distracts potential employers from your value to the role. 

Recent graduates with little practical experience can find ways to highlight relevant transferable skills without filling the page with unnecessary jobs. If you're a recent economics graduate , your job sorting books at the university library shouldn't eclipse valuable internships or coursework — unless that job taught you something about economics. 

2. Highlights accomplishments, not responsibilities 

Managers want to know you can perform. Listing your personal achievements rather than roles and responsibilities shows not only what duties previous positions included, but that you thrived while completing them. Use action verbs or list employee reco gnitions to place the focus on your performance. 

Imagine you previously worked at a public relations firm. Compare these two descriptions:

“I was responsible for the execution of clients’ national media campaigns.” 

“I spearheaded successful national digital media campaigns for clients of varied industries, improving organic engagement by 50%.”

The former tells the recruiter about your job, but the latter tells them about you. The specificity helps readers immediately understand why you were an asset.

3. Keep it short

Like any professional communication, your resume should be short and to the point. It should have clear formatting that guides the eye from one section to another. 

Ideally, you'll fit everything you need on one page. The document may stretch to two pages if you're further along in your career or need to submit a CV instead of a resume . Just make sure everything on those two pages is relevant. Extraneous work history might distract rather than impress. 

Now that you know the basics, here’s how to write the best version of your resume:

1. Consider the hiring manager’s needs

Read the job description closely and explore the company website. Get a sense of company culture by reading its mission statement or company core values . Then, include those elements on your resume to catch a hiring manager's attention and tell them you fit the culture . 

Remember, you aren’t just applying for a job. You’re applying to become part of a team. Show exactly how you’ll add to company culture and collaborate with existing employees. If a company's job ad mentions seeking team players , make sure your resume highlights your history of successful collaboration. 

2. Make sure it looks good

Hiring managers review countless resumes each day. You have some freedom to play with your resume format, but you should follow some general guidelines so it’s easy to read:

Use an appropriate font: Cursive fonts and Wingdings have no place on a professional resume. Consider professional-looking typefaces like Helvetica, Arial, or Times New Roman.

Be consistent: When you pick a design format, you commit to a set of "rules" for your resume. Make sure your bullet points follow the same style, the sizing of your  headers is consistent, and your lines have equal spacing. 

Don't overcrowd it: Leave enough room in the margins so your resume doesn’t fill the entire page. White space helps your reader find necessary information quickly. 

Use a resume builder : There are many free resume builders and templates available online . Your word processor might even have some built-in. Consider using one so you don't start from scratch.

Consider color when appropriate: Adding some colored text or icons helps your resume stand out. Just make sure it’s appropriate for the industry you work in. Illustrators can use a creative resume to show off their artistic skills, whereas a colorful document for a public policy analyst could demonstrate a lack of sincerity. 

3. Proofread for errors

Hiring managers might decide not to hire you from as few as five writing errors . Typos and grammar mistakes show carelessness and poor attention to detail , and they’re an easy way to get a job rejection . 

Make sure to check your writing closely. Apps like Grammarly ensure every comma and apostrophe is in the right place. And reading your resume out loud, to yourself or to a friend, helps you catch errors, improve flow, and check for repetitive language.

4. Demonstrate industry knowledge

Always be learning . Intellectual curiosity and commitment to growth are personality traits many hiring managers look for, whether you're new to the workforce or a seasoned employee. It shows employers that you're proactive, engaged, and open to new experiences. 

Now make sure that growth mindset comes through in your resume. It isn't about saying “I love to learn,” but showing it.

Stay on top of current trends in your field and work them into your cover letter and resume. If there's a new programming tool in high demand, share your know-how in the skills section. Describe how you used it to improve your performance at a previous job.

5. Get an objective eye

Ask someone else to look over your resume and give you honest feedback . Seek out people who you trust to give constructive criticism rather than tell you what you want to hear. Coworkers, colleagues, or anyone you feel comfortable turning to for career advice will likely offer the perspective you need to write your best resume . 

Also consider hiring a professional resume writer or career coach . Both offer valuable insights about industry expectations and effective techniques for leveraging your best skills and experiences. 

Now that you know how to make your resume stand out, you can emphasize the right details and grab hiring managers’ attention. 

Writing the perfect resume takes time, thoroughness, and careful editing. And while it may feel daunting, following common resume rules and paying close attention to the job description puts you one step closer to your dream job. 

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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The Job-Seeker’s Guide to Making Your Resume Stand Out From the Crowd

You’ve spent hours writing and rewriting your resume. You diligently update it . Maybe you even have a few different versions depending on the types of jobs you’re going after. But with the average job listing attracting 250 applications, how do you make sure your resume stands out from the competition and catches the eye of a recruiter or hiring manager?

That’s assuming that it makes it that far. Today, many companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to organize all of their job applications. This software can be used to scan resumes for keywords and phrases, sending only the most qualified ones through for human review—which means you have to optimize your resume for an ATS as well as for the hiring manager.

The good news is that you don’t need a fancy design to make your resume stand out. Try these nine strategies to ensure that your resume puts you in the best light—and lands you the job.

1. Keep It Short

Unless you’re vying for an executive role, one page is usually enough to show that you have the background, skills, and experience for the job. If you’re having trouble streamlining your resume, try trimming bullets and combining sections, and delete any jobs more than 10 years in the past.

2. Tailor It to the Role

Your resume should demonstrate that you have the specific skills, experience, and accomplishments that this company is looking for. Don’t try to detail every career accomplishment—use your resume to demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for this particular position.

3. Design With Readability in Mind

Avoid using graphics, tables, pie charts, and illustrations, which resume-scanning software can’t read. Make sure you use a simple font like Helvetica, Arial, or Times New Roman—less common fonts may be rejected by an ATS, and are harder to read for humans, too. Then, use clear section headings and make them stand out with bold type, capital letters, or a different color.

4. Include the Magic Words

Make sure to incorporate keywords from the job description into your bullet points. It’ll be easier for recruiters and hiring managers to see that you’re a good fit—and if a company uses resume-scanning software, this will help you get through the filters, too.

To figure out what those keywords might be, scan the job description for specific skills that come up more than once and are mentioned near the top of the requirements and job duties. Online tools like Jobscan , Resume Worded’s Targeted Resume , or SkillSyncer can also pinpoint some crucial keywords to include.

5. Use a Summary Statement Instead of an Objective

A old-school resume objective (“Seeking a senior software engineer role in the fintech space”) tells the recruiter what you’re looking for, but a summary statement explains what value the company will get if you join the team.

6. Punch Up Your Text

Most resume bullet points use the same words, over and over again. Instead of listing things you were “responsible for,” swap in action verbs that convey what you achieved:

7. Quantify Everything

Go through your bullet points and add as many numbers and percentages as you can to illustrate your impact . This helps recruiters really picture what you’ve done in your position. Bonus: Include what the benefit was to your boss or your company.

Before: Created monthly status reports for clients. After: Created monthly status reports for 25-30 different clients to ensure timely and complete communication about key initiatives.

8. Avoid Clichés or Jargon

Put everything in terms a layperson can understand. And reconsider stock phrases like “big picture thinker,” “out-of-the-box,” “thought leader,” or “innovative,” which are so overused that they don’t mean anything anymore. Just like in the rest of your resume, you’re better off quantifying your results and backing up your skills with numbers.

9. Consider Mentioning Non-Traditional Work

If they’re relevant to the job you’re applying for, include any volunteer, part-time, or freelance experience. Then make sure to pair it with a strong cover letter telling the narrative of why you’re ideal for the job.

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How to make your resume stand out: unveiling the secrets

Grab the reader’s attention quickly 

Showcase your value like a pro , learn the insider tricks you never knew , increase your chances of success, keep your resume short and sweet, tailor your resume to the job posting, choose the right language and tone, find a unique “hook” for your summary, optimize your resume for the ats , quantify your accomplishments , always be specific about your duties , curate a killer list of hard and soft skills , edit your resume after you write it, use that white space , stick to one or two fonts , space it out, choose a classic template.

A professional, engaging resume is your secret weapon when job hunting. Whether it’s time to get a step up on the career ladder or you’re going for your first position, this is the document that will get your foot in the door. Get it right, and your phone will be ringing off the hook with interview offers. Get it wrong, and the silence will be almost excruciating. So, that begs the question, do you know how to make a resume stand out?

If this crucial conundrum has got you stumped, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Resume.io, we have everything that you need to empower your job search. We’ve got a massive library of writing guides along with cover letter examples and resume examples . In the following guide, we will be delving into these key topics to help you out: 

• Why your resume needs to stand out from the competition
• Writing: expert-backed resume writing tips to help you get started
• Design: how to make your resume stand out with epic design hacks
• The mistakes you should avoid when making your resume

Why your resume needs to stand out from the crowd

Before we unveil the secrets of making resumes that stand out, let’s talk about why it’s important. When you’re applying for new jobs, the finer details matter. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the reasons that you need to create a captivating resume: 

Want to grab the reader’s attention? You better be snappy. Eye-tracking research reveals that hiring managers spend an average of seven seconds reviewing each resume. That’s not a whole load of time to make the right impression. Recruiters see a bunch of generic resumes every day. So, when you’re applying for your next job, you need to stand out. 

When you send out your application, it’s all about what value you bring to the table. Like many professionals, you could be under-selling yourself. If you’re afraid of tooting your own horn, you could be losing out on some truly remarkable job opportunities. Learning how to make your resume stand out is a simple way to highlight your value to recruiters. 

Ever wondered why some people land endless job interviews and others are left in the dust? Your resume is the way you introduce yourself to the hiring manager or potential employer. If you have overlooked this part of your toolkit in the past, it’s time to change your ways. Learning expert-backed tips and advice will give you a competitive edge. 

Of course, the number one reason you need your resume to stand out is to increase your chance of getting a new job. It can take sending out up to 100 resumes to get an interview. When you’re searching for your next opportunity, that can sound overwhelming. However, resumes that stand out are more likely to get the hiring manager’s attention for the right reasons. If you’ve struggled to get to this stage in the past, it may be time for a revamp. 

Writing it: expert writing tips for resumes that stand out 

As we’ve covered, it’s important to know how to make your resume stand out from the crowd. If you’re looking for some pointers to help you along the way, we’ve got everything you need. First up, let’s focus on how you write a professional resume. The content of this document needs to perfectly captivate who you are and what you bring to the table. To kick things off before you put pen to paper, take a look at these core writing tips: 

If you’ve worked in your industry for years — or even decades — you might have a long story to tell. However, the hiring manager doesn’t have hours to read your resume. For the best results, we recommend that this document be either one or two pages long. One page is preferable, but, in some circumstances, two pages are acceptable. Consider what you need to include on your resume and what information is superfluous. 

Whenever you are thinking about including a certain thing, ask yourself: “What does this information add to my resume?” If you can’t answer that easily, you may be cramming your resume with details that don’t add value. It pays to be selective about what you share.

Far too many candidates are guilty of using a “one size fits all” approach to applying for jobs. If you send the same tired resume out to every employer, you’re not doing yourself any favors. Hiring managers can spot this type of resume in seconds. If you want to boost your chances of success, you should tailor your resume to the requirements of the job.

To get started, go back to the original job advert and make a note of the specifications. You should also do some research on the business and the particular role in question. All of this information will help you to align your professional resume with the hiring manager’s needs. Look for obvious overlaps between your experience and the demands of the job. Highlighting this common ground is a surefire way to make your resume stand out.

Language has power. The tone you use can impact how the reader perceives you. For example, if you use a negative tone, the hiring manager may presume that you will complain and moan when you’re at work. On the other hand, if you use a positive tone, they may expect you to have a sunny attitude towards the work you do. When you’re writing your resume, make sure you adopt a formal and positive tone. 

Equally, the style of language you use can make a big difference here. Keep in mind that a resume is a professional document, and your language needs to match that vibe. You’re not writing a message to a friend or emailing someone you know well. Instead, you need to choose words that convey professionalism. While you may not be used to this style of writing, it’s smart to perfect it. That way, you can make the right impression on the reader.

Your professional summary is the most creative part of your resume. This is a short paragraph that is located at the top of the page. In just a few sentences, you need to encapsulate who you are as a professional and why the hiring manager should care. It’s a tall order. One of the best tips you can use here is to find your “hook”. In other words, the thing that makes you unique. Answer the following questions to get started: 

• What skill have you mastered and can you quantify it?
• What is your biggest and most impressive achievement?
• Have you worked with big names and, if so, who?
• Do you have any particular awards or commendations?
• If you could tell the hiring manager one thing, what would it be?

When you have answered the above questions, you may have some talking points. You can use these in your professional summary. Focus on one key point over the rest. You don’t want to overwhelm the hiring manager with too much information. When you place the spotlight on just one trait or accomplishment, it’s likely to be more memorable. 

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are a huge deal. The majority of businesses now use this software to filter incoming applications. The system ranks resumes based on how well each of them aligns with the job criteria using keyword ranking. Think of this as a gate. If you want to make sure that a human sees your resume, you need to get past the ATS first.

Optimizing your resume is the name of the game and there are a few ways you can do this. First up, you need to follow a solid structure and ensure that the content is easy to read. Remember, you are writing for software, not just the human eye. Make sure that every element of your resume is where it expects it to be. You should also pepper your resume with keywords and phrases. To do this, take a look at the job posting and highlight any words that stand out to you or align directly with the core duties of the position. 

