How to make your Resume Stand Out

We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through job postings and seeing one that sounds perfect for you. But when you go to submit your resume, you realize that all of the other applicants have similar qualifications as you. 

So, how can you make your resume stand out? It’s a natural question, considering the number of people vying for the same jobs. 

This blog post will discuss the simple yet powerful ways to make your resume stand out. We’ll also provide tips for tailoring your resume to each job application. 

So whether you’re just starting your job search or have been at it for a while, read on for tips that will help you get ahead!

.

.

6 Things Recruiters look for in Your Resume

1. A Well-Written and Concise Resume

One of the most important things recruiters look for in a resume is that it is well-written and concise. A well-written resume will be free of grammar and spelling errors and clearly state your professional qualifications and experience.

A concise resume will also be free of any unnecessary information, such as personal interests or hobbies.

.

2. Relevant Work Experience

Another thing that recruiters look for in a resume is relevant to work experience. If you are applying for a job in marketing, it would be beneficial to include any previous marketing experience you may have.

This could include internships, volunteer work, or paid positions. Including relevant work experience on your resume will show recruiters that you have the necessary skills and qualifications for the job you are applying for.

.

3. The Right Keywords

Many recruiters use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes in today’s digital world. These systems scan resumes for certain keywords relevant to the job opening. 

Therefore, it is important to include the right keywords in your resume so that it will be flagged by the ATS and seen by the recruiter.

To determine which keywords to use, look at the job posting and identify any skills or qualifications required for the position. Then, incorporate these keywords into your resume where appropriate.

.

4. Accomplishments Rather Than Responsibilities

When listing your work experience on your resume, it is important to focus on your accomplishments rather than simply stating your responsibilities.

For each position, highlight one or two key accomplishments demonstrating your skills and abilities. For example, rather than saying “responsible for managing a team of 10 people”, you could say “, successfully led a team of 10 people to achieve all quarterly goals”.

.

5. Quantifiable Results

In addition to including accomplishments on your resume, it is also helpful to quantify them whenever possible.

Quantifiable results provide hard evidence of your successes and can impress recruiters.

For each accomplishment, you list, try to include a number that demonstrates the impact you had. For example, rather than saying “increased sales”, you could say “increased sales by 20%”.

6. A Clear Career Objective and Professional Summary

At the top of your resume, it is helpful to include a clear career objective and a crisp professional summary.

A career objective is a brief statement that outlines your career goals and what you hope to accomplish if hired for the position.

Check how to write a strong career objective with – 101 Examples of Powerful Career Objective in Resume

A professional summary is a brief overview of your skills and qualifications.

Learn to craft a punchy resume summary with – How to write an Impactful Resume Summary

These statements give recruiters a quick overview of you as a professional.

.

.

How to make your resume stand out without experience

1. Use a professional email address

When creating your resume, use a professional email address that includes your first and last name. Avoid using unprofessional or too casual addresses, as this can give the impression that you are not serious about the job.

.

2. Create a clear and concise resume

When writing your resume, be sure to keep it clear and concise. Include only the most relevant information, and avoid including any unnecessary details. This will help to ensure that your resume is easy to read and understand.

.

3. Highlight your skills and accomplishments

.

Be sure to highlight your skills and accomplishments on your resume. If you do not have any work experience, you can still list relevant skills you have acquired through other experiences, such as volunteering or internships.

You can also highlight any awards or achievements that you have received.

.

4. Use action verbs

When describing your experiences on your resume, use action verbs. Action verbs make your resume more dynamic and easier to read. Some examples of action verbs include “developed,” “designed,” “created,” “managed,” and “led.”

.

5. Proofread your resume

Before sending your resume to potential employers, proofread it carefully. Check for any grammar or spelling errors, and ensure that all of the information is accurate. Proofreading your resume will help to ensure that it makes a good impression on those who read it.

.

6. Internships

If you don’t have any full-time job experience, consider listing relevant internships or jobs you have previously held. This will help show employers that you have the skills and experience they are looking for.

.

7. Customize your resume

When applying for jobs, customize your resume to each position. Tailoring your resume will help ensure that it is relevant to the job you are applying for and will make you more likely to be considered for an interview.

.

.

7 Tips to make Your Resume Stand Out

1. Respond Directly to the Job Description 

Carefully review the job description and craft your resume to address the specific skills and traits that are most sought after. Doing so will help you get past the initial screening process.

.

2. Keep your resume short and direct

Keep your resume brief and to the point. It’s important not to make a list of accomplishments but focus on relevant skills for the position you’re applying for. Avoid writing too much or going into excessive detail – keep it simple!

3. Use the right language 

Make sure you are using the right language for your resume. It doesn’t matter what country or state it’s from, but there may be some specific words and phrases that employers will look at when they’re hiring someone.

these include things like education level (e., college graduate), work experience related to the desired position applied towards, military service members can mention their deployments if applicable-and lastly age requirement.

