Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out

In today’s competitive job market, having a standout resume is essential for grabbing the attention of hiring managers and recruiters. Whether you’re a fresh graduate looking to break into the professional world or a mid-career professional aiming for a promotion, knowing tips to make your resume stand out can be the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore actionable strategies and things to make your resume stand out, from visual elements and formatting hacks to content-driven tips that highlight your achievements, skills, and potential. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to crafting a CV that catches the eye and convinces employers that you’re the perfect fit.

Why Your Resume Needs to Stand Out

Employers typically spend an average of six to seven seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to read further. This means your resume must immediately convey professionalism, clarity, and relevance to the desired role. If your document blends into the pile of generic resumes, you risk being passed over—even if you’re highly qualified.

• First Impressions Matter: An eye-catching resume visually signals to recruiters that you’re organized and detail-oriented.
• Showcasing Key Strengths: Strategic formatting and content placement emphasize your most relevant skills and achievements.
• Standing Out in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Proper structuring and keyword integration ensure your resume passes automated filters.

1. Craft a Strong, Targeted Headline and Summary

Write a Clear Headline

Your resume headline should be a concise phrase that immediately communicates your professional identity and value proposition. For example:

• “Digital Marketing Specialist with 5+ Years of ROI-Driven Campaigns”
• “Entry-Level Software Developer Skilled in Python & JavaScript”
• “Project Manager | PMP Certified | Agile & Waterfall Expertise”

By incorporating keywords such as “Digital Marketing,” “Software Developer,” or “Project Manager,” you make it easier for recruiters and ATS to identify your core competencies.

Write an Engaging Professional Summary

A well-crafted summary (or professional profile) offers a snapshot of your achievements, skills, and career goals. Aim for 3–4 sentences that answer:

• Who you are professionally.
• What you bring to the table (key skills, certifications, years of experience).
• What you’re seeking next (specific role, industry, or challenge).

For example:

“Ambitious Marketing Manager with 7 years of experience driving digital campaigns for top brands. Proven track record in increasing lead generation by 40% through targeted content strategies. Seeking to leverage expertise in SEO and analytics at a fast-growing e-commerce company.”

This summary immediately positions you as a high-impact candidate and sets the tone for the rest of the resume.

2. Use an ATS-Friendly Format

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for keywords and rank candidates. Failing to optimize for ATS can result in your resume never being seen by human eyes.

Choose a Clean Layout

• Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (10–12 pt).
• Avoid excessive graphics, tables, headers/footers, and fancy design elements that ATS can’t read.
• Stick to a single-column layout; multi-column formats often confuse parsing software.

Include Relevant Keywords

Carefully review the job description and incorporate relevant keywords throughout your resume. For instance, if a job posting frequently mentions “project management,” “stakeholder communication,” and “budget forecasting,” weave those phrases into your experience and skills sections.

• List skills in a dedicated “Skills” section (e.g., “Project Management,” “Agile Methodologies,” “Budgeting,” “Cross-Functional Leadership”).
• Use action verbs (e.g., “Managed,” “Led,” “Implemented,” “Optimized”) followed by quantifiable results whenever possible.
• Ensure consistency—if the job posting says “SEO,” don’t write “Search Engine Optimization” without including the acronym somewhere else.

By aligning your resume’s language with the job description, you improve your chances of passing through the ATS filters and getting noticed by recruiters.

3. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities

A common mistake is listing job responsibilities without highlighting the impact you made. Employers want to see measurable achievements that demonstrate your value.

Use the STAR Method

Frame each bullet point using the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method:

1. Situation: Brief context of a challenge or task.
2. Task: Your specific role or objective.
3. Action: The steps you took to achieve results.
4. Result: Quantifiable outcome (e.g., percentages, dollar amounts, timelines).

For example:

Developed and implemented a new email marketing strategy that increased open rates by 25% and boosted click-through rates by 15% over six months.

This demonstrates not only what you did but also why it mattered.

