make my resume pop

How to Make a Resume That Stands Out in 2024: A Guide That Stands Out

In This Guide:

What makes a resume stand out in 2023, key takeaways.

So you want to know how to make your resume stand out to recruiters?

You’re here because the generic “best practices from recruiters” advice you got until now was not very helpful. You already knew it all. You know what the baseline is .

But do you know how to write a visually appealing resume that makes you stand out from the crowd?

What makes a resume pop?

We, at Enhancv , asked ourselves the same questions. To find the standout factors, we did some research and testing.

We started by analyzing our clients’ resumes that helped them secure jobs at the likes of Amazon, Spotify, PwC, Verizon, and other top companies. We identified all the resume components that catch the eye of employers and recruiters. Then, we performed solid A/B testing, and finally, put together all our findings into one test resume . This test resume gathered over 1 million views, got covered by CNBC and Business Insider, and was praised by Mark Cuban .

BUILD MY RESUME LIKE THIS

To put it simply – it stood out and attracted attention.

The following advice helped thousands of candidates get interviews and land jobs at leading companies. We’ll share their resumes as case studies and explore different ways to make your resume stand out from the rest.

Here’s what you’ll learn from this guide:

• How to make a resume that both stands out and gets you interviews in 2023
• Case studies, tips, and professional examples from candidates that successfully landed jobs at top companies
• What resume layouts are getting more interviews and which are getting less
• How to pass automatic HR filters when creating a stand out resume

At the end of the day, you want your resume to stand out and land you a job, not raise HR’s eyebrows or get shared on Reddit for the sake of it.

So we won’t be using fancy fonts or inserting funny pictures. Every example we provide and each template we use has been thoroughly tested with HR systems to pass automatic filters.

This guide will take your resume from good to great, and here’s how.

• First, for every section we’ll cover a baseline, a bare minimum you need to do in order to have a competitive resume. Unfortunately, the majority of career guides stop at that.
• From there, we take it one step further with specific advice on how to make every section of your resume even more engaging and remarkable with out-of-box techniques.
• Finally, we’ll talk about the power of formatting and layout in creating an outstanding resume.

Along the way, we’ll provide case studies and real-life examples that helped candidates land real jobs at the companies they wanted.

Create attention-grabbing header section

The Header is the top section of your resume. It includes your name, location, job title, and contact details.

• Baseline: provide clear, typo-free contact and location details so that recruiters could contact you with zero effort.
• Stand out: include a link to your developed LinkedIn profile, add a custom headline, consider adding a photo.

Looking for ways to make your header stand out? See how you can perfect your resume header and get noticed .

Link to LinkedIn and/or personal portfolio website

Here’s a thing: 70% of recruiters will be checking your social media profiles. But the real bummer is that 79% of employers can reject candidates based on their social media.

Let’s turn this into our advantage and put a link to your LinkedIn profile in your Header section.

This will earn you extra points with recruiters and guide their attention to where you want them to be.

If you have a personal portfolio website that you want recruiters to see, link to it as well.

Gal included a link to his personal website to guide the recruiter’s attention, but also to keep his resume one-page without having to describe all the projects he’s worked on over the decade.

Pro tip: when applying for code-heavy jobs, consider linking to your Github.

Custom headline

Recruiters will spend most of their time analyzing the top third of your resume, and a custom headline is one of the most influential and often overlooked ways to grab their attention.

Headline goes immediately after your name on the resume and can include anything from your job title to a personal slogan.

However, you can do much better than simply putting your job title there., e.g. “System Administrator”.

Below are two amazing standout resume examples of a customized headline in action:

In the past, Daniel had two different jobs: Customer Support Engineer and Systems Administrator.

So he combined both qualifications in his headline, emphasizing experience with both people and systems.

This way he framed his diverse experience as an advantage before the recruiter even got to see the rest of the resume.

Result? Intercom hired Daniel. Check out the resume template that got Daniel the job.

For other jobs, you might want to get even more creative with your headline. For example, how are you going to stand out from hundreds of other marketers?

Wrong example : PPC specialist with 5 years of experience.