Don’t forget about all those important dates an applicant must provide: birthdate and address changes since high school graduation!

.

.

4. Make your resume stand out with a header and summary 

Your resume is the first opportunity you have to make a good impression on a potential employer. A well-written header and summary can help your resume stand out.

Here’s an example of a good resume header:

Name: John Doe

Professional Summary: Results-oriented marketing professional with experience in B2B and B2C environments. Skilled in creating and executing successful marketing campaigns that generate ROI.

By including a professional summary, you can quickly communicate your qualifications and experience to the employer. This will help them determine if they want to read further into your resume or not.

.

5. Make it visually appealing

Yes, it is important to make your resume visually appealing. For example, you could use a clean and simple font like Arial or Helvetica and limit the amount of text on each page.

You could also use bullets or lists to break up the text and include relevant graphics or images.

If you’re applying for a creative position, feel free to get creative with your resume design!

However, be sure to stay within the bounds of professional taste. For example, avoid using crazy fonts or bright colours that may distract from your qualifications.

Generally, it’s important to ensure your resume looks polished and professional. So take the time to format it correctly and proofread it carefully before submitting it.

.

6. Write a cover letter

It is important to write a cover letter when applying for a job. The cover letter allows you to introduce yourself and state your qualifications for the position.

A well-written cover letter can make your application stand out from the competition. Make sure to tailor your letter to the specific job opening, and be sure to highlight your skills and experience.

Here is an example of a Professional Cover Letter

 ____________

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at ___________. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

 ____________

Hello!

I am writing in response to your post for a standout cover letter. I am eager to apply for the position of ___________, and my skills and qualifications make me the perfect candidate for the job.

Some of my key qualifications include _____, _____, and _____. I have a proven track record of success in this field, and I am confident that I would be able to take your company to the next level.

I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

.

.

How to Make your Resume Stand out – Examples for freshers (without Experience)

When crafting a resume, the sections included can vary depending on the job and industry. However, there are some common sections that nearly all job seekers use in their resumes. 

The most prevalent is personal information, which includes contact details such as name, address, and phone number. 

• Work experience is also mandatory for most job seekers, with 98.33% including this section to list previous employment and accomplishments. 
• Education is also typically listed, with 97.25% of resumes including this section to showcase academic degrees or technical training. 
• In addition, 89.81% of resumes include a skills section to highlight relevant abilities and talents. 
• Finally, 88.75% include either a summary or objective statement to provide a brief introduction to the candidate’s qualifications and career goals. 

Overall, these sections serve as important tools for presenting oneself as a qualified professional in the job market.

Here is an example of a short and punchy resume for Freshers

_______________________

Elizabeth Brown

Michigan | (555) 555-5555 | Ebrown@gmail.com

Enthusiastic researcher eagerly seeks an entry-level position in highly competitive research industry. Always willing and enthusiastic about taking on new projects and excel at getting others invested and engaged.

SKILLS 

Time Management, Research Detail Oriented, Adobe Photoshop, Organizational, Google Suite, Microsoft Office

CERTIFICATIONS

• Google Data Analyst
• Online Equity Research Analysis
• Lifeguard

EDUCATION 

University of Leeds 

M.Sc in Data Science and Analysis

• Head of School Council
• Selected for an industrial visit among the top of the class
• Passed with Distinction

ACADEMICS & ACTIVITIES

• Math team member
• University Magazine editor
• Participated in a national-level research project
• Published a paper at the 8th National Conference for Commerce

PROJECTS

OnYourBike, a delivery management app (2019)

• Collaborated with the design team closely to create the best user experience.
• Came up with new features to add to the app.
• Surveyed how many people would be ready to use this app.

Researched local broadway troupe (2021)

• Compile information about the troupe’s history, purpose, and members. 
• Created a troupe profile that could be used as a resource for people interested in learning more about it.

HOBBIES

Soccer, Swimming, Photography, Volunteering

LANGUAGES

English, Spanish, French

___________________________

.

.

What will you do to make your resume stand out?

By now it is clear that there are many ways to bring a punch to your resume. You want to catch the eye of the recruiters out of the hundreds of resumes they see daily!

It is safe to say that in today’s job market, having a stand-out resume is more important than ever. Though you can do many small things to optimize your resume, the tips mentioned above will give you the winning edge when applying for jobs.

Read other blogs on resume optimization and career advice to ensure that you put your best foot forward when searching for employment. You’re sure to make your resume shine with a little effort!

3 Articles to help you take your Resume to Next Level

1. 101 Strong examples of a Resume Headline and how to make it catchy

2. 31 Examples of About me in Resume and How to write it Smartly

3. How to write an Impactful Project Description in Resume

4. How to Smartly Write Achievements in Resume

.

.

When you have a stand-out resume, you will receive many interview calls! Use our “Fresher Interview Questions and Answers” section to shine in your next interview.

.

.