“Show don’t tell” is a golden writing rule. When you’re trying to persuade a hiring manager that you’re the perfect candidate, you need to showcase your expertise well. Rather than simply listing your accomplishments , you should always quantify them. To demonstrate this, let’s take a look at two versions of the same summary: 

“Qualified sales executive with years of industry experience”

“Qualified sales executive with 16 years of industry experience and a 97% customer satisfaction rating” 

Do you see how the second version adds more value than the first? When you’re writing your professional resume, quantify your claims. After you have written your resume, go back and see where you can add some extra detail. 

While we’re on the subject of being specific, here’s another tip you should use. One traditional marketing principle says that adding details to your points makes them more memorable than generic statements. So, when you’re writing about your past experiences, add details about your specific duties and achievements. This approach may help the hiring manager remember your application over the competition.

Next up, let’s talk about your skills section. Many candidates make the mistake of just making a generic list of skills on their resume and hoping for the best. So, when we talk about how to make your resume stand out, there’s a simple trick you can use. Including a balanced mixture of both hard and soft skills here will pique the hiring manager’s interest.

Hard skills relate directly to the position and are often technical. You can refer back to the job specification to give you an idea. In fact, it’s wise to use the same language and terms that the posting uses, as it will help you get past the applicant tracking system (ATS). 

Soft skills, on the other hand, allow you to work well as part of a team and get the job done efficiently. They could be “communication,” “time management,” and “organization”. Hiring managers are looking for well-rounded candidates, so you need to include these too.

Spoiler: Your first draft of your resume won’t be the best one. When we talk about how to make your resume stand out, one of the main things you need to remember is to edit. This is where the magic happens. When you have a rough copy of your resume, take the time to fine-tune it and make adjustments. 

Try to get into the head of the hiring manager. Read your resume as though you are them and look for any problems, information gaps, or inconsistencies. You might find that it is helpful to print your resume out and read it as a hard copy. Grab a marker pen and get to work. When you take the time to edit your resume well, it will stand out to the reader. 

Designing it: quick design hacks for resumes that stand out

Don’t overlook the look of the document. If you’re new to the world of design, we’ve got what you here: 

White space is vital. It makes your resume easy to read and stops it from looking “busy”. You may want to cram loads of information onto your resume, but you don’t want it to overwhelm the reader. Leave some space around the edges of each section. This visual trick allows the person looking at your resume to quickly scan it for the finer details. 

Professional resumes are consistent. Using a broad variety of font styles appears chaotic and is a quick way to put the hiring manager off. Generally, you should use one or two fonts on your resume. Pick typefaces that are legible and professional. 

Have you spaced your resume out correctly? If there is not an even amount of space between sections, something will look “off” about the document. While the hiring manager may not be able to put their finger on the problem, they will know that it’s not quite right. Take the time to ensure that the spacing of your professional resume is on point. 

If you’re wondering how to make your resume stand out, using one of our field-tested resume templates is the answer. Most of the time, it’s smart to opt for a classic design over anything too experimental. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Should you work in a creative industry, for example, you can use a resume design with a tad more flair.

Common mistakes that will hold you back

We’ve covered all that you need to know to create a resume that stands out. But before you get started on yours, there are some final things you should know. Let’s take a look at some of the most common mistakes you should avoid when creating your next resume:

• Not proofreading your resume. Spelling and grammatical mistakes are enough to put any hiring manager off. When you’re finished with your resume, take the time to proofread it well. You can also use a program, such as Grammarly.
• Using jargon or complicated language. Write for a reader who doesn’t understand your industry. You have no way of telling who will read your resume first. Make sure that a general audience can understand your application.
• Including charts, graphs, or images. You don’t need to include imagery on your professional resume. While you may choose to put a photo of yourself on your application, avoid adding charts, graphs, or any other type of picture here.

Key takeaways 

• You only have a matter of seconds to make an impression on the hiring manager. Having a resume that stands out will increase your chances of success.
• It’s important to use the right tone and language when writing your resume.
• Follow our advice on how to make your resume stand out from the competition.
• Using Resume.io is the easiest way to build a professional resume in minutes.

How to Make Your Resume Stand Out (with Examples)

In today’s competitive job market, first impressions are everything — and oftentimes, your resume is the first thing a potential employer sees. Find out how to stand out from the crowd here!

In today’s competitive job market, first impressions are everything, and your resume is usually the first thing a potential employer sees. If you want to secure an interview, it’s essential to make your resume stand out from the rest and ensure that it doesn’t get lost in the applicant tracking system (ATS). In this comprehensive guide, we’ve rounded up all the tips you need to make your resume stand out, complete with examples to help you refine your resume and set yourself apart as a desirable candidate.

How to Make a Stand-Out Resume in 2023

You only have about seven seconds to catch the attention of potential employers when they look at your resume. This means your resume needs to be spot-on if you hope to get an interview. Here are some quick tips for making a stand-out resume:

• Keep it concise and targeted to the job for which you’re applying
• Use action verbs to start each bullet point in your work experience section
• Highlight your accomplishments and use numbers to describe them
• Use bullet points instead of paragraphs for better readability
• Choose a clean and professional font, and use bold and italic formatting to draw attention to key information
• Include relevant keywords from the job description to help your resume pass through ATS software
• Add a personal touch that showcases your unique skills and experiences
• Use white space effectively to create a visually appealing and easy-to-read layout
• Proofread and edit your resume thoroughly to eliminate any typos or errors
• Use a resume template to save time and ensure a polished look

Read on for specific steps to create a resume that’s dressed to impress and gets your foot in the door for an interview.

Step 1 in Making Your Resume Stand-Out: Create a Perfect Resume Header

The resume header is the first section that appears at the top of your resume, and it provides the reader with key information about you as a job candidate. Here’s what to include:

• Any relevant academic and industry credentials, like CPA or RN
• Your professional title, such as "WordPress Developer"
• Your city and state (they don’t need your full address); if you are relocating to a new city, put the new city on your resume
• Your phone number, preferably a mobile number where you can receive texts
• Your email address, making sure that it’s professional and easy to read
• Links to your portfolio and LinkedIn profile

The resume header is important because it immediately tells the reader who you are, what you do, and how to contact you. By including your job or professional title, you let the reader know what kind of role you’re applying for, where you are located, and how to contact you for an interview.

In addition, formatting your resume correctly is vital to ensuring ATS systems can read it. You should not, for instance, put your resume header into an actual header of a document created in Microsoft Word. By using a VisualCV template, you’ll ensure your resume is not only formatted for ATS software, but also catches recruiters’ eyes with an easy-to-read, visually appealing design.

Example of Resume Header That Won’t Stand Out

John Smith Phone: 555-555-1234 Email: [email protected]

This header is basic and lacks any additional details or context.

Jane Doe Unemployed Email: [email protected]

This header includes irrelevant information about the job seeker’s employment status and uses an unprofessional email address.

Robert Brown Experienced Business Professional with a Proven Track Record of Success

This header is too long, too generic, and too difficult to read. It also lacks contact information.

Ashley Kim Developer San Francisco Bay Area

This header fails to state what type of developer and lacks contact information.

Example of a Resume Header that Stands Out

Jane Smith UX Designer | Creative Strategist New York City 555-555-1234 [email protected]

This header includes the job seeker’s professional title and a brief summary of their skills and experience, along with location and contact information.

John Doe Web Developer | JavaScript | React | Node Portland, OR [email protected]

This header includes the job seeker’s professional title and relevant technical skills.

Roberta Brown Copywriter | Branding | Social Media | SEO Chicago, IL 555-555-5678 [email protected] Portfolio | LinkedIn

This header includes the job seeker’s professional title and specific skills related to marketing, plus links to her portfolio and LinkedIn.

David Kim Senior Software Engineer | Java | Spring | AWS San Francisco Bay Area [email protected]

This header includes the job seeker’s seniority level and specific technical skills.

Mark Lee Accounting Manager | CPA | GAAP | Financial Analysis Los Angeles, CA 555-555-7890 [email protected]

This header includes the job seeker's professional title, relevant certifications, and technical skills.

Step 2 in Making Your Resume Stand Out: Write a Perfect Resume Summary

A resume summary, aka career profile or career snapshot, highlights your experience and skills. It’s arguably the most important part of your resume, given its prominent placement at the top and the limited time you have to grab a recruiter’s attention.

The resume summary serves as a personal branding statement that highlights not only your qualifications and skills but also the unique value you bring to the table. Keep it short and intriguing, and follow it with bullet points of notable accomplishments that are relevant to the job you want. If it’s intriguing enough, potential employers will want to read on and learn more — and, hopefully, schedule an interview with you.

Example of a Resume Summary That Won’t Stand Out

• Hardworking individual seeking a challenging position in the field of marketing.
• A creative professional with expertise in marketing strategy development.
• Detail-oriented marketing professional with strong project management skills.
• Self-motivated marketing expert with a passion for delivering high-quality results.
• Experienced marketer with a proven track record of successful campaign management.

Example of a Resume Summary that Stands Out

The resume summary is the elevator pitch for your career. It’s a brief introduction of your skills, experiences, and what you can bring to the table. A perfect resume summary should be concise, clear, and showcase your unique value proposition, like these:

• Innovative and results-driven marketing manager with 8+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams, implementing effective branding strategies, and increasing revenue by 25%. Proficient in digital marketing, social media, and market research. Recognized for exceptional project management skills and a track record of delivering successful campaigns.
• Award-winning marketing manager with a proven track record of driving growth through successful campaigns. Results-oriented marketing professional with extensive experience in brand development, market research, digital marketing, social media, and content creation.
• Creative and strategic marketing leader with a passion for delivering high-quality results. Accomplished marketing executive with a track record of delivering innovative and impactful marketing strategies.

Step 3 in Making Your Resume Stand Out: Quantifiable Achievements in Work Experience

Adding quantifiable achievements to your work experience section helps to showcase your impact on the organization. Think of it not as a list of tasks you completed or responsibilities you held, but rather as a summary of the results you delivered.

Example of Resume Work Experience That Won’t Stand Out

Marketing Manager XYZ Company May 2018 - Present

• Managed marketing campaigns
• Created social media content
• Conducted market research

Example of Resume Work Experience that Stands Out

Notice the difference it makes when you quantify your experience with real results and communicate you are a results-driven professional:

• Increased organic website traffic by 45% by implementing SEO strategies and optimizing content
• Generated $2.5M in revenue by launching new product lines and executing targeted email marketing campaigns
• Led market research projects that resulted in identifying new customer segments and increasing market share by 20%

Step 4 in Making Your Resume Stand Out: Add Awards and Recognitions

Adding awards and recognitions is an effective way to demonstrate your excellence in your field and distinguish you from other candidates.

Example of Awards and Recognitions That Won’t Stand Out

• Employee of the month
• Completed an online course on marketing
• Perfect attendance award
• Completion of routine company training
• Participation in a team-building exercise
• Member of a company committee or club
• Attendance at a professional development seminar
• Completion of a mandatory training module
• Membership in a professional organization without active participation
• Participation in a company-sponsored event or charity fundraiser

Example of Awards and Recognitions that Stand Out

• Recipient of the “Best Marketing Campaign” Award at the 2021 American Advertising Awards
• Winner of the 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 Award in Technology
• Received the President’s Award for Outstanding Leadership and Innovation
• Winner of the “Innovator of the Year” award at the Annual Industry Conference
• Named “Salesperson of the Year” for exceeding sales targets by 40%
• Recognized with the “Customer Service Excellence” award for consistently high customer satisfaction ratings
• Received the “Rising Star” award for outstanding performance and potential
• Winner of the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award for successful business ventures
• Recipient of the “Excellence in Research” award for outstanding contributions to the field
• Winner of the “Best New Product” award at the International Product Expo

Step 5 in Making Your Resume Stand Out: Select the Right Template

The right resume template can make your resume visually appealing. A professional and clean template can make a positive impression on the recruiter. On the flip side, a cluttered and unprofessional template with different fonts and colors will not pass through ATS systems properly, nor will it get the attention of anyone manually reviewing it.

Example of Resume Template that Won’t Stand Out

• Overly simplistic or plain designs with minimal formatting
• Outdated or old-fashioned templates
• Templates with overly decorative elements that distract from the content
• Generic templates that lack personality or creativity
• Templates with poor color choices or mismatched fonts and sizes
• Templates with poor spacing or alignment that make the content difficult to read

Example of Resume Template that Stands Out

A clean and professional template with a modern design and the correct fonts, font sizes, and styles will help to set your resume apart. VisualCV offers a wide range of templates that can help you highlight your achievements and experiences with a unique aesthetic, including:

• Clean and modern templates with sleek designs
• Customizable templates that allow for personal branding
• Templates with unique formatting or layouts that showcase creativity
• Templates with bold or eye-catching color choices that are still professional
• Templates with clear and consistent typography and spacing for easy readability
• Templates with graphics or icons that complement the content and enhance the visual appeal

For a wide range of visually appealing resume templates, check out VisualCV’s template library . Some of our favorites include:

• Arya : A modern template that’s colorful yet elegant
• Baker : A clearly organized, two-column template that gives your resume personality
• Gallant : An eye-catching template with bold coloring and sleek lines

Step 6 in Making Your Resume Stand Out: Tailor Your Resume

Tailoring your resume to the job you’re applying for is a critical step in making it stand out from the pile and letting employers know you’re a great fit for the role.

