Top Resume Tips That Work

Your resume is your first impression, your personal marketing document, and often the gatekeeper between you and your dream job. In a competitive job market, a generic resume simply won’t cut it. Here are some resume tips that work, designed to make your resume stand out and land you that interview.

1. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job

This is perhaps the most crucial tip. Avoid the temptation of sending out the same resume for every application. Read the job description carefully and identify the keywords, skills, and experience the employer is looking for. Then, tailor your resume to reflect those requirements. Highlight the skills and experiences that directly align with the job, even if it means reorganizing sections or rewording bullet points.

Why it works: Applicant tracking systems (ATS) scan resumes for specific keywords. Tailoring your resume increases your chances of bypassing the ATS and landing in front of a human recruiter. It also shows the employer that you’ve taken the time to understand the role and are genuinely interested.

2. Start with a Strong Summary or Objective (When Appropriate)

A brief summary or objective statement at the top of your resume can immediately capture the recruiter’s attention. A summary is best for experienced professionals, highlighting key accomplishments and skills relevant to the target role. An objective is more suitable for entry-level candidates or those changing careers, outlining their career goals and how they align with the employer’s needs. However, if your experience speaks for itself, a summary or objective may be redundant. Focus instead on a powerful skills section.

Why it works: In a stack of resumes, you have seconds to make an impression. A well-crafted summary or objective can quickly convey your value proposition and pique the recruiter’s interest.

3. Quantify Your Achievements Whenever Possible

Instead of simply stating your responsibilities, demonstrate your impact with quantifiable results. Use numbers, percentages, and specific metrics to showcase your accomplishments. For example, instead of “Managed social media accounts,” try “Increased social media engagement by 30% in six months, resulting in a 15% increase in website traffic.”

Why it works: Quantifiable achievements provide concrete evidence of your skills and abilities. They make your accomplishments more tangible and easier for recruiters to understand and appreciate.

4. Highlight Relevant Skills

Create a dedicated “Skills” section to showcase your key skills. Include both hard skills (technical abilities, software proficiency) and soft skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving). Again, tailor this section to the specific job requirements. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your resume aligns with the employer’s needs. Consider categorizing your skills (e.g., technical skills, leadership skills) for better readability.

Why it works: Recruiters often scan resumes for specific skills. A dedicated “Skills” section makes it easy for them to quickly identify whether you possess the necessary qualifications for the job.

5. Use Action Verbs to Start Your Bullet Points

Start each bullet point in your “Experience” section with a strong action verb. This makes your resume more dynamic and engaging. Instead of “Responsible for,” use “Managed,” “Developed,” “Implemented,” or “Led.” Use a variety of action verbs to avoid repetition.

Why it works: Action verbs create a sense of energy and accomplishment. They help to paint a picture of your contributions and demonstrate your proactive approach.

6. Choose a Clean and Professional Format

The visual appeal of your resume is crucial. Choose a clean, professional font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) and use a consistent font size. Use clear headings and subheadings to organize your information. Ensure there’s enough white space to make your resume easy to read. Avoid using excessive colors, graphics, or images, unless the job requires a creative resume (e.g., graphic designer).

Why it works: A well-formatted resume is easier to scan and understand. It shows attention to detail and professionalism, which are important qualities for any candidate.

7. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!

Typos and grammatical errors can instantly disqualify you from consideration. Proofread your resume carefully before submitting it. Ask a friend or family member to review it as well. Use online grammar and spell-checking tools to catch any mistakes you might have missed.

Why it works: A flawless resume demonstrates attention to detail and a commitment to quality. It shows that you take your job search seriously.

8. Use Keywords Strategically

As mentioned earlier, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used by many companies to screen resumes. These systems scan resumes for specific keywords related to the job description. Research the industry and job function to identify relevant keywords. Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your resume, including in your summary, skills section, and experience descriptions.

Why it works: Using relevant keywords increases your chances of bypassing the ATS and getting your resume in front of a human recruiter.

9. Keep it Concise and Focused

Ideally, your resume should be one to two pages long, depending on your experience level. Focus on the most relevant and impactful information. Remove any unnecessary details or fluff. Prioritize quality over quantity.

Why it works: Recruiters are busy and don’t have time to read lengthy resumes. A concise and focused resume demonstrates that you can communicate effectively and prioritize information.

10. Customize Your Resume File Name

Don’t submit your resume with a generic file name like “Resume.docx.” Instead, customize the file name to include your name and the job title, for example, “JohnDoe_MarketingManagerResume.pdf.”

Why it works: This small detail shows attention to detail and makes it easier for the recruiter to organize and track your application.

By implementing these tips, you can significantly improve your resume and increase your chances of landing that interview. Remember that your resume is a living document and should be updated regularly to reflect your latest skills and accomplishments. Good luck!