In today’s competitive job market, a strong resume is essential to stand out and land the job you want. But creating a high-impact resume can be a time-consuming and daunting task. That’s why we’ve put together these 10 time-saving tips to help you build a resume that will get you noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.
Use ATS-Friendly Templates
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software programs used by many companies to screen resumes. If your resume is not ATS-friendly, it may not make it past the initial screening process. To avoid this, use a template that is designed to be ATS-compliant. You can find free and paid ATS-friendly templates online, including on ResumeGemini.
Choose Eye-Catching Fonts and Design
Your resume should be visually appealing as well as informative. Choose a professional font that is easy to read, and use a layout that is clean and organized. You can also use color to make your resume stand out, but be careful not to overdo it. Remember, the goal is to create a resume that is both professional and visually appealing.
Quantify Your Accomplishments
When describing your accomplishments on your resume, use numbers and metrics to quantify your results. This will make your accomplishments more concrete and impressive. For example, instead of saying “Increased sales,” you could say “Increased sales by 15% over a six-month period.” Including the results of your work can make your resume more effective to hiring managers and recruiters.
Customize for Each Job
Don’t just send out the same resume for every job you apply for. Take the time to customize your resume for each job description. Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for, and use keywords from the job description in your resume. Customizing your resume will help you tailor your resume to each specific job application.
Proofread Carefully
Before you submit your resume, proofread it carefully for any errors in spelling, grammar, and formatting. A resume with errors will make you look unprofessional and could cost you the job. Ask a friend or family member to proofread your resume for you, or use a grammar checker like Grammarly.
Use Strong Action Verbs
When describing your skills and experience on your resume, use strong action verbs. Action verbs are verbs that describe an action, such as “achieved,” “managed,” or “developed.” Action verbs make your resume more engaging and impactful. For example, instead of saying “Responsible for customer service,” you could say “Provided excellent customer service to a wide range of clients.”
Highlight Relevant Skills
Identify the key skills and abilities that employers are seeking for the target position. This may vary depending on the specific industry, job title, and company. Use your resume to highlight these skills and demonstrate how you have used them in your previous roles. If you have any quantifiable accomplishments that demonstrate your skills, be sure to include them. Use keywords from the job description and skills section to align your resume to the job requirements.
Use a Professional Email Address
Create a professional email address specifically for job applications. This will ensure that your communication is taken seriously. Your email address should be simple, easy to remember, and professional. Avoid using personal email addresses or addresses that are associated with your current or previous employers.
Keep it Concise
Aim for a resume that is one page in length, focusing on the most relevant and impactful information. If you have a lot of experience, you may need to use two pages, but try to keep it as concise as possible. Recruiters and hiring managers typically spend a short amount of time reviewing a resume so make sure the most relevant information is quickly accessible.
Get Feedback
Once you’ve created your resume, ask friends, family, or professional contacts to review it and provide feedback. They may be able to spot errors that you’ve missed, or they may have suggestions for how to improve your resume. Getting feedback from others can help you enhance the effectiveness of your resume.
Career Expert Tips:
- Select the ideal resume template to showcase your professional experience effectively.
- Master the art of resume writing to highlight your unique qualifications and achievements.
- Checkout the resume writing tips for guidance and best practices.
- Make your 2025 brighter with a new job. Build a powerful resume with ResumeGemini and save big, enjoy exclusive discounts on premium templates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How long should my resume be?
The ideal length of a resume depends on your experience and career level. For most professionals, a one-page resume is sufficient. However, if you have extensive experience or are applying for a highly specialized role, a two-page resume may be acceptable.
- Entry-level candidates: One page
- Mid-level professionals: One to two pages
- Senior-level executives: Two pages
What are the most important sections to include on my resume?
The most important sections to include on your resume are:
- Contact information
- Summary or objective statement
- Work experience
- Education
- Skills
How can I make my resume stand out from the competition?
To make your resume stand out from the competition, consider the following tips:
- Tailor your resume to each job you apply for.
- Use strong action verbs and quantify your accomplishments.
- Highlight your most relevant skills and experience.
- Use a professional resume template and font.
- Proofread your resume carefully for any errors.
Should I include a cover letter with my resume?
In general, it is a good idea to include a cover letter with your resume. A cover letter allows you to introduce yourself, explain why you are interested in the position, and highlight your most relevant skills and experience.
What are the common mistakes to avoid when creating a resume?
Some common mistakes to avoid when creating a resume include:
- Using too much jargon or technical language.
- Including irrelevant information.
- Making your resume too long or too short.
- Using a unprofessional font or template.
- Having errors in grammar or spelling.
How often should I update my resume?
You should update your resume every time you make a significant change to your career, such as getting a new job, promotion, or certification. It is also a good idea to review and update your resume every six months to a year, even if you are not actively looking for a new job.
What is the best way to format my resume?
The best way to format your resume depends on your individual style and preferences. However, there are some general formatting guidelines that you should follow:
- Use a standard font such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.
- Use a font size of 11 or 12 points.
- Use one-inch margins on all sides.
- Use clear and concise language.
- Proofread your resume carefully for any errors.
What are the best fonts to use on my resume?
The best fonts to use on your resume are professional and easy to read. Some good options include:
- Arial
- Times New Roman
- Calibri
- Georgia
- Verdana
Next Step:
Now that you have a better understanding of how to write a resume, it’s time to put your new knowledge into practice. ResumeGemini offers a variety of free resume templates, examples, and writing tips to help you create a high-impact resume that will get you noticed by employers. With ResumeGemini,
- Choose from a variety of professional resume templates.
- Get personalized resume feedback from our team of experts.
- Download your resume in PDF or Word format.
Elevate your job search with our premium resume templates. Here is an amazing resume template that can be used to build a professional and elegant resume. You can build a resume from scratch or revamp your existing resume. Impress hiring managers and secure your next opportunity.
- Top 50 Most Common Interview Questions
- The Psychology of a Great Resume: Hacks to Impress Recruiters
- What Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Resume: A Comprehensive Guide
- Elevate Your Career with Expert Resume Building: Introducing ResumeGemini
- How to Write a Resume Using Google Gemini: Step-by-Step Guide