Example of Generic Resume that Won’t Stand Out

Objective : Seeking a job in marketing

Experience : Marketing Intern, ABC Company Sales Associate, XYZ Corporation

Skills : Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Excellent written and verbal communication skills Detail-oriented

Example of Tailored Resume that Stands Out

This tailored resume for a marketing manager role speaks directly to the role with quantifiable results from past efforts:

Experienced marketing professional with a track record of driving successful campaigns and increasing revenue seeking a challenging marketing manager role in the fashion industry.

Experience : Marketing Manager, Fashion Company A Digital Marketing Specialist, Fashion Company B

• Achieved a 30% increase in sales by developing and executing successful marketing campaigns
• Increased ROI by extracting key data from Google Analytics that led to actionable insights
• Led successful project management and team leadership initiatives, resulting in timely project completion and increased team productivity

Step 7 in Making Your Resume Stand Out: Format Your Resume

Formatting your resume is crucial in catching the hiring manager’s attention. A poorly formatted resume can make it difficult for the reader to navigate and quickly assess your qualifications. On the other hand, a well-formatted resume can make a great first impression and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Example of Poorly Formatted resume that Won’t Stand Out

• Cluttered with too much text and information
• Lacks clear headings and sections
• Uses inconsistent fonts, sizes, and styles
• No white space, making it difficult to read

Example of Well-Formatted Resume that Stands Out

• Utilizes a clean and modern design
• Includes clear headings and sections
• Uses consistent fonts, sizes, and styles throughout
• Incorporates white space for easy readability
• Showcases important information such as skills and accomplishments with bullet points and bolding

How to Make Your Resume Stand Out with No Work Experience?

If you lack work experience, highlight any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills and interests. Include any volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs that you have held, and explain how they have prepared you for the role you are applying for. You can also showcase any relevant skills, such as proficiency in a particular software or language.

How to Make Your Senior Resume Stand Out

Making a senior resume stand out involves highlighting leadership skills, extensive experience, and achievements. Showcase unique qualities that set you apart from other candidates, such as successful team management, innovative problem-solving, and a track record of driving revenue growth. Using a clear and concise format and focusing on measurable results can also make your senior resume stand out.

How to Make a Standout Resume with No Achievements

If you don’t have any achievements to showcase, focus on highlighting your skills and experiences. Consider highlighting any relevant volunteer work, coursework, or internships. Use action-oriented language to describe your duties and responsibilities in a way that shows your potential value to a potential employer.

Creating a standout resume requires careful attention to detail and a focus on highlighting your unique skills and experiences. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a resume that showcases your skills and accomplishments in a compelling way. Remember to tailor your resume to the job description, use strong action verbs and metrics to demonstrate results, and choose a professional and well-formatted template.

With VisualCV’s range of templates, you can create a job-ready resume that will impress employers and help you get an interview. Start creating your standout resume today with our easy-to-use resume templates, and take the first step toward landing your dream job.

Copyright © 2024 Workstory Inc.

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How to Make Your Resume Stand Out, According to 24 Experts

Most hiring managers and HR personnel have ways of weeding out candidates as quickly as possible.

That is why we asked experts to provide practical advice on how to make your resume stand out from the crowd.

Table of Contents

Don’t include an objective

Be sure to add a career summary, add a skills section, don’t include dates with your education, include only relevant and more recent jobs, stop trying to make the resume look like a work of art, stop believing a resume should only be two pages, identify what you really need, avoid long paragraphs as your ‘objective’, keep the font simple, make sure your formatting is professional and appropriate for what you’re seeking, make sure your resume is error and mistake-free, realize that the most important piece of information on there is your name, make sure your resume is tailored for what you’re seeking, ensure your resume is ats fully-compliant, use the right mix of quantitative and qualitative information, consider page length, the key to a standout resume is the focus, focus on what you can do for the position you’re applying for, create a visually appealing format, provide a branding statement, include keywords from the job description, add a cover letter, the resume should be tailored very specifically for a select audience, keep resume content heavily results-focused and not task-focused, watch the length and avoid drowning the reader in long narratives, make sure that you give priority to relevant experience and skills, create a targeted resumé, show the employer your unique value, use a modern, professional format, but keep your formatting clean and consistent, tailor your resumé to the job, keep it to one page, highlight proficiencies, consider adding your hobbies, don’t go wild with your resume format, use a big headline, put things where they belong, if possible, pass your resume along internally, include measurable achievements, show achievements, include facts and figures to quantify your achievements, avoid jargons and have someone proofread it for you, use a reverse-chronological resume rather than a functional resume, focus on accomplishments, always list your education on the resume even if you feel it is not relevant, add some colors to the top corner(s) of your resume, vary the overall design of your resume depending on the job you’re applying for, submit a different resume for each different role you’re applying for, easy-to-skim, job-winning content is the key to standing out when applying for jobs online, get creative, provide clear, concise bullet points of roles/responsibilities, keep it organized, clean, and clear, highlight your experience for the position you’re applying for, use industry, and job-specific keywords and common industry phrases within your resume, check your format, ensure your resume is tailor-made for this particular role you are applying for, utilize headers, format professionally, add a professional headshot, frequently asked questions.

Dr. Heather Rothbauer-Wanish

Owner, Feather Communications | Author, Getting Back in the Game: How to Build Your Resume After Taking a Break

No one cares about your objective. The company cares about what you can do for them. How are you going to make their job easier? Stating that you are looking to “ …grow your leadership abilities while enhancing their organization… ” isn’t helping your cause.

Provide the company with a high-overview of you as a job candidate. It only needs to be a three to five-line summary that gives several skill-sets and aligns with keywords in the job search. Please know that this is the first part of the resume.

If you don’t have a qualifications/skills/core competencies/areas of expertise section, you are missing out. And, more importantly, companies are missing out on you. This is the place to utilize those keywords used in the job posting.

Unless you graduated from college last Saturday, the year you graduated no longer matters. In fact, at some point, that information could start to hurt you and could potentially bring about age discrimination. And, if you are yet to graduate from college, put your estimated date of month and year of graduation on your resume.

While I loved my job as a bank teller in high school, that was more than 20+ years ago and is no longer relevant. You don’t need to include very single job that you have ever had on your resume. Think relevance over quantity of past job experiences.

Dawn D. Boyer, Ph.D.

CEO, D. Boyer Consulting | Author, Human Resource Professionals in Government Contracting Guidebook

No one sees the original resumes once they are uploaded in the Automatic Tracking Systems (ATS) – those original resumes get parsed over to Boolean searchable SQL databases and converted to text files – recruiters may never see the ‘pretty.’

It’s perfectly ok to go to a third page if your experience and history are rich and diverse. Use the third page for certifications, training, awards, and recognition. You can always print a double-side first and second page to take to job fairs.

Know the difference between a bio (one-page intro), a resume (2-4 page job history for 10-15 years), and a Curriculum Vitae (Latin for life-story) which can run 20-30 pages long (academic institution job search).

When you are writing the ‘ Objective ’ at the top of the resume, all you need is the job title for which you are applying. Avoid the long boring subjective paragraph that recruiters roll their eyes at and skip over.

Summarize your ‘general’ type of jobs in years of experience list at the top of the resume, e.g., 5 years, Supervisory Management, 10 years, Technical Analyst (military, federal government), etc.

It can either be Arial or Times New Roman between 10 and 12 points tall; do not make larger fonts for your name or locations or objective lines – this doesn’t help and makes the resume look amateurish.

Ron Auerbach, MBA

Career Coach | Consultant | Author, Think Like an Interviewer: Your Job Hunting Guide to Success

So the first impression they will get is the overall visual look. And if that doesn’t impress them, they won’t look at the content, no matter how great it is. FYI, this is why a lot, if not most resume templates you find on the Internet fail so miserably.

Free of typos, grammatical issues, and other mistakes. Why is this so important? The reason is very simple. You are being judged by your actions and inaction. So having mistakes or errors on your resume equate to your either being this way on the job, which isn’t good! Or it means you missed it, which isn’t good either!

Worst of all is you did notice the problem(s) and did nothing about it! On the job, do we want people to notice but leave problems alone? No way!

When there’s a stack of resumes on someone’s pile, making sure that yours stands out from others is important. So you want your name to be the biggest thing on there. That way, it screams out, “This is my resume!”

So while you can create an excellent generic resume, it may not work in every case. So you do need to tweak and/or make major revisions accordingly. The same with a resume you’ve used lots of other times for that kind of work of that specific job.

The requirements and/or specific role you’ll play can vary company-to-company. Thus, you must revise things as needed in order to successfully get through the screening.

The last thing you can afford when you’re job hunting is your resume automatically being rejected or not being accurately read. So making sure you have your resume in an ATS-compliant fashion is key to getting it noticed.

Something else you should do to stand out is incorporate keywords they’ll be looking for. And inserting those keywords into various sections of your resume so, no matter where they’re looking, you will have the kinds of things they’ll want and will be impressed by.

FYI, despite what some advocate, you do not always need to include numbers of some type to impress. Qualitative data, when presented in the right way, can work equally well. Sometimes, even better! For example:

• “Increased revenues by 35%” 

Notice how I used numbers here. Now, this may really impress. Then again, it’s a matter of how they’ll react to 35%. Is this really a big enough increase to be considered “impressive?” That is the unknown question! So you might actually stand out better with being qualitative rather than quantitative here. For example:

• “Dramatically increased revenues”
• “Significantly increased revenues”

Notice how I’m leaving numbers out here and using a qualifier in the description to showcase the increase. And with “dramatically” and “significant” being subjective whereby each reader has their own range of what numbers it could be, you’re playing into this as a way to impress.

So it’s an excellent way to get around numbers that you may think are impressive but they do not. Thus, do not underestimate the power of being qualitative!

A resume, no matter what level of responsibility and/or experiences you have, should be above two pages. First of all, going beyond two pages is too much for them to be reading when they have lots of applications to go through and other tasks on their platter. So help them out by reducing not increasing their workload!

Secondly, two pages are more than enough space to convince them you’re qualified and worth considering for employment. If you cannot do so with this many pages, you never will!

So you do not need to go overboard in your background and qualifications, which is where a lot of job seekers going for C-level positions make a mistake.

You only need to give them enough to show you’re worth bringing in for an interview. Then you can fill in the rest with your full background!

Krystal Yates

Certified HR Expert | Founder, EBR Consulting, LLC

Creating a resume that stands out is much easier than most people think. A good resume must include three components:

• It must get you past the applicant tracking software (ATS)
• It must tell the reader why you are a good fit for their job
• It must be visually appealing

Too often, we overcomplicate the resume but forget these three basics.

That means that first, you must decide what your next position looks like. Spend some time to figure out exactly what you want from your next job, then ensure your resume tells that story. While that advice feels counterintuitive to many, it works very well.

In the past, a resume was a job history, now it is your brochure. Instead of broadly telling the reader everything you’ve done in the past, focus on how you solve the problem of the reader (the hiring manager). This should be easy to do since you know exactly what types of positions you will be applying for.

Review two or three similar job postings and pull out the terminology you see used over and over. These are the keywords you want to include in the resume to get you past the ATS.

The good news is, there is no one right way to do this. Decide what appeals to you. After all, this reflects you. Make sure the document is easy to skim and that you’ve used a font that is easy to read. If using color, ensure it still looks good printed in black and white.

Ebony Joyce

Chief Resume Writer | Founder, Next Level Career Services, LLC

No one else has the same brand as you. Your branding statement isn’t simply a list of accomplishments, but a three-to-five-line statement that tells who you are and sums up your value proposition. What sets you apart from others? What added value will you bring to the organization?

So, dig deep to formulating the qualities that differentiate you from others. The best way to land your next opportunity is to do a great job writing this section and make your resume stand out.

Using the job description as a guide is one best way to make your resume stand out. Job descriptions are written with certain keywords and when recruiters and hiring manager see keywords those are the resumes that get attention.

While it may be time-consuming, take the time to make a minor tweak to customize your resume for each individual job is a way to stand out since many applicants won’t take this time to do so.

If a job application says to submit a resume most people will do just that, submit a resume. So just the mere fact that not everyone includes cover letters with their resume is reason enough for you to submit one.

The cover letter is your opportunity to express your personality and provide a supplement to your resume that briefly expands upon your skills. Recruiters are going to appreciate the extra time you took in crafting a cover letter and set yourself apart from the applicants.

Related: How Long Should a Cover Letter Be , How to End a Cover Letter  

Adrienne Tom

Interview Coach | Executive Resume Writer, Career Impressions

General, one-size-fits-all resumes rarely work. Make it easy for each employer to see how you would provide value to their open position by aligning all resume content with job requirements. If a detail or point is not related to the target job – remove it or replace it!

Employers are not interested in all of the basic job duties you performed in each past position. Instead, they want to know “ what’s in it for me if I hire you?” .

To create interest and support your candidacy for the open position you must provide proof of the skills and capabilities you claim to possess. The proof is best shared through results.

In addition, quantify achievements to boost the quality of your resume content and provide more depth and breadth to expertise. For example, instead of just saying “created cost-savings” , take content one step further and provide quantified details such as “saved $16K in annual operating costs by introducing new streamlined inventory management procedure.”

Employers are often short on time and what to know ‘what’s in it for me?” – fast – when they scan a resume. Keep content in check by aiming for an average of 2 pages, focusing on the quality of content and not quantity.

Mix up content delivery by sharing details in both short paragraphs and bulleted statements and aim to keep the information as succinct as possible for easier readability.

Finally, eliminate unnecessary filler words like “a, to, by, and the” to sharpen content focus.