Quantify When Possible

Numbers help hiring managers quickly assess your contributions. Aim to quantify results with metrics like:

• Revenue increases (e.g., “Boosted sales by 30% within one quarter.”)
• Cost savings (e.g., “Streamlined operations, saving $50K in annual expenses.”)
• Efficiency improvements (e.g., “Reduced project turnaround time by 20%.”)
• Team leadership (e.g., “Managed a team of 10 cross-functional members.”)

4. Make It Visually Appealing

Even if you stick to a text-based format for ATS, you can still optimize the visual hierarchy to guide readers' eyes.

Use Consistent Formatting

• Section Headings: Use bold or slightly larger font (e.g., 14–16 pt) for headings like “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
• White Space: Leave sufficient margins (0.5–1 inch) and space between sections to avoid clutter.
• Bullet Points: Use simple round or square bullets; avoid complex symbols that ATS might misinterpret.
• Bold & Italics: Reserve bold for job titles, company names, and results; use italics sparingly for emphasis.

Incorporate Subtle Design Elements

For those in creative fields or industries that appreciate visual flair, consider adding these elements—cautiously and sparingly—to ensure readability:

• Lines or Dividers: Thin horizontal lines between sections help break up content without overwhelming the page.
• Color Accents: Use one accent color (e.g., dark blue or gray) for headings or bullet points. Avoid bright or distracting hues.
• Custom Icons or Logos: If you’re in design or marketing, a small icon next to section titles can show off your creativity—just ensure clarity for ATS.

These tweaks ensure your resume stands out visually without compromising readability or ATS compatibility. If you’re wondering how to make your resume stand out visually, focus on balance: enough design to impress, but not so much that it distracts from content.

5. Highlight Transferable Skills and Certifications

For candidates with limited professional experience—such as recent graduates—or those making a career change, emphasizing transferable skills and relevant certifications can fill gaps and underscore your suitability.

List Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are those applicable across industries and roles. Common examples include:

• Communication & Presentation
• Project Management & Organization
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
• Leadership & Team Collaboration
• Technology Literacy (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace)

Place these in a “Skills” section or integrate them within your professional summary. For instance, you might write:

“Demonstrated strong project management skills while coordinating a university event attended by 200+ participants.”

Include Relevant Certifications

Certifications signal to employers that you’ve invested time in building expertise. Examples include:

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
• Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
• HubSpot Content Marketing Certification

If you’re transitioning into a new field, certifications show proactive learning. Place them in a dedicated “Certifications” section or under “Education.”

6. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job Application

A generic resume may save time, but it rarely convinces hiring managers you’re the perfect fit. Instead, customize your resume for each role by:

Matching Language and Keywords

Closely review the job description and mirror its language—without copying verbatim. If the posting emphasizes “data analysis,” “SQL,” and “cross-functional collaboration,” ensure those phrases appear in your resume where applicable.

Prioritizing Relevant Experience

Reorder or rephrase bullet points so that the most relevant experiences and skills appear first. For instance, if you’re applying for a marketing role but have a background in customer service:

• Emphasize marketing-related tasks (e.g., “Created social media content,” “Assisted with promotional campaigns”).
• Briefly mention customer service role focus on communication and client relations.

Omit Irrelevant Details

Be ruthless in removing outdated or tangential information. A CV that stands out isn’t bloated with every job you’ve had; it’s concise and targeted to the employer’s needs.

7. Optimize for Readability and Scannability

Hiring managers often skim resumes. Designing for scannability ensures they quickly find key information.

Use Clear Section Headings

• Experience
• Education
• Skills
• Certifications
• Projects / Achievements

Leverage Bullet Points and Short Sentences

Long paragraphs can deter readers. Limit bullet points to 2–3 lines each, focusing on concise descriptions and outcomes.

Maintain Consistent Alignment

Left-align text for easier readability. Avoid justified text, which can create uneven gaps between words.

8. Showcase Side Projects and Extracurriculars

If you lack extensive work experience, adding side projects, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities can illustrate your initiative, leadership, and passion. This is especially important for entry-level job seekers and recent graduates.

