How to Write a Resume That Gets Noticed

Make Your Resume Easy to Read

A well-formatted resume that is easy to read makes a great first impression on hiring managers. To achieve this, make sure your resume is cleanly laid out with plenty of white space. Use a standard font size, such as 12 point Arial or Times New Roman, in a black or dark gray font color. Avoid using multiple fonts, font sizes, or colors, as a cluttered resume can be very off-putting.

Include Important Information

Make sure to include all the necessary information employers need to make an informed decision. Your name, contact information, professional summary, and education should always be at the top of the page. Use headings to help the reader navigate and understand different sections of your document. A skills section, listing the abilities that you possess that would help you in the position, should also be included. Finally, don’t forget to include any past work experience, certifications, and/or awards related to the field.

Use Powerful Language

Having well-worded verbs can help emphasize your past experience and explain each event in more detail. Instead of simply saying "managed a team," try to use more powerful words like "directed, led, or oversaw." This will make your achievements stand out and you'll be more likely to impress readers. It also provides a clearer picture of previous job experiences.

Be Concise

Hiring managers spend an average of 6 seconds reading through a resume, so it’s important to make your points quickly and concisely. Keeping each sentence short and to the point, and only including relevant information, will help increase the chances of a hiring manager being interested in your resume. A well-crafted resume should not be longer than 1-2 pages.

Highlight Accomplishments

Although employers want to know about your work history, achievements and results count much more. Showing how you have improved processes or impacted overall performance is a great way to grab a hiring manager’s attention and makes it easier for them to make a decision. Whether it was increased efficiency, increased sales, or managing a large team, it’s important to emphasize measurable indicators of success.

Check for Mistakes

Before sending out your resume, read it over for any grammatical or spelling errors. It’s also helpful to have another person look over the document for any typos or other errors. Once everything is double checked, make sure to save the file in a PDF format so it can be easily viewed across different devices. You can also include a cover letter with your resume to show your enthusiasm for the position.

Conclusion

Writing a resume that gets noticed requires following best practices for formatting, content, and presentation. Making sure the structure of the document is clear, that powerful language is used and only pertinent information is included will increase the chances of getting an interview. Finally checking for any mistakes, saving the document in a PDF, and potentially adding a cover letter are the last steps to getting an interview.