How to Make Your Resume Stand Out: From Ordinary to Distinct

I get it—the mere thought of diving into resume writing might not spark joy for everyone. I bet it ranks pretty bad on your excitement scale. But here's the catch: your resume determines your career growth, so it must captivate, persuade, and leave an indelible mark. Here, I’ll share my best knowledge on how to make your resume stand out, so you only need to revisit this task once every few years.

What Makes a Standout Resume?

Every resume begins as a compilation of disparate content that may not initially be a pleasant read. Crafting a standout resume involves transforming this collection of scattered contents into a compelling whole—one that creates an impressive candidate portrait of yours and leaves a hiring manager with a clear YES.

I’ll give you 10 expert-approved tips on how to transform an erratic document into one that attracts glances:

1. Follow the Job Posting

Job postings are valuable sources of information, offering insights into the necessary job requirements, skills, and expectations. By meticulously examining job descriptions, required skills, and other expectations, you can clearly understand what qualities the recruiter perceives as ideal in a candidate.

Research the company's profile, culture, and values, too. A thorough exploration of these areas will not only provide you with valuable insights into the company's mission but will also guide you in tailoring your resume style and layout to align with the specific industry.

2. Check for Keywords

No surprise, recruiters use applicant tracking systems to scan resumes for keywords. But THIS is something less obvious:

70% of resumes that don’t match the ATS criteria are immediately removed from the database entirely and never viewed by the hiring team.

Source: SelectSoftware REVIEWS

To navigate the screening process successfully, ensure your resume includes key terms from the job description. If identifying them is challenging, leverage a word cloud generator to highlight frequently used terms.

3. Customize Your Resume

You just can’t apply for a data scientist position with a resume tailored for an IT support specialist. It's crucial that your application corresponds with the role and industry you're targeting. Eliminate irrelevant experiences and focus on achievements that are pertinent to the recruiting company. Customize job titles, descriptions, and professional skills to solidify your candidacy.

4. Include a Pithy Resume Summary

The opening lines of your resume serve as a snapshot of your career history. Craft a killer resume summary that highlights your most relevant experience and assets. This section should showcase your qualifications, attitude, and motivation toward a new role. A well-crafted resume summary has the WOW! factor and truly engages the reader.

5. Display Relevant Skills

Recruiters look for precise skills that match the job profile accurately. Juxtapose the company's preferences with your assets, ensuring a clear overlap. Showcase both hard and soft skills to make yourself the ideal candidate.

6. Keep Your Resume In Check

While a comprehensive resume might seem tempting, quality over quantity is key. Strive for a concise, one-page resume that skillfully emphasizes your best accomplishments and assets. Remember, it's not about the sheer amount of information but how effectively you present it.

7. Adjust Layout & Perfect Formatting

A visually appealing resume begins with a clear layout and structure. Skip unnecessary embellishments; instead, focus on a well-formatted, eye-friendly design. If you're in a creative field, consider attaching a portfolio to showcase your work. A clean resume structure provides the canvas for highlighting your achievements and traits.

8. Focus on Quantitative Achievements

Highlight former achievements, focusing on quantifiable results. Emphasize not just duties but how you've made a difference. Tangible accomplishments speak louder than routine responsibilities.

9. Make Use of Action Words

Words have power. Choose the active language that makes your resume dynamic. Instead of saying, “I handled multiple customer issues,” opt for, “I fostered excellent customer service by addressing clients' needs and doubts.” Action verbs exude confidence, motivation, and dedication.

More than 5.1 million Americans list ‘responsible’ as a skill set. Using the word ‘responsible’ has become a common pitfall that undermines the effectiveness of one’s candidacy.

Source: Forbes based on the QRFY study

10. Double-check the Grammar

In the world of evaluations, sloppy language is frowned upon. Ensure your document is grammatically correct by using a grammar checker. A flawless resume not only reflects your professional demeanor but also showcases your attention to detail.

Crafting an impressive resume is multifaceted, but the payoff is worth it. Implementing these 10 fundamental tips will elevate your resume writing to perfection.

Here’s the extract of what I’ve mentioned earlier:

• Align your resume with the job posting for a perfect match.
• Tailor your resume to the specific company and role.
• Craft a catchy resume summary that evokes interest.
• Prioritize a clean and readable format over extra effects.
• Emphasize quantitative achievements and employ action words.

Did you like this article? Check my full guide on how to make your resume stand out on ResumeLab’s blog, including 10 proven tips on making a truly standout resume.