Standing out in the stack: strategies to get your resume noticed

In today’s competitive job market, crafting a resume that catches the eye of recruiters and hiring managers is crucial. Employers are often inundated with applications, so if your resume stands out, you can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview.

Emma Hunt, an Ontario human resources generalist who has reviewed hundreds of resumes, provides practical tips to help you make sure your resume stands out from the stack. 


Effective formatting 

  1. Keep it clean and professional: A well-organized resume with clear headings and bullet points makes it easier for recruiters to quickly scan your information. Use a professional font like Arial or Times New Roman, and maintain consistent formatting throughout your resume. 
  2. Use a reverse-chronological layout: Highlight your most recent experiences first, which are most interesting to recruiters. Include relevant job titles, company names, dates of employment, and key responsibilities and achievements. 

“Recruiters spend an average of six seconds scanning a resume. A clean, well-organized format helps ensure they see your most important qualifications quickly,” says Hunt.


Powerful keywords 

  1. Tailor your resume to the job description: Customize your resume for each application by incorporating keywords from the job description. This not only shows that you’ve read the posting carefully but also helps your resume get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). 
  2. Highlight relevant skills and achievements: Focus on the skills and accomplishments that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Quantify your achievements with numbers whenever possible to demonstrate your impact. For example, “improved internal sales conversions by 15 per cent during the first quarter, while managing a million dollar marketing budget.”

“Using keywords strategically can make a big difference,” Hunt explains. “ATS software scans for specific terms, so mirroring the language used in the job posting can improve your chances of getting noticed.”


Tailor for specific roles 

  1. Research the company: Understanding the company’s values and culture can help you tailor your resume to reflect qualities they prioritize. For instance, if a company values innovation, highlight experiences where you contributed creative solutions. 
  2. Focus on relevant experience: While it’s important to provide a comprehensive overview of your career on your resume, emphasize experiences that are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for. This helps recruiters see that you have the specific background they’re looking for. 

“Tailoring your resume for each application shows that you’re genuinely interested in the position and that you understand what the company is looking for. This can set you apart from candidates who take a one-size-fits-all approach,” says Hunt. 


Additional tips 

  1. Include a professional summary: Start your resume with a summary of your key qualifications and career objectives. This provides a snapshot of your candidacy and sets the tone for the rest of your resume. 
  2. Showcase continuing education and certifications: Include relevant courses, certifications, or professional development activities to show that you’re committed to learning and staying current in your field.
  3. Proofread carefully: Errors and typos can quickly disqualify you from consideration. Take the time to proofread your resume or ask a friend to review it. 

“Attention to detail is critical. A single typo can give the impression that you’re careless, which isn’t a trait employers are looking for,” Hunt warns. 
 

By following these strategies, you can create a resume that stands out and increases your chances of securing an interview. Remember, a resume is not just a list of your experiences. It’s a marketing document that highlights your strengths and argues that you’re the best fit for the role you’re applying for. With a clean format, powerful keywords and a tailored approach, you’ll be well on your way to making a strong impression in the job market. 

Gabby Altman
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Gabby is a contributing writer for a variety of publications. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her traveling the world, trying new food and hanging out with her puppy named Mochi.

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