Related: How Long Should Your Resume Be

Rob Morgenroth

Executive Vice President, Mason Frank International

Despite the limited space you have on a resume anyway, you’d be surprised how much detail on it goes unread. Most hiring managers or recruiters will be skim-reading a huge pile of applications, looking for skills, experience, and qualifications that match exactly what they’re looking for.

It’ll then be narrowed down to decide who to invite to interview, but it’s vital you make an impression to survive that first cut.

A potential employer isn’t interested in clichés about you being a team player or great communicator at this stage. Those are just basic things everyone in the world of work is expected to have, so if you’re listing those, you may as well list other non-factors such as ‘punctual’ or ‘hard-working.’

Your personality, ambition, and general cultural fit will be determined during the face-to-face or phone interview itself, so at this stage, it’s about making sure you’ve got the right role-specific buzzwords on your resume.

Keep anything else as brief as possible. Highlight the qualities that match what the employer is looking for and remember to cover soft skills sparingly. Using bullet points can be a good way to avoid the temptation of providing too much unnecessary information, but be wary of how you format this.

One of the most common mistakes I see is giving the same amount of prominence to a job with zero transferable skills.

Standing out can be difficult if the vacancy attracts a high caliber of the applicant, but starting your resume with your most relevant strengths will give you the best chance possible of making it to the next round.

Holly Leyva

ACRW-Certified Professional Resumé and Cover Letter Writer | Customer and Career Services Division Manager, Virtual Vocations

Many job seekers create a general resumé and send that out to every employer, but not only will this not score well on an ATS system, but it makes it difficult for the hiring manager to easily see why you’re a good fit for the job. I recently posted for a customer service position and received over 100 resumés.

Many had professional titles completely unrelated to the job I had posted, so I didn’t even give those a second look. They immediately went into the discard pile because it was not clear that they had applied to the job I had posted.

For best results, create a targeted professional headline on your resumé that reflects the position for which you are applying, and make sure your summary is targeted, as well.

Instead of talking about skills and tasks that everyone is going to have, show the employer what you have done and the impact you’ve made in your prior roles on your resumé.

This will prove what you can do and why you’re better than the other applicants. This should be done in both the summary section and in the professional experience section—and be sure to use metrics and data whenever possible!

For a professional, easy-to-scan resumé, use plenty of white space and limit your sections of text to two or three lines maximum. Long, dense sections of text are too hard to read, making it difficult for employers to easily see your value.

Look through the job description and pull out specific keywords and skills that employer has mentioned, and incorporate these keywords into your resumé. Be sure to use them in context, rather than just in a list of skills, however, so the employer can see what you’ve accomplished and how you’ve made an impact using the skills they require.

Sean Sessel

Director, The Oculus Institute

In today’s age, far too many people submit resumes that are 2, 3, or even 4 or more pages long. Not only does nobody want to wade through that, but it demonstrates an inability to be concise.

Instead, show your ability to extract the core important information by keeping only things that are relevant and limiting your resume to one page.

Nowadays, many resumes are scanned for keywords and key phrases by computers before an actual human being ever sees them. That’s why I have my clients include a section called “ Proficiencies ” that includes languages, software, certifications, and any defined skill set that would come up as a keyword or key phrase.

Related: How to Include Language Skills (Proficiencies) on Your Resume

Resumes can be extremely dry, so it’s a good idea to humanize yourself by including a one-line section at the end called “Hobbies” where you share some of your interests.

When your resume actually does get to a human being, this section will allow them to relate to you and imagine themselves working with you, which is what really matters at the end of the day.

Debbie Winkelbauer

CEO, SurfSearch

You won’t stand a chance if your resume is never seen! We get hundreds of resumes sent to us every week and most are loaded directly into our applicant tracking system .

Resumes that have text boxes, photos, side columns, and fancy fonts don’t always load into the applicant tracking system correctly.

I imagine that is true with company websites as well. We do not have the time to contact these candidates about this so candidates might not realize their resume was never considered because it did not get into the system.

Eli Howayeck

Career Coach | Founder and CEO, Crafted Career Concepts

Avoid the fluffy paragraph or key word stuffing at the top of your resume. Use a headline instead that is short and concise. The rule of 3’s applies. What three themes do you want the reader to take away from your headline?

Resume readers read rapidly. Don’t annoy the reader (and the decider of your destiny) by making them search for the things they need to know. Chronological is best, name at the top, education towards the end (unless you’ve recently graduated).

Find someone well respected within the organization to pass your resume along internally. If your resume gets passed to the hiring manager (or HR) from multiple sources, it’s more likely to make an impact.

Jeri Walker

Career and Job Search Strategist | Founder, Your Best Designed Career  

Outside of using simplified formatting and keywords to get your resume past the ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems), one of the most important components in getting your resume noticed is including measurable achievements on the top fold of your resume.

Because when a hiring manager is looking for their ideal candidate, they want to know what problems you can solve and how you can make their lives easier.

What results can you deliver? How have you impacted the bottom line of your past employers? Hiring managers know that if you have driven results in the past, then you will do the same for them.

Achievements can be difficult for people to come up with because they feel like they are bragging about themselves and they’re not comfortable with it, but it’s really important for your reader to know how you can solve problems.

And achievements can be measured in many ways, it’s not just about increasing sales. It can be how you’ve decreased costs, increased efficiencies, improved processes, surpassed deadlines or saved a client account.

Get creative and put some thought into the various achievements you have made that are relevant to this position and list 3 or 4 of them in bullet form at the top of your resume.

Also, once you’ve come up with the most important achievements and have placed them at the top of your resume, you should sprinkle all the rest of them throughout your job experience section as well. Seeing achievements on a resume is much more compelling and meaningful than just bullet points of your job duties.

Always remember, it’s about that hiring manager and what they need so be sure to demonstrate how you will help them on your resume so that you will be their ideal candidate.

James Burroughes

Managing Consultant, Traverse Success Coaching

Cutting and pasting your job description or a list of responsibilities only tells the hiring manager that you can recite what you should be doing and could apply to anyone doing that job. Not how well you did it.

Your CV must be different. It needs to demonstrate specific instances and examples of accomplishments that show the difference you have made in your work and therefore the likely difference you will make in a new role.

With a little thought, you find most achievements can be boiled down to a number in some form. These could be reducing the time taken for a task, cutting costs, or driving sales. Make sure they show a black and white result that can’t be refuted. Managers love this.

Too many resumes have jargon, abbreviations, and company-specific language which means nothing to a reader outside your business. If someone you know can’t understand what your Golden Gift Award is, or your PDB increase by 12% is, it’s too “ jargony “. This will mean you stand out for the wrong reasons. Keep it simple and explain things accordingly.

Frank Grossman

Founder, Resumes That Shine

Resumes are scanned with automated systems called ATS systems that cannot digest functional resumes. If your resume does reach a hiring manager, you still will not be considered because managers feel you are hiding something when you use a functional resume.

Most resumes people send me list job titles and the job candidate’s job description. Hiring managers either know your job description or they can look it up online. They cannot look up your accomplishments in the job.

Employers may require a college degree to consider you, for example, even if you have experience. Your major may not matter.

One of my job candidates at an employment program was denied an interview because her resume did not list her college degree, even though the employer knew her!

Additional resume tips I give job candidates that want to stand out include:

• Do not show your street address and zip code on your resume. We are naturally curious and will look up the address to see where you live. Then, we may make incorrect assumptions about your salary needs, ethnicity, criminal past, etc.
• Use a personal brand statement instead of the words “profile” or “summary” under your contact information so employers know what folder to put your resume in right away.
• Add a summary under the branding statement  including a sentence about your job title and industry, a few hard skill highlights and two or three accomplishment highlights.
• Include a core competency matrix of 9, 12, or 15 hard skills in three columns to help ATS systems find your resume.

HR Manager, Tree AMS

When it comes to resumes, HR professionals often have endless piles to go through. Thus, knowing how to make your resume stand out from the rest is key.

Of course, it shouldn’t come off as tacky; instead, you can use professional colors such as blue or maroon. Seeing your resume stick out from the corner might capture the attention of the employer. This demonstrates your wit and that you have put some thought into your resume.

For example, if you’re going for a graphic designer role, you should definitely showcase your design skills by personalizing your resume design. Alternatively, you can also pick a professional theme that suits your industry.

Refer to the job description and state relevant skills and experiences in your resume accordingly. This indicates to the employer that you’ve meticulously reviewed what’s expected of you.

Steph Cartwright

Certified Professional Resume Writer, Off The Clock Resumes, LLC

How you look and apply for jobs matters. A graphic resume with flashy colors, charts, icons, and other graphic elements will certainly stand out when networking and physically handing your resume to a hiring manager; however, these resumes won’t get through employer software if you’re applying for jobs online.

If you’re targeting your resume to demonstrate the skills listed on the job posting in action throughout your work history and using bullet lists to draw attention to major contributions toward organizational goals, your resume will get through the Applicant Tracking software and stand out the right way when seen by a decision-maker.

Joe Flanagan

Senior Career Advisor, MintResume

If you’re in a creative career, such as graphic design or video production, your resume can be much more creative and unique than someone applying for a job in accounting.

Research the prospective employer’s website to see just how out of the box they’re comfortable with. Using that as a guideline, get creative with color, image, layout or verbiage that’s in keeping with the potential employer’s style and approach.

Resumes for jobs in the arts or creative work can differentiate you by using approaches that are much more out of the box.

Talent Acquisition Manager, PrimePay

You want to make sure you’re not providing too much or not enough information – a good balance is key! I also really enjoy when candidates list out their specific achievements/accomplishments in each role, to really showcase what they’re most proud of themselves for!

I recruit mostly sales representatives, and really enjoy reading when candidates exceed quota, win awards/trips, or place at the top of their teams!

Erin Murphree

You can make your resume stand out in different ways- positively or negatively. When it comes to standing out in a positive manner, take these tips into account!

• Provide complete basic information such as your contact information, education, and work experience. If you just graduated from school, list the projects you did while in school. Were you a part of any clubs on campus? What type of leadership roles have you held?
• Tailor your resume towards the job you are applying to.
• Begin each bullet point with power verbs like initiated, improved, demonstrated, etc.
• Add quantitative results especially when it comes to a metrics-driven position.
• Highlight awards, accomplishments and recognition.
• Utilize keywords that are relevant to the job opportunity and company.
• Make sure all information is accurate and matches your LinkedIn information.
• Be concise and use bullet points.

Jason Patel

Founder, Transizion

Think of aesthetics and readability first. Why? Hiring managers, small business owners, and department heads don’t have time to waste, which is why they’ll initially review resumes for seven to nine seconds.

If your resume doesn’t pass this quick test, it’ll be discarded. The best way to pass this test, or, at least, not fail quickly,

Specifically, keep your bullet points aligned, keep your grammar and formatting even, and make sure your spacing is neat.

To do this, break up your resume into discernible sections so that you can review it for mistakes and the hiring manager likes its aesthetic. A neat and clean resume signifies the applicant is someone who takes the time to clean up her work and pays attention to detail .

CEO & Founder, UpKeep | Awardee, Forbes 30 Under 30 for Manufacturing

Almost every hiring manager knows hiring is tough. With hundreds of applicants and resumes, it’s no longer simply about having the skills and background listed in a job description, but being able to stand out from the crowd.

Hiring managers read hundreds of resumes a day. At the end of the day, the longer a resume is, the better, right? Wrong! You can read a job description and know exactly what our hiring managers are looking for by looking at the required skills.

If you have experience with any of the skills or requirements listed in the job description, don’t be afraid to add the company’s language to your resume directly.

This highlights your resume to show companies that you’ve got the skills and experience for what they might be looking for and that you’ve read the job description thoroughly!

If you don’t have the skills, requirements, and experience yet, don’t hide it. Share with your potential employer as to why now is the time to learn? How have your past experiences prepared you to take on this new challenge?

Related: How to Get an Entry Level Job with No Qualifications or Experience

Business Development Consultant, My Trading Skills

Don’t overdo it, and make sure that these terms are well-distributed throughout the resume and fit naturally into sentences.

Use the most modern, appropriate, appealing and most preferred resume format for your industry.

This entails demonstrating the specific set of skills and knowledge that will help you succeed in the role if hired.

Have a header below your name and contact information that succinctly captures who you are bearing in mind the position you are applying for.

Bottom Line: To ensure that your resume stands out, have a succinct and definitive header, use the most appropriate resume format, make the resume specific to the role you are applying for, and use industry keywords naturally throughout the resume.

Nate Masterson

CMO, Maple Holistics

You want your resume to physically stand out from the rest of the applications that hiring managers are sifting through. That being said, you want to ensure that it displays your professionalism.

Your layout is as much as part of your ‘brand’ as the actual information on your resume.

Employ different sized fonts to help titles and relevant roles catch the eye and use paragraphs to your advantage to make things clear.

One of the biggest mistakes that potential applicants make when applying for multiple jobs, is sending the same resume to each application.

Make sure that you tailor your resume for the specific position that you’re applying to.

There will be nuanced differences in roles and an easy way to recognize this is by using keywords from the original job posting in your resume. While all the jobs you’re applying for might be the same, companies look for different things to ensure that you’ve acknowledged this in your resume to help you stand out.

Garrett Mynatt, M.A.

Professional Photographer

Including a quality headshot will do a couple of things that not only help you stand out but also reinforce you are the right person for the job.

You want to have a headshot that you are proud of and one that represents you authentically within your field, so an outdoor guide on white background may not be authentic to them, much like an accountant’s headshot probably doesn’t need to be on top of a mountain.

