How to write a resume that stands out to employers

How to Write a Resume That Stands Out to Employers

In today’s competitive job market, your resume is often the first impression you’ll make on a potential employer. A standout resume can be the difference between landing an interview or being passed over. So, how do you ensure that your resume catches the eye of hiring managers and recruiters? Let’s break down the essential tips for creating a resume that not only highlights your skills and experience but also gets you noticed.

1. Start with a Strong, Tailored Resume Summary

Your resume summary is the first thing employers will read, and it sets the tone for the rest of your document. It’s a brief (2-3 sentences) statement that highlights your key skills, experience, and career goals.

Tip: Tailor your summary to each job you’re applying for. Mention specific skills or experiences that align with the job description. For example:

“Experienced digital marketing professional with over 5 years of expertise in SEO, content strategy, and social media management. Passionate about driving brand visibility and increasing lead generation for e-commerce companies.”

2. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities

While listing your job responsibilities is important, focusing on measurable achievements is even more impactful. Employers want to know how you added value in your previous roles. Use specific numbers, percentages, and outcomes to showcase your successes.

Example:

Before: "Responsible for managing social media accounts."

After: "Increased social media engagement by 40% in 6 months by implementing a new content strategy."

Quantifying your achievements provides concrete evidence of your skills and impact.

3. Use a Clean, Professional Layout

A cluttered or difficult-to-read resume can turn employers away quickly. Choose a simple, professional layout with clear headings and consistent formatting. Use easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Calibri, and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points.

Tip: Keep margins around 1 inch and use bullet points for easy readability.

4. Highlight Relevant Skills

Make sure to include a skills section that reflects the abilities employers are seeking. Look at the job description for specific skills and software the employer is requesting and match them with your experience.

Tip: Divide your skills into categories such as "Technical Skills" and "Soft Skills" to make it easy for employers to identify your core competencies.

Example:

Technical Skills: Microsoft Office Suite, Google Analytics, Adobe Creative Suite

Soft Skills: Problem-solving, Leadership, Communication

5. Include Keywords for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before they even reach a human recruiter. These systems scan for specific keywords and phrases from the job description. To ensure your resume passes through the ATS, incorporate relevant keywords throughout your resume, especially in your summary and skills section.

Tip: Tailor your resume for each job by using the exact language and keywords found in the job posting.

6. Don’t Forget About Education and Certifications

List your highest level of education and any relevant certifications. If you have certifications that are particularly pertinent to the role, be sure to highlight them in a separate section.

Example:

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Marketing, XYZ University, 2018

Certifications: Google Analytics Certified, HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification

7. Showcase Your Soft Skills

Employers are not only looking for technical expertise; they also value interpersonal skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These “soft skills” are crucial to succeeding in most roles, so don’t hesitate to mention them in your job descriptions and achievements.

Tip: Try to weave these soft skills into your achievements to show how they helped you succeed. For example:

"Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver marketing campaigns, improving team efficiency by 30%."

8. Keep It Concise

Recruiters often skim resumes quickly, so make every word count. A resume should be concise and to the point. Ideally, limit your resume to one page (two pages for more experienced professionals) and focus on the most relevant information.

Tip: Avoid using unnecessary jargon, and remove irrelevant job experiences or skills that don’t align with the role you're applying for.

9. Proofread and Edit

Spelling or grammatical errors can make a bad impression on potential employers. Always proofread your resume before sending it out, or better yet, ask a friend or colleague to review it.

Tip: Read your resume out loud or use a tool like Grammarly to catch any mistakes.

10. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

While it might be tempting to use the same resume for multiple job applications, tailoring your resume for each role increases your chances of standing out. Adjust the summary, skills, and experiences to match the specific requirements of the job.

Tip: Highlight the achievements and qualifications that directly match the job description to show that you’ve taken the time to customize your resume for the employer’s needs.

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Final Thoughts

A well-crafted resume is your ticket to landing your next great job. By focusing on achievements, using the right keywords, and maintaining a professional layout, you’ll create a resume that stands out to employers. Tailor your resume to the role you’re applying for and remember that every detail matters.

Want more resume tips or need help finding your next job? Get in touch with Employment Hub today—we’re here to help you take the next step in your career!