Side Projects

• Personal Website or Blog: Demonstrates writing or technical skills—“Built personal portfolio site using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript; received 1,000+ monthly visitors.”
• Open-Source Contributions: “Contributed to a Python library; fixed 5 bugs and improved documentation, resulting in 200+ additional users.”
• Freelance or Contract Work: “Developed e-commerce plugin for local retailer, increasing online sales by 20%.”

Extracurriculars & Volunteer Work

• Club Leadership: “President of Marketing Club; organized 10+ events, attracting 500+ students over two years.”
• Community Service: “Volunteered as a Tutor, helping 15+ underprivileged students improve test scores by 30%.”

Including these details provides tangible proof of your drive and skills, helping your resume stand out—even without extensive formal experience.

9. Maintain Consistent Length and Font Usage

Your resume’s length and typography can impact how it’s perceived:

Keep It to One Page (When Possible)

For entry-level candidates and those with less than 10 years of experience, one page is ideal. It forces you to prioritize the most relevant content and eliminates filler. If you have extensive experience directly relevant to the position, two pages may be acceptable, but ensure the second page is justified by strong, targeted content.

Choose Legible Fonts

Stick to professional fonts—Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, or Times New Roman. Use 10–12 pt for body text and 14–16 pt for headings.

By maintaining a consistent length and font usage, you ensure readability and a professional appearance.

10. Proofread, Edit, and Seek Feedback

A single typo or formatting error can undermine your credibility. Employers expect attention to detail. Take these steps to polish your resume:

Automated Spellcheck and Grammar Tools

• Use tools like Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, or Microsoft Word’s built-in spellcheck.
• Ensure proper punctuation, verb tense consistency, and parallel structure in bullet points.

Manual Review

Read your resume aloud, checking for awkward phrasing or unclear statements. Look at spacing, alignment, and consistency in bullet formatting.

Peer Feedback

Ask a mentor, trusted colleague, or friend to review your resume. Fresh eyes often catch overlooked errors and can provide suggestions on clarity and flow.

Update Regularly

Every time you acquire a new certification, complete a project, or earn an award, revisit your resume. This ensures your document remains current, relevant, and ready for new opportunities.

Bonus Tips: Leveraging Online Tools and Resources

In addition to the strategies above, you can use various tools to enhance your resume’s impact:

Resume Builders and Templates

Platforms like JobProfile.io offer guided templates and AI-powered suggestions to optimize formatting, keyword usage, and overall structure. These tools can be particularly helpful if you lack design experience or struggle with organization.

Online Portfolio or LinkedIn Profile

Create a complementary online portfolio showcasing work samples, projects, or case studies. Ensure your LinkedIn profile mirrors your resume—use the same headline, summary points, and skill keywords to reinforce your brand.

Networking and Referrals

While a CV that stands out is critical, personal referrals and networking often expedite hiring decisions. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and reach out to alumni or former colleagues. When you apply with a referral, your resume gets extra attention.

Conclusion

Crafting a resume that stands out requires a strategic balance of clear content, visual appeal, and targeted customization. By following these tips to make your resume stand out, you’ll ensure that hiring managers and ATS systems alike recognize your qualifications and potential. Remember to:

• Create a compelling headline and summary that align with your career goals.
• Use an ATS-friendly format and include relevant keywords.
• Emphasize achievements over responsibilities and quantify results.
• Incorporate subtle design elements to guide the reader’s eye.
• Highlight transferable skills, certifications, side projects, and volunteer work.
• Tailor your resume for each job, focusing on relevant experience.
• Maintain readability through consistent formatting and font usage.
• Proofread thoroughly and seek feedback to ensure a polished final product.

With these strategies, you’ll transform a generic resume into one that commands attention—setting the stage for interviews and, ultimately, your next career move.

Ready to elevate your resume even further? Try JobProfile.io for AI-powered guidance, customizable templates, and powerful features designed to make your resume truly shine. Take control of your career today!