By including a headshot it shows you are in fact a real person but more important than that it represents you as the confident expert you are, which creates a connection with the person on the other side. You have now gone from being another number in the pile to a familiar face.

As an added bonus, create consistency by using the same headshot across all public platforms, the more consistent you are the more trust is formed, and don’t we all want to work with someone like that?

Should I Hire a Professional Resume Writer?

A professional resume writer can be a good option if you’re struggling to create a resume that effectively showcases your skills and qualifications. Here are a few things to consider if you decide to hire a professional resume writer:

• A professional resume writer can help you create a resume tailored to your specific industry and career goals. • A professional resume writer can provide valuable feedback and advice on your resume’s content, format, and design. • A professional resume writer can save you time and help you avoid common mistakes that could hurt your chances of getting an interview.

However, using a professional writer can be expensive, and you must do your research to find a reputable and qualified professional.

Should I Include a List of References on My Resume?

It’s not necessary to include a list of references on your resume, but it’s a good idea to have a list ready in case you’re asked for it during the interview. Here are some tips for creating a strong list of references:

• Choose people who know your work well and can speak about your skills and qualifications. • Ensure you have their current contact information, phone number, and email address. • Let your references know that you’re applying for jobs, and give them a copy of your resume and a description of the jobs you’re applying for. • Thank your references for their time, and keep them updated on your job search.

Should I Include My GPA on My Resume?

Including your grade point average on your resume is usually only necessary if you are a recent college graduate or your GPA is particularly high (over 3.5). However, if your GPA is below 3.0, it may be better to leave it off your resume.

Here are some tips on how to decide if you should include your GPA on your resume:

• If you’re a recent graduate, including your grade point average can show your academic achievements and potential. • If you already have work experience in your field, your work experience may be more important than your GPA, and you may not need to include it. • Suppose you don’t have a strong GPA. In that case, it may be best to omit it and focus on other areas of your experience and qualifications.

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The Editors

How to Make a Resume That Stands Out in 2024: A Guide That Stands Out

In This Guide:

What makes a resume stand out in 2023, key takeaways.

So you want to know how to make your resume stand out to recruiters?

You’re here because the generic “best practices from recruiters” advice you got until now was not very helpful. You already knew it all. You know what the baseline is .

But do you know how to write a visually appealing resume that makes you stand out from the crowd?

What makes a resume pop?

We, at Enhancv , asked ourselves the same questions. To find the standout factors, we did some research and testing.

We started by analyzing our clients’ resumes that helped them secure jobs at the likes of Amazon, Spotify, PwC, Verizon, and other top companies. We identified all the resume components that catch the eye of employers and recruiters. Then, we performed solid A/B testing, and finally, put together all our findings into one test resume . This test resume gathered over 1 million views, got covered by CNBC and Business Insider, and was praised by Mark Cuban .

BUILD MY RESUME LIKE THIS

To put it simply – it stood out and attracted attention.

The following advice helped thousands of candidates get interviews and land jobs at leading companies. We’ll share their resumes as case studies and explore different ways to make your resume stand out from the rest.

Here’s what you’ll learn from this guide:

• How to make a resume that both stands out and gets you interviews in 2023
• Case studies, tips, and professional examples from candidates that successfully landed jobs at top companies
• What resume layouts are getting more interviews and which are getting less
• How to pass automatic HR filters when creating a stand out resume

At the end of the day, you want your resume to stand out and land you a job, not raise HR’s eyebrows or get shared on Reddit for the sake of it.

So we won’t be using fancy fonts or inserting funny pictures. Every example we provide and each template we use has been thoroughly tested with HR systems to pass automatic filters.

This guide will take your resume from good to great, and here’s how.

• First, for every section we’ll cover a baseline, a bare minimum you need to do in order to have a competitive resume. Unfortunately, the majority of career guides stop at that.
• From there, we take it one step further with specific advice on how to make every section of your resume even more engaging and remarkable with out-of-box techniques.
• Finally, we’ll talk about the power of formatting and layout in creating an outstanding resume.

Along the way, we’ll provide case studies and real-life examples that helped candidates land real jobs at the companies they wanted.

Create attention-grabbing header section

The Header is the top section of your resume. It includes your name, location, job title, and contact details.

• Baseline: provide clear, typo-free contact and location details so that recruiters could contact you with zero effort.
• Stand out: include a link to your developed LinkedIn profile, add a custom headline, consider adding a photo.

Looking for ways to make your header stand out? See how you can perfect your resume header and get noticed .

Link to LinkedIn and/or personal portfolio website

Here’s a thing: 70% of recruiters will be checking your social media profiles. But the real bummer is that 79% of employers can reject candidates based on their social media.

Let’s turn this into our advantage and put a link to your LinkedIn profile in your Header section.

This will earn you extra points with recruiters and guide their attention to where you want them to be.

If you have a personal portfolio website that you want recruiters to see, link to it as well.

Gal included a link to his personal website to guide the recruiter’s attention, but also to keep his resume one-page without having to describe all the projects he’s worked on over the decade.

Pro tip: when applying for code-heavy jobs, consider linking to your Github.

Custom headline

Recruiters will spend most of their time analyzing the top third of your resume, and a custom headline is one of the most influential and often overlooked ways to grab their attention.

Headline goes immediately after your name on the resume and can include anything from your job title to a personal slogan.

However, you can do much better than simply putting your job title there., e.g. “System Administrator”.

Below are two amazing standout resume examples of a customized headline in action:

In the past, Daniel had two different jobs: Customer Support Engineer and Systems Administrator.

So he combined both qualifications in his headline, emphasizing experience with both people and systems.

This way he framed his diverse experience as an advantage before the recruiter even got to see the rest of the resume.

Result? Intercom hired Daniel. Check out the resume template that got Daniel the job.

For other jobs, you might want to get even more creative with your headline. For example, how are you going to stand out from hundreds of other marketers?

Wrong example : PPC specialist with 5 years of experience.

Right example : Fighting shady, aggressive marketing.

In his headline, Louis took a strong stance against something that was at the time a massive problem for established brands: shady viral marketing tactics of competition. Later he was hired by Hotjar. Check out the template that Louis used to get his dream job.

Custom headline allows you to frame the rest of your resume however you need, providing a halo effect. Daniel framed his work experience as an advantage for his next job, while Louis stood out from hundreds of marketers with the same skillset.

And the best part? Headlines can be easily tailored to every job you’re applying for, so you can easily switch between experience-based headlines, slogans, or anything related to your next job. Learn more about how to craft your headline here .

Should you include a photo in your resume or not?"?

Short answer: it depends. The best practice is to check company and government policy (including photos is illegal in some countries). For the long answer, head over to our helpful post on the topic .

Sam wanted to switch careers, but her extensive investment banking background made her resume look a bit boring for a startup-tech world.

So she used one of our resume templates, including her photo and adding some personality to her resume , to successfully score a job at Spotify.

To sum it up – you’ll need an attractive header section to make your resume stand out from the crowd. What you’ll also need is a special Summary section…

Use summary that captivates recruiters

The summary section is a short paragraph or bulleted list that briefly describes your professional experience before the rest of your resume.

Sometimes Summary is called an “Objective”, especially if you are using it to explain why you’re applying for the job.

• Baseline : short, easy-to-read, and impactful description of your professional experience
• Stand out : make your Summary memorable, use a proper layout .

Think of your Summary section as a cold email you’re sending someone you don’t know. If it’s a long, boring, and self-centered cold email, no one wants to read that.

But if you research your recipient, create an engaging and short cold email, you have a much higher chance of someone responding to it.

The Summary section, when done right, is one of the most powerful ways of “aligning” you to the position.

Sometimes you’ll hear the opinion that the Summary section takes too much space on your resume.

First, there’s an easy fix to it.

Let’s look at Daniel’s resume once again.

He puts the Summary section to the right of his Experience section. Why?

When recruiters scan your resume, they are checking your experience section first, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to learn more about you after.

With his Summary, Daniel once again frames the recruiter’s perception, highlighting that he did the majority of his work experience remotely. It helps a lot given that the company he applied for, Intercom, is a fully remote organization.

At the same time, he also provides some insight into his personality, as he knows how important culture fit is in remote companies.

Learn as much as you can about the company you’re applying for to know what’s important to them, and use this information to make your Summary more memorable.

Another great way to use the Summary section is when you’re switching careers, have no work experience, or have gaps in your work history.

Seeing your experience section, recruiters will immediately ask themselves questions: why are they making the career switch? Do they have enough experience?

Be proactive and address the elephant in the room yourself.

Akshay S. Rao put a brief summary section before his experience section to explain why he wants the internship with Tesla in the first place.

Check out the job-winning resume layout that Akshay used to land a promising internship.

Okay, so you’ve mastered the Summary, and you are one step closer to making a creative resume that stands out from the rest. Now, it’s time to understand how to tie results with responsibilities and present your work achievements on your resume.

Always provide quantifiable achievements

One of the most common pieces of advice we hear from recruiters is “provide results, not responsibilities”.

Well, yeah, it’s great advice. But we can do even better than that.

• Baseline: when describing your experience, demonstrate the impact of your work and contribution to the bottom-line of a company
• Stand out: Add quantifiable achievements to other sections of your resume, creating a cohesive “rainmaker” narrative.

Compare these two Experience sections from our job-winning Tech resume guide.

The first example may seem clean and concise, but in reality, it’s generic and doesn’t bring impact.

When you provide quantifiable achievements in your resume, it’s not about bragging with numbers.

It gives recruiters the impression that the person knows the impact of their work and their value to the company. And knowing your impact makes you more effective and loyal, a recruiter’s dream.

Here’s a formula we are using to describe our experience in an engaging and impactful manner:

Accomplished [A] as measured in [B] by doing [C]

Just remember that quantifiable achievements don’t necessarily mean “numeric achievements”. Simply adding numbers to something doesn’t make it impactful.

As long as what you did makes an impact and benefits the company, it will resonate with recruiters.

The best part is that you can demonstrate impact throughout other sections of your resume, instantly making them more engaging and effective: Summary, Projects, even your headline.

Maximilian Malterer, who now works at Amazon, used our “Most Proud of” section and moved it right next to his experience section.

No matter how recruiters will be scanning this resume, they will notice the impact you made.

Access the job-winning resume of Maximilian layout at our library of top-performing templates .

Now, let’s discover what the Achievement section is and how to use it wisely.

Highlight awards and recognitions

• Baseline : candidates rarely have this section in their resumes
• Stand out : adding an Achievements section to your resume sets you apart from the majority of candidates in the hiring pool.

If we were to summarize what sets apart the majority of our customers whose successful resumes we’ve used throughout this guide, we’d say custom sections.

“Achievements”, “Awards”, and “Most Proud” sections are all great examples.

Adding them within our resume builder is a one-step drag-and-drop process, but the most important part is that you can quickly change the whole layout based on your particular needs.

As mentioned before, Maximilian put his most impactful Achievements right next to his Experience section, amplifying the overall impact, which is critical when you work with Amazon partners.

But Julian Prim, who now works with PwC, took a different approach. His high-stakes analyst job required extra attention to detail and next to perfect time-management skills.

After all, that’s what PwC had in mind for their operations specialist.

So Julian put his skills first to let recruiters know he checks all these boxes and added his “Most Proud” section below.

While Maximillians’s resume narrative is an ambitious and impactful account manager, Julian Prim is an efficient and timid analyst. The layouts of their resumes work great for both of them.

Pro tip : with simple drag and drop you can quickly change layouts and thus how your resume narrative.

Julian can easily become an ambitious superstar data wizard and apply for some hot BigData startup by simply dragging his “Most Proud” section to the top. Experiment with resume layouts by using the top-performing templates directly in our resume builder .

Surely, sharing awards and recognition is a way to make your resume stand out from other applicants and land you the job. But if you want to get things to the next level, you’d spend some time tailoring your resume and make it more specific to the position you are applying for.

Tailor your resume

Tailoring your resume to the job description is an extremely effective strategy for landing more job interviews.

Just don’t overdo it, otherwise, your efforts might seem too obvious.

• Baseline : include in your resume skills and keywords from your target job description
• Stand out : group skills and provide context for your core skills to maximize the impact and prove that you actually have these skills.

There are several ways to feature both technical and soft skills on your resume.

The majority of candidates will simply list them, but for recruiters, it’s as engaging as reading someone’s shopping list.

Instead, we have a few more easy-to-read and effective options you can use.

Daniel is a technical person. It was important for him to showcase his technical skills when applying for a job at Intercom, but he didn’t want to scare off recruiters with a poorly formatted list of 100+ technologies he learned during his career in IT.

He mentioned many skills and technologies he worked with when describing his Experience section, but for the skills section he followed the old wisdom of “less is more”.

So he identified four of the most important groups of skills he has and presented them as engaging infographics.

Adapt this layout and try out various visual styles using our freely accessible resume templates .

Julian went for the jugular with his PwC analyst resume. He was perfectly aware that the majority of analysts lack soft skills, and that was a great opportunity to stand out from his competition.

But instead of simply listing soft skills he presented them in a real-world context. Finally, he renamed the whole section “Strengths” to grab the recruiter’s attention.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the names for your custom resume sections.

Recruiters are tired of seeing thousands of “My skills” sections to the point they automatically skim them.

But try naming them “Core strengths” or “Tech achievements” and you’ll hold their attention.

If you are interested in learning more about making your resume laser-targeted, read our post on the topic .

