How To Write a Resume That Draws Attention

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

That is not a lot of time to make a positive impression. 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 speed, picks up the phone and extends an invitation for an interview? In this article, you will learn how to use your resume as your sales pitch to win over a recruiter and get the interview.

13 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. Think numbers: • 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 KPIs 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.

There are several different ways to format a resume. Choosing the right format makes your resume easier to read and highlights organizational skills, increasing the odds of it catching the recruiters attention. Here are the three most 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 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 first. When you’re finished with your resume, save it as a PDF to avoid issues with format changes when you submit it.

When writing your resume, think through the lens of the recruiter sorting through a large stack of resumes. You want to make yours easy to scan. Ensure your resume is easy to navigate and don’t worry about trying to make it too fancy. Stick to easy-to-read fonts, use bullet points in place of long sentences and include headers and ample spacing throughout.

3. Think like a recruiter

Instead of casting a wide net and applying to multiple jobs at once, narrow your selection to focus on the jobs you truly want. Then, tailor your resume to that specific job. Include real examples of past experiences and accomplishments that align with every bullet in the job description.

4. Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying to

In addition to your print resume, consider digital assets, such as an online portfolio to help stand out to perspective 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.

5. Consider aN online portfolio

Before applying for a job, 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.

6. Develop a keyword strategy

Don’t waste time including unnecessary details or jobs on your resume that do not illustrate skills or experiences you need for the role. Avoid overused words that don’t differentiate you from your competitors, like “energetic” or “good communicator.”

7. Include only relevant information

Show the impact you had in your previous roles by detailing your accomplishments, quantifiable metrics and context. Give credibility to your work experience and skill set by providing links to relevant resources, including personal websites, your LinkedIn profile and digital portfolios. 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.

8. Validate your experience

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 to avoid mistakes.

9. 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.

10. 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 the level of responsibility you have had over time.

11. Show career progression

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Why is a memorable resume important?

Whether you love them or loathe them, resumes are oftentimes a hiring manager’s first impression of you, your skill set and your potential value. A memorable resume is important because it may be the deciding factor that either rules you in or out of the running for a position. According to data from Glassdoor, each job posting attracts 250 resumes on average, with employers selecting only 4-6 candidates for an interview. Though recruiters and hiring managers will review your LinkedIn profile when considering your candidacy for a job, your resume is often the very first item they review. Without a compelling resume, they may never see the hard work you have put in to crafting a strong personal brand. You need to have a high-quality resume that tells your story—with a focus on the value you will bring to your future employer.

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

12. Think holistically about your professional brand

Most hiring managers want to understand who you are as an individual—in and out of the office. Demonstrate your understanding of the company and share how your volunteer experience, passions and hobbies align with the company’s purpose.

13. Don’t forget LinkedIn

Now that you’ve given your resume a cutting-edge update, do the same for your LinkedIn profile. In today’s technology-centric world, 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.

applicant tracking system (ATS)

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PUBLISHED JANUARY 2024

1. Take note of your big (and small) wins

crafting a strong personal

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