Right example : Fighting shady, aggressive marketing.

In his headline, Louis took a strong stance against something that was at the time a massive problem for established brands: shady viral marketing tactics of competition. Later he was hired by Hotjar. Check out the template that Louis used to get his dream job.

Custom headline allows you to frame the rest of your resume however you need, providing a halo effect. Daniel framed his work experience as an advantage for his next job, while Louis stood out from hundreds of marketers with the same skillset.

And the best part? Headlines can be easily tailored to every job you’re applying for, so you can easily switch between experience-based headlines, slogans, or anything related to your next job. Learn more about how to craft your headline here .

Should you include a photo in your resume or not?"?

Short answer: it depends. The best practice is to check company and government policy (including photos is illegal in some countries). For the long answer, head over to our helpful post on the topic .

Sam wanted to switch careers, but her extensive investment banking background made her resume look a bit boring for a startup-tech world.

So she used one of our resume templates, including her photo and adding some personality to her resume , to successfully score a job at Spotify.

To sum it up – you’ll need an attractive header section to make your resume stand out from the crowd. What you’ll also need is a special Summary section…

Use summary that captivates recruiters

The summary section is a short paragraph or bulleted list that briefly describes your professional experience before the rest of your resume.

Sometimes Summary is called an “Objective”, especially if you are using it to explain why you’re applying for the job.

• Baseline : short, easy-to-read, and impactful description of your professional experience
• Stand out : make your Summary memorable, use a proper layout .

Think of your Summary section as a cold email you’re sending someone you don’t know. If it’s a long, boring, and self-centered cold email, no one wants to read that.

But if you research your recipient, create an engaging and short cold email, you have a much higher chance of someone responding to it.

The Summary section, when done right, is one of the most powerful ways of “aligning” you to the position.

Sometimes you’ll hear the opinion that the Summary section takes too much space on your resume.

First, there’s an easy fix to it.

Let’s look at Daniel’s resume once again.

He puts the Summary section to the right of his Experience section. Why?

When recruiters scan your resume, they are checking your experience section first, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to learn more about you after.

With his Summary, Daniel once again frames the recruiter’s perception, highlighting that he did the majority of his work experience remotely. It helps a lot given that the company he applied for, Intercom, is a fully remote organization.

At the same time, he also provides some insight into his personality, as he knows how important culture fit is in remote companies.

Learn as much as you can about the company you’re applying for to know what’s important to them, and use this information to make your Summary more memorable.

Another great way to use the Summary section is when you’re switching careers, have no work experience, or have gaps in your work history.

Seeing your experience section, recruiters will immediately ask themselves questions: why are they making the career switch? Do they have enough experience?

Be proactive and address the elephant in the room yourself.

Akshay S. Rao put a brief summary section before his experience section to explain why he wants the internship with Tesla in the first place.

Check out the job-winning resume layout that Akshay used to land a promising internship.

Okay, so you’ve mastered the Summary, and you are one step closer to making a creative resume that stands out from the rest. Now, it’s time to understand how to tie results with responsibilities and present your work achievements on your resume.

Always provide quantifiable achievements

One of the most common pieces of advice we hear from recruiters is “provide results, not responsibilities”.

Well, yeah, it’s great advice. But we can do even better than that.

• Baseline: when describing your experience, demonstrate the impact of your work and contribution to the bottom-line of a company
• Stand out: Add quantifiable achievements to other sections of your resume, creating a cohesive “rainmaker” narrative.

Compare these two Experience sections from our job-winning Tech resume guide.

The first example may seem clean and concise, but in reality, it’s generic and doesn’t bring impact.

When you provide quantifiable achievements in your resume, it’s not about bragging with numbers.

It gives recruiters the impression that the person knows the impact of their work and their value to the company. And knowing your impact makes you more effective and loyal, a recruiter’s dream.

Here’s a formula we are using to describe our experience in an engaging and impactful manner:

Accomplished [A] as measured in [B] by doing [C]

Just remember that quantifiable achievements don’t necessarily mean “numeric achievements”. Simply adding numbers to something doesn’t make it impactful.