Did you know that nothing sets your resume apart from the rest more than sharing your personal story in it…

Show your career and personal story

So far, we’ve managed to make every section of your resume stand out and engage recruiters, showcasing your experience and achievement in the most convincing way.

Let’s apply some final effort with custom sections that will push your resume into a league of its own.

Here are the four custom sections our customers most often add to their job-winning resumes:

• Life philosophy

Marcellus Nixon, now Senior Director of Network Operations, had an excellent work history in the network communications sector.

You can access Marcellus’s full resume template here .

But so did every candidate who was aiming for an executive role at Verizon.

At this level, candidates rarely can outperform each other on a skill basis.

At the end of the day, organizations hire humans, and if recruiters feel that there’s a person behind all the achievements on your paper, they will remember you.

That’s why Marcellus decided to add “A Day In My Life” and “Life Philosophy” sections.

With these two custom sections, his resume narrative switched from “experienced network executive” to “experienced network executive with a strong work ethic and a solid plan.”

Exactly what Verizon, a global network mogul, needs.

Still with us? Good.

It’s all fun and games until we mention proper formatting. Are there any tricks to it? What colors and fonts are appropriate? Let’s see how you can make your resume stand out visually.

Apply formatting tricks to create stand out resume

Watch out for white space.

According to an eye-tracking study from Ladders Inc, resumes that lack white space turn recruiters off.

The easier your resume reads, the more chances there will be that the recruiter reads every section of it.

If you have a lot to put on your resume, use smart layout and custom sections.

The two resume examples feature the same amount of information, yet the second one is much more engaging and comfortable to digest.

Pro tip: after you filled all the sections of your resume, look at it with your eyes squinted. If your resume feels like a big cluttered black spot, start decluttering it.

Declutter your resume with minimalism approach

Make a point of using as few words to describe your experience as possible. The worst thing you can do is trying to sound smart.

Bad example: developed an elaborate testing environment throughout a wide array of 22 company and partner software assets

Good example: Launched a test-to-production environment for 22 software products

Use well-tested fonts and combinations

Don’t be afraid to use several fonts on your resume, especially if you want to bold certain parts of your resume like headers or titles.

Just remember to limit yourself to only three fonts per resume , and try using font pairs that were already tested together by designers and user experience experts.

Make colors work for you

Here’s a really elaborate, but effective trick you can use to earn some extra points: try using the company’s brand colors on your resume.

Surely don’t put a company logo or use the exact color palette, go for a subtle effect .

It’s a bit of reverse psychology: in-house recruiters that know brand colors too well may subconsciously gravitate towards resumes with familiar colors.

Proofread your resume at least 3 times

Even the most elaborate and engaging resume can quickly become a recruiter’s kryptonite when a single typo creeps into your sentences.Make sure to proofread your resumes at least three times before you send them out. If you’re using our resume builder, it will automatically check every resume you create or upload for typos.

Study specific cases of resumes that stood out from competition

Writing a resume that stands out with no work experience.

• Put Education and Projects section on the top left and top right
• Hide GPA if it’s below 3
• Add a link to personal industry-related projects or Github if you’re in development
• Include a short objective to frame the recruiter’s expectations
• Use custom sections (e.g. Projects and Certification) to stand out from hundreds of applicants
• DON’T mention passion in your objective.

Successful example: [internship at Tesla]

Tips for making your resume stand out for senior employees

• Use custom section to stand out from your competition and add personality to your top-management experience (e.g. “A Day In My Life” and “Life Philosophy”  sections)
• Frame your experience with a well-researched custom headline on top
• Add links to a business-related profile (LinkedIn)
• Frame Skills sections in a unique way (e.g. name them “Workflows”, “Strengths”)

Successful example: senior manager resume at Verizon

How to create a standout resume with bad work history

• Go for a functional layout resume where skills and workflows are prioritized over the experience section
• Create a proxy item in your experience section, e.g. “Freelancer”, or “Agency” and list your temporary experiences within it
• Write an engaging Summary section to address the recruiter’s questions about your inconsistent work history and turn it to your advantage (e.g. several areas of competence)
• DON’T mention passion in your objective. Just don’t.

Standout resume for different positions

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20 Top Resume Tips for Making Your Resume Stand Out in 2024

In today’s competitive job market, a well-crafted resume can make all the difference. Your resume is your first impression to potential employers, and it’s crucial to make it stand out from the rest. With technology evolving and resume screening systems becoming increasingly popular, it’s more important than ever to have a resume that catches the attention of both human recruiters and automated systems.

This article presents 20 top resume tips to help you create an outstanding resume that will set you apart from the competition. The tips provided in this article are based on years of experience from subject matter experts in the field of recruiting and hiring.

The tips are organized into several categories:

• Formatting your resume
• Crafting your content
• Showcasing your achievements
• Leveraging LinkedIn to support your resume
• Avoiding common resume mistakes

Each section provides practical and actionable advice to help you achieve your goal of capturing hiring managers’ attention and landing your dream job.

The following sections will provide more detail on each of the 20 tips and provide real-world examples of how to put these best practices into action. By the end of this article, you will have the tools and knowledge necessary to create an impressive resume that showcases your skills, successes, and potential.

Customize Your Resume for Each Job

When it comes to job applications, one size does not fit all. It’s essential to tailor your resume to the specific job posting you’re applying for. Not only does it show potential employers that you took the time to research their company and requirements, but it can also help your resume stand out.

To customize your resume effectively, start by studying the job posting carefully. Look for keywords and phrases that the employer emphasizes, such as specific skills, qualifications, and experiences. Incorporate these keywords into your resume, so that it matches the posting as closely as possible.

Don’t make the mistake of blindly copying and pasting the job description into your resume. Instead, use it as a guide to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. If you don’t have a particular skill or experience mentioned in the job posting, don’t add it to your resume just to match the posting. This can look dishonest, and you may end up in a job that doesn’t suit your actual qualifications.

When highlighting your skills and experiences, ensure that they align with the job description. For example, if the job posting emphasizes teamwork skills, use concrete examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you have successfully worked in a team.

Customizing your resume for each job posting can make a significant difference in catching the attention of potential employers. By tailoring your resume to match the requirements and utilizing relevant keywords, you demonstrate that you are an ideal fit for the job. Remember to focus on showcasing the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position, and always be truthful about your qualifications.

Use a Professional and Clean Design

When it comes to designing your resume, the overall look of your document can actually play a big role in catching the attention of potential employers. To ensure your resume looks professional and clean, follow these tips:

• Choose an appropriate font and font size: It’s best to stick with a standard font like Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri, and keep the size between 10 and 12 points. Avoid using overly stylized or decorative fonts, as this can be distracting and difficult to read.
• Use consistent formatting: Consistency is key when it comes to formatting your resume. Be sure to use the same font, font size, and formatting style throughout your entire document. This will help your resume look polished and professional.
• Use bullet points to present information: Bullet points are a great way to present information clearly and concisely. They allow you to highlight your skills, accomplishments, and experience in an easy-to-read format. Just be sure to use bullet points sparingly, and avoid using too many symbols or fancy formatting.

By following these design tips, you can create a professional and clean-looking resume that will help you stand out from the crowd. Remember, a well-designed resume can be just as important as the content itself, so take the time to make sure your document looks its best.

Start with a Strong Objective Statement or Summary

A strong objective statement or summary is a crucial part of crafting a standout resume. It’s a brief paragraph that appears at the top of your document and serves as an introduction to who you are as a professional.

Explain your goals and objectives

Your objective statement or summary should clearly outline what you want to achieve in your career. This could relate to the position you’re applying for, or your long-term career aspirations. By doing so, you demonstrate to potential employers that you are serious about your goals and committed to your profession.

Demonstrate your value proposition

Your objective statement or summary is also an excellent opportunity to showcase your value proposition to potential employers. This is where you can highlight your unique skills and experiences that make you the ideal candidate for the job. Use this section to explain what you can bring to the table and how you stand out from the crowd.

Summarize your experience and achievements

Lastly, your objective statement or summary should summarize your experience and achievements. Use this section to highlight why you are the best candidate for the job, and how you have achieved success in your previous roles. Be sure to include any relevant achievements or accomplishments that demonstrate your expertise in your field.

A strong objective statement or summary is critical to making your resume stand out. It should explain your goals and objectives, demonstrate your value proposition, and summarize your experience and achievements. With these elements in place, you can create a powerful introduction to your professional abilities and set the tone for the rest of your resume.

Highlight Your Achievements and Results

When it comes to crafting a winning resume, simply listing your job responsibilities or tasks is not enough. What truly sets you apart from other candidates is your ability to deliver results and achieve success in your role. Here are some key tips for highlighting your achievements and results in your resume:

Use Quantifiable Metrics

Employers want to see concrete evidence of your success, and the best way to provide that is with specific numbers and metrics. For example, instead of saying “increased sales,” you could say “increased sales by 25% in Q4 2020.” Other examples of quantifiable metrics include:

• Reduced costs by X%
• Improving customer satisfaction ratings by X points
• Generated X number of leads or conversions

By using quantifiable metrics, you demonstrate that you understand the importance of tracking results and are able to deliver measurable outcomes.

Use Action Verbs

To make your achievements stand out, use action verbs that show you took initiative in achieving those results. Some examples include:

• Implemented
• Spearheaded

Using strong action verbs shows that you are a proactive and results-oriented employee who takes ownership of your work.

Use Specific Examples

When highlighting your achievements and results, be specific and provide detailed examples. Avoid generic statements or buzzwords that could apply to anyone. A strong example might be:

“Developed and implemented a new marketing campaign that resulted in a 50% increase in website traffic and a 20% increase in lead generation within the first month.”

This statement is specific, quantifiable, and demonstrates both initiative and measurable results. Another example might be:

“Led a team of 10 professionals in developing and launching a new product line, resulting in over $1 million in revenue in the first quarter.”

Again, this statement shows specific results, strong leadership skills, and quantifiable metrics.

Make sure to showcase your accomplishments and measurable results using quantifiable metrics, strong action verbs, and specific examples. By emphasizing your success, you will stand out as a candidate who can deliver real value to potential employers.

Include Relevant Education and Certifications

A successful resume highlights both academic qualifications and relevant certifications. Hiring managers often use these indicators to determine whether a candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the role. Below are tips on how to showcase your educational background and certifications in your resume:

List your academic qualifications

Start by creating a section on your resume to list your academic qualifications. This may include your degree(s), major(s), minor(s), honors, and any relevant coursework. If you are a recent graduate or have limited work experience, your education section may appear higher up on your resume.

For example, your education section may look like this:

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, XYZ University, May 2020
• Relevant coursework: Research Methods, Statistics, Social Psychology

Highlight relevant certifications

In addition to your academic qualifications, highlighting relevant certifications can demonstrate to the hiring manager that you have sought out additional training and have specific skills related to the job. Certifications can be listed either within your Education section or in a separate section devoted to Certifications and Professional Development.

For example, a marketing manager may include the following certifications:

Certifications

• Google Ads Certified
• HubSpot Inbound Certified
• Hootsuite Social Media Marketing Certified

Provide details about any relevant training

It’s also important to provide details about any relevant training you have received, even if it didn’t result in a formal certification. Details about training can be included in bullet points within your work experience section or in a separate section devoted to Professional Development.

For example, a software engineer may include the following training details:

Professional Development

• Developed expertise in Java programming language
• Worked on various projects with a team of developers, using Agile methodology
• Learned advanced SQL querying techniques
• Gained familiarity with database administration tasks

Including relevant education and certifications in your resume is crucial for demonstrating your qualifications and setting yourself apart from other candidates. By highlighting your academic background, certifications, and professional development, you can provide valuable information to hiring managers and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Emphasize Your Skills

When it comes to crafting a standout resume, highlighting your skills is crucial. This section should include both hard and soft skills and provide specific examples of each. To make your skills section relevant to the job, carefully review the job description and tailor your skills to fit their requirements.

Hard Skills

Hard skills refer to specific technical abilities that you have acquired through education, training, or experience. These skills are often job-specific and can be measured or quantified. Some examples of hard skills that you might include are:

Proficient in InDesign and Photoshop : As a graphic designer, I have extensive experience creating high-quality designs using InDesign and Photoshop. I am comfortable using these tools to create brochures, logos, and various other marketing materials.

Data Analysis : As a business analyst, I have a proven track record of using data analysis to understand business performance and inform strategic decision-making. I have experience with tools like Excel, Power BI, and Tableau.

Fluent in Spanish : As a customer service representative, I have experience working with Spanish-speaking clients. My fluency in Spanish has allowed me to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with these clients.

Soft Skills

Soft skills refer to personal qualities or attributes that relate to how you interact with others. These skills are often transferable and can be applied to a variety of jobs or industries. Some examples of soft skills that you might include are:

Problem-Solving : As a project manager, I have a demonstrated ability to identify issues and develop creative solutions to complex problems. For example, when our team encountered a major obstacle during a software project, I worked collaboratively with team members to identify a workaround that kept the project on track.

Communication : As a sales representative, I have developed excellent communication skills that allow me to effectively connect with prospects and clients. I can adapt my communication style to fit the needs of different audiences and have been recognized for my ability to generate high-quality leads through targeted messaging.

Teamwork : As an event coordinator, I have a proven track record of leading successful events by leveraging the strengths of each team member. For example, during a recent fundraising event, I assigned each team member a specific role that played to their strengths, resulting in a successful event that exceeded our fundraising goals.

By highlighting both your hard and soft skills and providing specific examples of each, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills and experience necessary to succeed in the job. Remember to tailor your skills section to the job description to make it as relevant as possible.

