5 Ways to Make Your Resume Stand Out

Introduction

Human Resources Associates, Recruitment Agents, and Hiring Managers are bombarded daily with resumes. Realistically, they do not have the time to scour through every single resume reading about your special talent or your favorite hobby. Because of the limited amount of time these professionals have, they are always on the lookout for ways to weed out candidates rather quickly. Shockingly, some hiring managers can simply give a single glance to a resume and decide whether it’s a ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Therefore, it is crucial that you make those few seconds count and possibly land in the forefront of thousands of competing candidates. Here are five ways to take your resume to the next level.

1. Eliminate Errors and Enhance Readability

Make sure that your resume is rid of any errors and that the readability is simple and easy. Opting for an artsy resume template or something exorbitant is the first step towards easy rejection. Remember, less is always more, and simplicity triumphs every time. Most often, representatives equate typos and errors with laziness, and the last impression you want to convey is laziness. According to Smith (2021), a clean and error-free resume is often perceived as a reflection of one's professionalism.

2. Tell Your Story

Use your resume to tell your story. Your resume is a snapshot of your dependability, work ethic, work patterns, etc. Control the narrative and make the story count. You can do this by displaying your professional experience, accomplishments, skills, talents, and relevant knowledge for the job you are applying to. The trick is to make it long enough to tell your story through growth, promotions, and advancements. But once again, you want to make it short enough to be able to obtain the information in one glance. Johnson (2020) emphasizes the importance of showcasing career progression as a key element of storytelling in resumes.

3. The Cover Letter is Essential

The cover letter is not optional. A cover letter is an auxiliary tool for the resume. While many of us think it is useless and optional, it could really be the deciding factor behind whether you advance to the next step or not. Unless the hiring manager explicitly says to ignore the cover letter, take the time to write and customize one. An insightful cover letter can provide a more personal touch, allowing you to express your enthusiasm and motivation for the role, as noted by Brown (2019).

4. Utilize Buzzwords and Keywords

Include enough buzzwords and keywords pertaining to your intended industry. Buzzwords are meant to describe your capabilities and demonstrate how you are a better fit for the position. Some examples include budgeted, compiled, facilitated, merchandised, resolved, or upgraded. But be careful to not include some of the overused buzzwords such as specialized, leadership, excellent, creative, or experienced. The strategic use of keywords can enhance your resume's visibility, especially when employers use software to scan applications, as highlighted by Green (2022).

5. Use a Header

Use a header. The header will be the first thing that a hiring manager may see, and it’s a statement that should typically be in caps, presenting important information rather quickly. A well-crafted header can immediately convey your professional identity and set the tone for the rest of your resume. According to Lee (2023), a strong header can significantly impact the first impression you make on potential employers.