As long as what you did makes an impact and benefits the company, it will resonate with recruiters.

The best part is that you can demonstrate impact throughout other sections of your resume, instantly making them more engaging and effective: Summary, Projects, even your headline.

Maximilian Malterer, who now works at Amazon, used our “Most Proud of” section and moved it right next to his experience section.

No matter how recruiters will be scanning this resume, they will notice the impact you made.

Access the job-winning resume of Maximilian layout at our library of top-performing templates .

Now, let’s discover what the Achievement section is and how to use it wisely.

Highlight awards and recognitions

• Baseline : candidates rarely have this section in their resumes
• Stand out : adding an Achievements section to your resume sets you apart from the majority of candidates in the hiring pool.

If we were to summarize what sets apart the majority of our customers whose successful resumes we’ve used throughout this guide, we’d say custom sections.

“Achievements”, “Awards”, and “Most Proud” sections are all great examples.

Adding them within our resume builder is a one-step drag-and-drop process, but the most important part is that you can quickly change the whole layout based on your particular needs.

As mentioned before, Maximilian put his most impactful Achievements right next to his Experience section, amplifying the overall impact, which is critical when you work with Amazon partners.

But Julian Prim, who now works with PwC, took a different approach. His high-stakes analyst job required extra attention to detail and next to perfect time-management skills.

After all, that’s what PwC had in mind for their operations specialist.

So Julian put his skills first to let recruiters know he checks all these boxes and added his “Most Proud” section below.

While Maximillians’s resume narrative is an ambitious and impactful account manager, Julian Prim is an efficient and timid analyst. The layouts of their resumes work great for both of them.

Pro tip : with simple drag and drop you can quickly change layouts and thus how your resume narrative.

Julian can easily become an ambitious superstar data wizard and apply for some hot BigData startup by simply dragging his “Most Proud” section to the top. Experiment with resume layouts by using the top-performing templates directly in our resume builder .

Surely, sharing awards and recognition is a way to make your resume stand out from other applicants and land you the job. But if you want to get things to the next level, you’d spend some time tailoring your resume and make it more specific to the position you are applying for.

Tailor your resume

Tailoring your resume to the job description is an extremely effective strategy for landing more job interviews.

Just don’t overdo it, otherwise, your efforts might seem too obvious.

• Baseline : include in your resume skills and keywords from your target job description
• Stand out : group skills and provide context for your core skills to maximize the impact and prove that you actually have these skills.

There are several ways to feature both technical and soft skills on your resume.

The majority of candidates will simply list them, but for recruiters, it’s as engaging as reading someone’s shopping list.

Instead, we have a few more easy-to-read and effective options you can use.

Daniel is a technical person. It was important for him to showcase his technical skills when applying for a job at Intercom, but he didn’t want to scare off recruiters with a poorly formatted list of 100+ technologies he learned during his career in IT.

He mentioned many skills and technologies he worked with when describing his Experience section, but for the skills section he followed the old wisdom of “less is more”.

So he identified four of the most important groups of skills he has and presented them as engaging infographics.

Adapt this layout and try out various visual styles using our freely accessible resume templates .

Julian went for the jugular with his PwC analyst resume. He was perfectly aware that the majority of analysts lack soft skills, and that was a great opportunity to stand out from his competition.

But instead of simply listing soft skills he presented them in a real-world context. Finally, he renamed the whole section “Strengths” to grab the recruiter’s attention.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the names for your custom resume sections.

Recruiters are tired of seeing thousands of “My skills” sections to the point they automatically skim them.

But try naming them “Core strengths” or “Tech achievements” and you’ll hold their attention.

If you are interested in learning more about making your resume laser-targeted, read our post on the topic .

Did you know that nothing sets your resume apart from the rest more than sharing your personal story in it…

Show your career and personal story

So far, we’ve managed to make every section of your resume stand out and engage recruiters, showcasing your experience and achievement in the most convincing way.

Let’s apply some final effort with custom sections that will push your resume into a league of its own.