Show Your Personality

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make in their resumes is trying to sound robotic and impersonal. Your resume should showcase not only your professional experience, but also your unique personality. Here are some tips to inject your personality and interests into your resume:

Include interests and hobbies

Including your interests and hobbies on your resume gives hiring managers a glimpse into your personality and tells them what you enjoy doing outside of work. This can make you stand out from other applicants who only include their work experience. Don’t be afraid to show your quirky side – if you love bungee jumping or collecting vintage vinyl albums, include it!

Write in a conversational tone

Too often, resumes sound like they were written by a robot, with repetitive and dry language. Instead, try writing your resume as if you were having a conversation with the hiring manager. Use contractions, be less formal, and add a touch of humor if it fits your personality.

Use language that reflects your personality

If you’re a bubbly and outgoing person, use language that reflects that. If you’re more reserved and analytical, use language that showcases those traits. The idea is to let your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to inject some of your authenticity into your resume.

Here’s an example of how you could include your personality and interests on your resume:

“Interests: In my free time, I can usually be found baking up a storm in my kitchen or hiking the local trails with my dog, Max. I’m also an avid reader, with a special interest in non-fiction books. My book club meets once a month to discuss the latest reads and exchange recommendations.”

By adding this section, you’ve given the hiring manager a better idea of who you are outside of work. Remember, your resume is not just a laundry list of your work experience – it’s an opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and make yourself stand out from the crowd.

Address Career Gaps or Problems

To make your resume stand out, it is essential to address any career gaps or problems effectively. Consider the following tips to explain these gaps in a positive light.

Provide an explanation for any gaps in your employment:  Do not leave any career gaps unexplained, as it can raise red flags for recruiters. Instead, provide a valid reason for each gap, such as higher education, raising a family, or a personal sabbatical. It shows that you were not just sitting idle during this period.

Explain any past problems or challenges:  Do not try to hide any past problems or challenges that you have faced in your career. Whether it was a difficult job or a health issue, it is best to divulge such information upfront rather than leaving it for the recruiters to discover later. It will earn you the recruiter’s trust and provide a glimpse of your character and values.

Show how you overcame these challenges:  Do not just explain your problems or challenges; showcase how you tackled them effectively. For instance, if you overcame a language barrier, explain how you took classes and practiced conversing with native speakers. If you had a long job hunt, mention any networking events and volunteering activities you participated in during that time. This demonstrates your resilience, adaptability, and the ability to learn from failures.

Addressing career gaps or problems shows that you take an honest and transparent approach towards your resume. It demonstrates your accountability, shows that you don’t shy away from challenges and motivates you to seek new opportunities to grow. With these tips, you can make your resume stand out from the rest and land your dream job.

Put Your Most Relevant Experience First

When it comes to putting together an effective resume, it’s crucial to include your most relevant experiences first. This will capture the recruiter’s attention and give them a quick glimpse of what you bring to the table. Follow these tips to make sure your most relevant experience stands out:

Include your most relevant and recent experience

Make sure to feature your most applicable experience, which will vary depending on the job you’re applying for. It’s okay to omit less relevant experience, especially if it’s not recent. Focus on the skills, knowledge, and accomplishments that align with the job opening.

Highlight your achievements in each previous role

When describing your prior roles, make sure to focus on your accomplishments, not just your responsibilities. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you contributed to a previous employer’s success. This will help recruiters see how you could potentially benefit their organization.

Emphasize your experiences that relate to the job

Make sure to emphasize experiences that are most relevant to the job you’re pursuing. If you’re applying for a data analysis position, for example, you’ll want to highlight any experiences you’ve had working with data sets, building models, or analyzing trends. By showcasing experiences that align with the job opening, you’ll increase your chances of landing an interview and ultimately, the job.

Putting your most relevant experience first can make a significant difference in how recruiters view your resume. Be sure to highlight your achievements, include recent experience, and emphasize experiences that relate to the job. By doing this, you’ll increase your chances of getting noticed and landing the job you’ve been dreaming of.

Proofread and Edit Your Resume Carefully

Your resume is the first impression you make on a potential employer, and it’s critical that it’s perfect. Even a minor spelling or grammatical error can be enough to make you lose out on the job you want. That’s why it’s important to proofread and edit your resume carefully before you submit it.

Here are some tips to help you ensure that your resume is perfect:

Check for any spelling or grammatical errors

One of the most important things you can do when proofreading your resume is to check for any spelling or grammatical errors. This includes checking for proper punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure. To do this effectively, you should read your resume several times, starting from the beginning and working your way to the end.

Use a tool to help find errors

To make the proofreading process easier, you can use a grammar checking tool like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor. These tools help you identify errors in your writing, including grammar mistakes, spelling errors, and sentence structure issues.

Get a second opinion

Another way to ensure that your resume is perfect is to get a second opinion. This can be from a friend, family member, or even a professional. They can help you identify any areas where you may have missed something, and provide suggestions for improvement.

Proofreading and editing your resume is essential to making it stand out. By checking for spelling and grammatical errors, using tools to help find errors, and getting a second opinion, you can ensure that your resume is perfect and ready to impress potential employers.

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How to Write a Resume Summary That Stands Out

Published: Jun 18, 2024

In the competitive job market, making a strong first impression is crucial. One of the most effective ways to do this is through a compelling personal summary at the top of your resume. A personal summary, also known as a resume summary, is a brief statement that highlights your key skills, experiences, and career goals. It serves as a snapshot of your professional identity, giving employers a quick overview of who you are and what you bring to the table.

A well-crafted summary not only grabs recruiters’ attention but also sets the tone for the rest of your resume. Here are six actionable tips for making your summary stand out.

1. Tailor your summary to each job

Customize your resume summary for each job application. Carefully read the job description and identify the key skills and experiences the employer is looking for. Then, highlight these in your summary. This shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the role and align your qualifications with the employer’s needs. For example, if a job posting emphasizes teamwork and project management, ensure these qualities are prominent in your summary.

2. Showcase specific achievements

Rather than just listing your skills, provide specific examples of your achievements. Quantify these achievements wherever possible. For example, instead of writing, “Experienced in social media marketing,” you could write, “Increased social media engagement by 50% through strategic content creation and audience targeting.” This helps demonstrate your impact and value to potential employers.

3. Highlight transferable skills

Include skills that are important to target employers, even if they come from different experiences. Many skills are transferable across various roles and industries. Identify these skills in your summary to show your versatility. For example, communication, leadership, and problem-solving are valuable in many fields. Highlighting these can make you a more attractive candidate.

4. Use dynamic and specific language

Action verbs and strong adjectives can make your summary more dynamic and engaging. Words like “led,” “developed,” “managed,” and “innovative” help convey your proactive and results-oriented nature. Avoid generic phrases and be specific about what you’ve accomplished. For example, “Developed a new project management system that improved team efficiency by 30%” is more impactful than simply stating, “Project management skills.”

5. Show the benefits you bring to employers

Your personal summary should not only highlight your skills and achievements but also explain how they benefit potential employers. Think about what makes you unique and how your experiences can add value to the company. For example, “Passionate about using data analysis to drive business decisions, leading to more informed and strategic company growth.” This approach helps employers see the direct benefits of hiring you.

6. Be specific

Avoid generic statements that could apply to anyone. Be specific about your skills and experiences to stand out. While it’s important to use industry-relevant terms, avoid overloading your summary with jargon that might confuse the reader. Employers are more interested in what you’ve achieved rather than just what you were responsible for. Highlight the impact of your specific actions to show your genuine interest and fit for the position.

Andrew Fennell is the founder and director of StandOut CV , a leading CV builder and careers advice website. He is a former recruitment consultant and contributes careers advice to publications like Business Insider, The Guardian, and The Independent.

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What You Need to Know About Crafting a Stand-out Resume

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Are you tired of submitting resumes that never seem to get noticed? In this episode of the podcast Get Hired , Ana Lokotkova, a seasoned resume writer and career advisor, sits down to share insights and practical strategies to help you stand out from the competition.

Drawing from her many years of professional experience, Ana outlines a handful of insider tips and tricks for crafting a compelling resume that gets you noticed, and gets you hired. From debunking common myths to offering real-world examples, this episode is packed with approachable, easy-to-use advice to help you land the job of your dreams. So sit back, relax, and get ready to take your resume—and your career—to the next level!

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Make your resume stand out

If you're thinking of a job outside academia, you’ll likely need a resume instead of a CV. Here's how to pull together a resume that outshines the rest.

By Laura Zimmerman, PhD

Print version: page 28

When graduate students are ready to enter the job market, they usually come prepared with lengthy CVs that detail all of their academic experiences and achievements. But for students interested in working outside of academia and clinical settings, a CV is not the best tool to get them in the door. Instead, these employers want a short and concise resume.

Writing a resume is not an easy task for graduate students, says Katharine Brooks, PhD, executive director of personal and career development at Wake Forest University and author of the book “ You Majored in What?: Mapping Your Path from Chaos to Career ” (2010). “Students get frustrated. They have developed this extensive experience and now they have to fit it all on one or two pages.”

Compared with a CV, a resume is much more of a marketing tool, says Beth Brown, a professional resume writer who co-authored “ The Damn Good Resume Guide, Fifth Edition: A Crash Course in Resume Writing ” (2012). “In marketing, the thing is to identify as clearly as possible who your target audience is and what they need to know.”

Once you do that, you can frame your skills and experience in a way that is relevant to what the employer needs, says Brown. “Everything on your resume should say, ‘Hey, employer, I’ve done this, I’m good at it and I want to do it for you.’”

CVs versus resumes

The biggest difference between resumes and CVs is length. While CVs might be longer than 10 pages, resumes should only be one or two pages at most.

The key to a short resume is to include only relevant experiences, which may mean customizing a resume for each job. It may be tempting to send out the same resume, but it’s better to create a new version that targets each job type, says Brown.

“The focus of resumes is on select experiences relevant to the position, instead of retelling your entire academic story,” says Elizabeth Morgan, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at Springfield College in Massachusetts, and co-author of the book, “ You ’ ve Earned Your Doctorate in Psychology…Now What? ” (2012).

In CVs, students list the classes they’ve taught and describe the research they’ve conducted. In a resume, the focus is on the skills and abilities the student developed because of those experiences, says Morgan.

Unlike CVs, resumes often include a section at the top that summarizes qualifications and strengths, says Brown. This section can also include your career objectives, such as a lifelong passion for an industry or desire to help a company or organization achieve their goals.

“When you have a brief objective, it not only tells the reader immediately what you’re going for, it also helps you, the job seeker, identify what information you need to include in the resume,” says Brown.

Turning CVs into resumes

A common mistake students make in writing resumes is being too descriptive, says Morgan. “Rather than long, flowing sentences, be concise and pack a lot of information into a couple words.”

Also, be sure to tailor your experience so it’s pertinent to the employer. “If the topics you’ve researched aren’t relevant to the job, describe the research in terms of what you did,” says Brooks. “Focus on the behaviors instead of the research itself.”

For example, Brooks spoke with writing center tutors who described the skills they needed to be good tutors. “No one mentioned the obvious — being a good writer. Instead, they focused on skills such as being patient, a good listener and able to calm people’s nerves,” says Brooks. “When applying for positions outside the writing field, these additional skills could be ultimately more relevant than their writing skills.”

Avoid too much professional jargon, says Morgan. “People in human resources and future supervisors likely won’t be impressed by terms that are only relevant to highly specialized fields,” she says.

In addition, the titles of your thesis and dissertation might be too long and academic-sounding, says Brown. “Translate these titles into something for nonacademic audiences.”

When it comes to content, “Show the reader that you are ready to transition from the academic world into your professional life,” says Brown. “Highlight real-world experience whenever possible.” For example, if the target job needs you to work with the public and you’ve attended and presented at international conferences, your resume could state, “Prepared and delivered engaging information to international audiences,” she says.

Many employers don’t want to see a list of publications and conference presentations, says Morgan. “It’s better to include the skills you gained from writing and publishing those papers, such as reviewing, editing, going through the peer review process. Employers might not be excited about the publications, but they might be excited to know you have experience writing and publishing.”

Give it polish

Resumes should include key words from the job ad. “When applying to academic positions, the first set of eyes on your resume will be human. In larger companies, the first set of eyes on your resume will be a computer,” says Morgan. “The computer is programmed to look for key words that show you have the specific skills and abilities required for the job. If those words are not in your resume, the computer will pass you by and no one will see it.”

Take those key words and then paint a picture of your accomplishments in a vibrant way, says Brown. You might describe a problem you solved or research you conducted with a positive outcome. Don’t be afraid to use numbers to show success, she says. “Using numbers helps the reader understand the scope and depth of what you’ve done and nails it down in concrete terms.” For example, if applying for a job administering surveys say, “To conduct research, I gathered survey data from over 90 students.”

A part of marketing is to make sure the reader wants to read your resume, says Brooks. Present a reader-friendly, polished resume that uses a consistent 11-point or larger font and the same format throughout. “Consistency is king. For example, don’t list dates as ‘2011–2012’ in one place and ‘2012 to 2013’ in another.”

Be sure to proofread your resume for grammar and spelling errors and have another person review it, says Morgan. “Find someone who knows what a resume should look like, especially someone in the industry to which you are applying.”

Trimming some of your hard-earned experience from your CV can be difficult, admits Brooks. “When switching from CV to resume, you have to take out things you love that just aren’t relevant. It’s not about what you want to tell, but what the audience wants or needs to hear.”

