9 tips for writing a standout resume that draws attention

Did you know some recruiters spend as little as six seconds scanning your resume?

Experienced recruiters, hiring managers and their applicant tracking system (ATS) counterparts scan resumes at lightning speed in hopes of finding the right match. With mere moments to captivate your audience, how can you ensure the viewer slows their scanning, takes interest, picks up the phone and extends an invitation for an interview? In this article, you will learn how to craft the right resume for the role and how to use that resume as your sales pitch to win over a recruiter and land the interview.

9 tips to make your resume stand out

2. DETERMINE YOUR RESUME FORMAT

Start by making a list of your previous roles, day-to-day job duties and any subsequent details. Use numbers to tell the story: • How many tasks or projects did you handle per day or per week? • If you were a manager, how many people were on your team? • If you managed a budget, how big was it? • What deadlines did you meet and were there times you exceeded them? • How did the successful completion of your projects, or the functions within your role, contribute to the company’s revenue growth? Focus on key performance indicators and the quantifiable aspects of your roles, no matter how small. Also, don’t forget to include any awards, recognitions or certifications earned and the timeframes for each.

Choosing the right format makes your resume easier to read and highlights organizational skills, increasing the odds of it catching the recruiter’s attention. Here are three common types of resumes: Reverse-chronological: The most common resume format, a reverse-chronological resume focuses on your work history, listing your most recent position first. This resume format works well for candidates who have a strong work history with no significant gaps in employment. Functional: Functional resumes place more focus on your skills and experience rather than a chronological work history. This resume format is common among candidates who are new to the workforce, are looking to change careers or have gaps in their employment history. Combination: A combination resume is a mix of both a reverse-chronological and functional resume. The resume begins with a focus on skills and qualifications and lists a chronological work history below. Choose the format that puts emphasis on your strongest qualifications. When you’re finished with your resume, save it as a PDF to avoid issues with format changes when you submit it.

Start by creating a master resume—a comprehensive, chronological record of your entire work history, skills and accomplishments. Think of this as your personal career archive: it’s not meant to be submitted to employers but serves as the foundation for every application you send out. Your master resume should capture all your experiences, quantifiable achievements and the keywords that reflect your expertise. When you’re ready to apply for a specific role, use your master resume as a starting point to craft a tailored version for each opportunity. Carefully review the job description and highlight the skills, experiences and accomplishments that directly align with the employer’s needs. Select only the most relevant details that demonstrate your value and fit for the role. By refining your master resume for each application, you ensure that every resume you submit is targeted, compelling and showcases why you’re the ideal candidate. This approach not only increases your chances of landing an interview, but also helps you present a clear, focused narrative that resonates with recruiters and hiring managers.

3. BUILD A MASTER RESUME, THEN TAILOR IT FOR EACH ROLE

A thoughtful keyword strategy is necessary in guiding what you pull from your master resume for each opportunity. When starting a new application, carefully dissect the job posting and create a list of skills, knowledge and experience the employer is looking for. Hiring managers leverage technology to identify potential candidate matches based on keywords within resumes that match the job description.

4. DEVELOP A KEYWORD STRATEGY

Digital assets, such as an online portfolio, help candidates stand out to prospective employers. This gives you a visual opportunity to show off your personality, highlight your experiences, include samples of previous work and market why you are the best candidate for the job. Add the link to the portfolio in your print resume. You may also be allowed to upload the digital copy directly to your job profile. Linking to a personal website, your LinkedIn profile and digital portfolios gives credibility to your work experience and skillset by providing relevant resources. It is best to hyperlink words, instead of including a long, ugly link on your resume. If you plan on having a printed version of your resume, use a link shortening tool like Bitly for a cleaner look.

5. CONSIDER AN ONLINE PORTFOLIO

Before submitting a resume, always conduct a spelling and grammar check. Your resume is your first opportunity to make a memorable impression with a prospective employer. Many employers are looking for candidates who are detailed oriented and strong communicators. Ensuring your resume is free of spelling or grammar errors is a great way to showcase these skills. Enlist the help of free online grammar tools like Grammarly or Scribens. While AI tools help, they can make mistakes, which is why you need to review with your own eyes before submitting.

6. CHECK FOR SPELLING OR GRAMMATICAL ERRORS

Always be truthful about your past work experience, including what you did in a role and how long you were there. Hiring managers and recruiters can spot inconsistencies in resumes. According to a CareerBuilder study of about 2,000 hiring managers, 57% of respondents said the most common lie they catch on a resume is an embellished skill set. And Kforce recruiting expert Darius Farivar said honesty and authenticity are surefire ways to stand out in the age of AI. “My best advice is to stay grounded in who you are and what you bring to the table,” Farivar said. “Be open, transparent, honest and vulnerable, and you’ll stand out far more than most”

7. BE HONEST

Your resume is prime real estate for sharing your story. Hiring managers are looking for someone who has grown in their career. Outline the key responsibilities you have held in each position and how they contributed to your overall success. Make sure you organize your resume in a way that shows growth in your career and your level of responsibility over time.

8. SHOW CAREER PROGRESSION

Now that you’ve given your resume a cutting-edge update, do the same for your LinkedIn profile. Hiring managers and recruiters often check your professional profiles and networks during the hiring process, so ensure it makes as strong of an impression as your new resume. If you have resumes or job profiles up on other sites, they should also be updated.

9. DON’T FORGET LINKEDIN

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Why is a cultivated, memorable resume important?

Resumes are oftentimes a hiring manager’s first impression of you, your skillset and your potential value. While listing all your accomplishments may seem like a good idea, employers are looking for candidates with specific skillsets. According to Forbes, the ideal resume should be between 475 and 600 words, especially since those outside of this word count are considered less hireable 43% of time. A master resume—one that lists your entire work history and skillsets—is a good starting point but should then be refined to match each opportunity. You need to have a role-specific, high-quality resume that tells your story with a focus on the value you will bring to your future employer. According to data from Glassdoor, each job posting attracts 250 resumes on average, with employers selecting only 4-6 candidates for an interview. Without a compelling resume, they may never see the hard work you have put in to crafting a strong personal brand.

The tips below will increase the likelihood of your resume making the short stack of “yes” candidates:

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PUBLISHED JANUARY 2026

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