Here are the four custom sections our customers most often add to their job-winning resumes:

• Life philosophy

Marcellus Nixon, now Senior Director of Network Operations, had an excellent work history in the network communications sector.

You can access Marcellus’s full resume template here .

But so did every candidate who was aiming for an executive role at Verizon.

At this level, candidates rarely can outperform each other on a skill basis.

At the end of the day, organizations hire humans, and if recruiters feel that there’s a person behind all the achievements on your paper, they will remember you.

That’s why Marcellus decided to add “A Day In My Life” and “Life Philosophy” sections.

With these two custom sections, his resume narrative switched from “experienced network executive” to “experienced network executive with a strong work ethic and a solid plan.”

Exactly what Verizon, a global network mogul, needs.

Still with us? Good.

It’s all fun and games until we mention proper formatting. Are there any tricks to it? What colors and fonts are appropriate? Let’s see how you can make your resume stand out visually.

Apply formatting tricks to create stand out resume

Watch out for white space.

According to an eye-tracking study from Ladders Inc, resumes that lack white space turn recruiters off.

The easier your resume reads, the more chances there will be that the recruiter reads every section of it.

If you have a lot to put on your resume, use smart layout and custom sections.

The two resume examples feature the same amount of information, yet the second one is much more engaging and comfortable to digest.

Pro tip: after you filled all the sections of your resume, look at it with your eyes squinted. If your resume feels like a big cluttered black spot, start decluttering it.

Declutter your resume with minimalism approach

Make a point of using as few words to describe your experience as possible. The worst thing you can do is trying to sound smart.

Bad example: developed an elaborate testing environment throughout a wide array of 22 company and partner software assets

Good example: Launched a test-to-production environment for 22 software products

Use well-tested fonts and combinations

Don’t be afraid to use several fonts on your resume, especially if you want to bold certain parts of your resume like headers or titles.

Just remember to limit yourself to only three fonts per resume , and try using font pairs that were already tested together by designers and user experience experts.

Make colors work for you

Here’s a really elaborate, but effective trick you can use to earn some extra points: try using the company’s brand colors on your resume.

Surely don’t put a company logo or use the exact color palette, go for a subtle effect .

It’s a bit of reverse psychology: in-house recruiters that know brand colors too well may subconsciously gravitate towards resumes with familiar colors.

Proofread your resume at least 3 times

Even the most elaborate and engaging resume can quickly become a recruiter’s kryptonite when a single typo creeps into your sentences.Make sure to proofread your resumes at least three times before you send them out. If you’re using our resume builder, it will automatically check every resume you create or upload for typos.

Study specific cases of resumes that stood out from competition

Writing a resume that stands out with no work experience.

• Put Education and Projects section on the top left and top right
• Hide GPA if it’s below 3
• Add a link to personal industry-related projects or Github if you’re in development
• Include a short objective to frame the recruiter’s expectations
• Use custom sections (e.g. Projects and Certification) to stand out from hundreds of applicants
• DON’T mention passion in your objective.

Successful example: [internship at Tesla]

Tips for making your resume stand out for senior employees

• Use custom section to stand out from your competition and add personality to your top-management experience (e.g. “A Day In My Life” and “Life Philosophy”  sections)
• Frame your experience with a well-researched custom headline on top
• Add links to a business-related profile (LinkedIn)
• Frame Skills sections in a unique way (e.g. name them “Workflows”, “Strengths”)

Successful example: senior manager resume at Verizon

How to create a standout resume with bad work history

• Go for a functional layout resume where skills and workflows are prioritized over the experience section
• Create a proxy item in your experience section, e.g. “Freelancer”, or “Agency” and list your temporary experiences within it
• Write an engaging Summary section to address the recruiter’s questions about your inconsistent work history and turn it to your advantage (e.g. several areas of competence)
• DON’T mention passion in your objective. Just don’t.

Standout resume for different positions

Over years we’ve shared and updated a library of 530+ professional resume example guides with best practices and tips for specific job titles.

Simply type in the job title you’re applying for, and you’ll get a resume guide similar to this one with actionable tips specific to your dream job.