Top 10 resume mistakes

• Typos and grammatical errors.
• Lack of specifics.
• Attempting a one-size-fits-all resume.
• Highlighting duties instead of accomplishments.
• Going on too long or cutting things too short.
• Opening with a vague objective statement.
• No action verbs.
• Leaving off important information.
• Visually too busy.
• Incorrect contact information.

Source: Monster.com, http://career-advice.monster.com/resumes-cover-letters/resume-writing-tips/Avoid-the-Top-10-Resume-Mistakes/article.aspx .

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Election latest: Farage on defensive after supporters caught on camera making racist, murderous and homophobic remarks

Rishi Sunak has spoken out after a Reform UK supporter was filmed making racist comments about him - with party leader Nigel Farage forced on to the defensive. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer has distanced himself from a Labour colleague's previous criticism of Donald Trump.

Friday 28 June 2024 18:00, UK

• General Election 2024

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• Sunak: Farage supporter using racial slur 'makes me angry'
• Farage on defensive after supporters filmed making racist, murderous and homophobic comments
• Police 'urgently assessing' comments to see if 'criminal offences' committed
• Reform UK racism and homophobia scandal: What do we know?
• Starmer says he would resign if Labour lost badly
• Analysis : Sunak's tetchiness over betting scandal speaks volumes
• PM accuses Farage of Putin 'appeasement'
• Rylan would 'love' to get into politics
• Politics at Jack and Sam's : The last weekend
• Live reporting by Ben Bloch

Election essentials

• Manifesto pledges: Conservatives | Greens | Labour | Lib Dems | Plaid | Reform | SNP
• Trackers:  Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Campaign Heritage:  Memorable moments from elections gone by
• Follow Sky's politics podcasts:  Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more:  Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Guide to election lingo
• How to watch election on Sky News

Last night, Channel 4 broadcast a report in which a Reform UK campaigner called Rishi Sunak a "P***".

Asked about this today, the prime minister told broadcasters: "Well, my two daughters have to see and hear Reform people who campaign for Nigel Farage calling me an effing 'P***'.

"It hurts, and it makes me angry, and I think he has some questions to answer. 

"And I don't repeat those words lightly. I do so deliberately because this is too important not to call out clearly for what it is."

Asked about repeating the word the Reform supporter used, he said: "I hate having to do it, I chose my words deliberately, I hate having to repeat them, absolutely hate it.

"But I also think it's important to call this out for what it is and be clear about what it is."

Our daily politics show  Politics Hub  will be live on Sky News from 7pm with our  political correspondent  Ali Fortescue  hosting this evening.

The fast-paced programme dissects the inner workings of Westminster, with interviews, insights, and analysis - bringing you, the audience, into the corridors of power.

Joining Ali tonight:

• Sir Liam Fox , Conservative candidate and former defence secretary;
• Sarah Jones , Labour shadow minister for industry;
• Claire Ainsley , former adviser to Sir Keir Starmer.

And on her panel are:

• Mercy Muroki , former adviser to Kemi Badenoch;
• Ben Bradshaw , former Labour MP for Exeter and cabinet minister.

Watch live on Sky News, in the stream at the top of this page, and follow live updates here in the Politics Hub.

Watch  Politics Hub  from 7pm every night during the election campaign on Sky channel 501, Virgin channel 602, Freeview channel 233, on the  Sky News website  and  app  or on  YouTube .

The general secretaries of big trade unions got their chequebooks out and handed over nearly £2m to the Labour Party as election day approaches.

Once again, cash is pouring into Sir Keir Starmer's party, with donations totalling £3.3m last week, compared to just £375,000 for the Conservative Party.

The latest weekly league table of political donations, published by the Electoral Commission, confirms that cash is rolling in to Labour and Tory donors are on strike.

Nearly half of Labour's £3.3m donations last week came in a £1.49m cheque from the public sector union Unison, the country's biggest union with 1.3m members.

The shopworkers' union Usdaw handed over a donation of £300,000 and another of £14,500. Community donated £25,000, the GMB £14,320, the Fire Brigades Union £11,725.

The most eye-catching Tory donation listed by the Electoral Commission was £18,000 from Robert Jenrick, the former immigration minister with leadership ambitions.

Sources have told Sky News, however, that in fact the donation to national party funds came not from Mr Jenrick personally, but from his Tory association in Newark, where he is the candidate.

With their donors on strike, nearly half the Tories' £375,000 in donations last week came from the party's own fundraising, with £170,000 coming from proceeds from a spring lunch and a party lottery.

Donations to the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK, higher than those to the Tories the previous week, were down. The Lib Dems received £193,945 and Reform UK just £99,000, including £20,000 from Pimlico Plumbers boss Charlie Mullins.

The latest figures confirm that the Conservatives' election war chest under Rishi Sunak’s leadership is almost bare, and their finances are as dire as their opinion poll ratings.

In the previous week the Tories received £292,500 in donations, while Labour received a breathtaking £4,383,400, largely due to a £2.5m cheque from Lord Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty.

A week ago, therefore, Sir Keir's party appeared to be relying more on millionaires than union barons for its election fighting fund. That has now changed, and normal service has been resumed.

Here is the full list of candidates standing in the Newark constituency:

• Michael Ackroyd, Green Party
• Saj Ahmad, Labour Party
• Adrian Charles Amer, Independent Network
• Matthew Darrington, English Democrats
• Lyn Gailbraith, Indepedent
• Robert Jenrick, Conservative Party
• Robert Palmer, Reform UK
• Collan Siddique, Workers Party of Great Britain
• David Watts, Liberal Democrats

By Gurpreet Narwan , political correspondent

Britain could soon have its most diverse parliament ever but how will voters from ethnically diverse communities behave at the ballot box?

The voting trends of such groups are incredibly complex and varied. There is no single narrative but several themes stick out from YouGov's exclusive polling for Sky News.

Most notably, the handling of the conflict in the Middle East has damaged the two major parties in the eyes of British Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities. This is something the Labour Party, in particular, is very sensitive too.

Labour have historically fared well with these voters and 53% of ethnic minority voters we polled said they would vote for the party - that's a greater lead than polls we've done with the general population.

However, the Tories fare worse among ethnic minority voters on the whole - in this poll they are neck and neck with the Green Party at 14%.

But, if we drill into the detail, 32% of British Indians said they would vote Conservative - 12% higher than the general population. This is a good reminder that there is a huge variation in voting trends among communities.

Reform UK polled much worse with ethnically diverse communities than the population at large - they're on 7% - but they're still one point above the Lib Dems.

Read Gurpreet's full piece here:

TV presenter Rylan Clark has said he would "love" to become a politician - and replace the party system with a "Power Rangers of government" model.

The TV personality, 35, joined political editor Beth Rigby and former Scottish Conservative leader Baroness Ruth Davidson for this week's Sky News Electoral Dysfunction podcast.

Asked if he would ever consider the career change, he said: "If I wasn't in the job that I was in, I would love nothing more."

Rylan, who won Celebrity Big Brother and also appeared on the X Factor, appeared on the podcast in place of Labour candidate Jess Phillips after tweeting his praise for Rigby on the day Rishi Sunak announced the general election.

Sharing a clip of her and Sky presenter Sophy Ridge outside a rainy Downing Street waiting for Mr Sunak to appear at the lectern, he said: "Obsessed with the Rigby."

Speaking to her and Davidson, he said his "obsession" with politics began with Brexit - "as we've seen so many promises which weren't fulfilled" since then.

He added: "I lie there at night sometimes, and I think about [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy. He hosted one of the same shows I've hosted in Ukraine."

The TV presenter also shared his idea of abandoning political parties altogether.

Read the full story here: 

Our live poll tracker collates the results of opinion surveys carried out by all the main polling organisations - and allows you to see how the political parties are performing in the run-up to the general election.

With under a week to go, the Tories and Labour have taken a drop, while support for Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats is on the rise.

Read more about the tracker  here .

We've just been hearing from the leader of the Liberal Democrats, and he was asked about the Channel 4 report showing Reform activists using a racial slur about the prime minister and using homophobic language.

Speaking on a campaign visit to Little Paxton, Cambridgeshire, Sir Ed Davey said: "I heard the comments on the television, and they were clearly racist, homophobic and abhorrent, and I hope the party deals with these and any other people who speak like this."

We've just had a statement from Essex Police after Reform activists were heard using a racial slur about the prime minister and using homophobic language.

The force said in a statement: "We are aware of comments made during a Channel 4 News programme and we are urgently assessing them to establish if there are any criminal offences."

The footage, captured by an undercover Channel 4 reporter in Clacton, where Mr Farage is a candidate, showed Reform campaigner Andrew Parker calling Mr Sunak a "P***", and suggesting migrants should be used as "target practice".

He also described Islam as a "disgusting cult".

Another canvasser described the Pride flag as "degenerate" and suggested members of the LGBT community were paedophiles.

Mr Farage has sought to distance himself from the inflammatory comments,  saying he was "dismayed"  by the "appalling sentiments" expressed.

By Megan Harwood-Baynes , digital investigations reporter

Reform and Labour have bought up advertising on two major national news sites in a bid to sway voters in the remaining days before the general election.

When looking at MailOnline, Nigel Farage's stern face beams down from both the main banner and the left of the site.

Their manifesto - which have they been calling their "contract" with the public - is pasted down the side of the news website.

Meanwhile, Labour, perhaps in a bid to emulate 1992's "It's the Sun Wot Won It" front page, have pasted their advertising all over The Sun online.

With a countdown to 4 July, they also bemoan "14 years of Tory chaos".

Crucially, neither of these papers have openly endorsed a candidate, although a regular reader may be forgiven for not noticing this nuance.

In 1992, The Sun claimed credit for the victory of the Conservative Party, after openly campaigning to drive voters away from the then-Labour leader Neil Kinnock.

It is regularly cited as demonstrative of the influence the tabloid press could have over politicians and elections.

So far, the Daily Telegraph has come out in support of the Tories, while the Guardian, Daily Mirror, Economist, New Statesman and Daily Record have all backed the Labour Party.

The Times, The Sun and the Daily Mail have not endorsed anyone, and the Daily Star has taken the unusual (but perhaps unsurprising) approach of supporting Count Binface, labelling him the "most sane politician in the UK".

And while the Mirror has already backed Labour, and despite - at first glance - appearing to be plastered with advertising for the party, the red banners promising "change" are actually for coffee brand Nespresso.

Sky News has been looking at the advertising as part of the Online Election project - a Sky News initiative to cover how the campaign is playing out online, led by Tom Cheshire , Online Campaign correspondent .

We also found  one party has been dominating social media  - but it's not the one spending the most.

Reform UK has been dominating, with its page growing by more than 32,000 followers over the course of the campaign. 

Meanwhile, the Tories have only seen 596 new followers.

Sixteen of the top 20 most-loved posts were also from Mr Farage.

And for some Tories, the only brand has been seen as so bad, that  some have ditched it altogether .

There has been uproar today about comments made by Reform UK supporters.

So what do we know?

Channel 4 publishes expose

On Thursday evening, Channel 4 publish an article about racism and homophobia being used by Reform UK canvassers.

This included undercover footage of a man called Andrew Parker in Mr Farage's constituency, who used a racial slur about Rishi Sunak.

He also said young army recruits should be sent to "f****** just shoot" migrants arriving on the beach in Kent.

Another Reform supporter made homophobic comments, describing the Pride flag as "degenerate" and suggesting members of the LGBT community were paedophiles.

Party leader Nigel Farage said he was "dismayed" by the comments.

Allegations of impropriety

By Friday morning, Mr Farage and his deputy Richard Tice were challenging the reporting, alleging that Mr Parker was an actor and insisting the whole thing "stinks".

Sky News spoke to Mr Parker. He says that while he has worked as an actor, he was volunteering for Reform.

He denied taking money, and said he supported Mr Farage.

Channel 4 also said they did not pay anyone and stood by their reporting.

Sunak reacts

At 1pm, Mr Sunak reacted to what had been said. 

He repeated the word used by Mr Parker - "P***" - and said it "hurts" and makes him "angry".

He also said his two daughters had to hear it being said.

Sir Keir Starmer earlier declined to say that Mr Farage was racist - but said the words used were.

Farage doubles down

Fifteen minutes later, Mr Farage appeared on ITV show Loose Women.

He doubled down on his suggestion that the incident had somehow been staged, without providing details.

The Reform leader says he had previously met Mr Parker - and claimed the man was putting on "an act right from the start".

Mr Farage said: "I have to tell you, this whole thing was a complete and total set-up, I have no doubt about that."

By Darren McCaffrey, political correspondent, in Teeside

I've spent much of the last five weeks with the prime minister, dozens of visits, dozens of questions. But I've never seen him as angry as today.

The broadcast last night of a Reform canvasser making a targeted racist slur against the prime minister has left Rishi Sunak not just angry - but hurt too. 

When asked why he had deliberately decided to repeat the slur itself in an interview, he said it was not something he wanted to do.

"I hate it, I hate having to do it, I choose my words deliberately, I hate it, but I have to call it out for what it is," he said.

On a personal level, this clearly matters to the prime minister and his desire to protect his family. 

He has mentioned his daughters having to hear racism like this several times.

Politically, the Conservatives are hoping that this will also make voters think twice about Reform and about Nigel Farage. 

When I asked Mr Sunak if he would now describe Reform as a racist party - he wouldn't go that far, but suggested "Nigel Farage has questions to answer".

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