BROWSE RESUME EXAMPLES

• Small details matter: make every section stand out for the compound effect
• Extensively research the company you’re applying for and use your findings in different sections
• Add custom sections to stand out and boost engagement with recruiters
• Visuals and readability matter more than you think. Watch your white space, fonts, and formatting

Did you like the guide? Anything else that we’re forgetting and you might want to add? What are your tips for creating a stand-out resume? Jump in the discussion below.

• Resume Guides

How to Write a Professional Business Letter Template

How to answer: “what’s the reason for leaving your job”, what's the best way to address a cover letter, how do you avoid age discrimination on a resume, how to answer the “what do you think this company could do better” interview question, how to ask an employer for feedback on why you didn't get the job.

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Examples
• Resume Templates
• AI Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

• Search Jobs
• Managed Services & Large Projects
• Contract Staffing
• Direct Hire
• Career Advice Blog
• Hiring Advice Blog
• Case Studies
• Careers at Profiles
• Community Outreach
• Refer a Friend
• Refer a Business
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• New York City
• Philadelphia
• Washington DC

5 Simple Tips to Make your Resume POP!

• Career Advice
• 5 Simple Tips to Make…

There are ways to get ahead of the competition, without putting a cheesy picture of yourself and your cat on your resume.

Here are several tips to guide you as you craft your resume:

1. Tailor to the Job Description

Make sure that you read the job description, and know it inside and out. Figure out what is most important about this position and note the key words and phrases that are mentioned. Then, make sure to tailor your resume to hit those key objectives. When a recruiter or hiring manager is scanning dozens of resumes, those ever-important keywords will catch their eye, and prove that you are qualified.

2. Stay Relevant

Make sure that your resume is up to date and to the point. You do not need to include anything that does not relate to the job that you are applying to. Don’t add that you delivered pizzas in high school, or babysat for your neighbor for extra cash in college. Also, we are now in 2012; don’t include positions you held 20 years ago, which will make you appear dated.

3. Two Words: Spell Check

You would not believe how many people submit a resume and do not use spell check. Come on people! Microsoft Word will even do it for you! There is really no excuse to have any typos in your resume. As obvious as this might be, there are way too many mistakes that we come across on a daily basis.

4. Streamline Your Design

Why complicate your resume any more than you need to? There is no need to include complex graphics. While this might make your resume look pretty, it will distract the Recruiter from your skills and experience.

IMPORTANT: Never include a picture in your resume. If you include a picture, and a company decides not to hire you, they are liable for a discrimination lawsuit. Therefore, employers typically have to immediately throw away any resumes including photos.

5. Prove Your Worth

A resume is a written account of your qualifications, not just a timeline of your work experience. You are introducing yourself for the first time to a potential employer, and must prove to them that you are the perfect candidate for the job. Don’t just list your daily responsibilities at former jobs; include statistics and examples that show your success and progress in past positions.

This may be overwhelming, and there are endless ways to refine your resume for each unique job, but you don’t have to muddle through it alone. Seek out the assistance of a niche Recruiter . They know more details about what the company is looking for, they have years of experience editing resumes, and they can help you define who you are, what you’re looking for, and why you’re qualified in a tidy, one-page summary. No pictures of pets necessary.

Related Posts

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies
• 3rd Party Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Privacy Policy

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!

How to Make Your Resume Pop: A Guide to Maximizing Readability and Landing Your Dream Job

🎯 Introduction: The Importance of a Well-Structured Resume

In an increasingly competitive job market, every detail counts. Crafting an effective resume isn’t just about including relevant experiences and skill sets—it’s about presenting them in a way that’s easy to understand and appealing to potential employers. Your resume serves as your first impression to recruiters, and a well-structured resume can significantly enhance your chances of landing your dream job. In this blog, we’ll provide resume writing tips to ensure maximum readability.

✍️ Section 1: Formatting Matters – Choosing the Right Layout

When creating a resume, think of it as a landing page that recruiters visit. Your layout should not only look professional but also be easily navigable. Stick to standard layouts such as chronological, functional, or combination, depending on your work history and skills.

• Chronological: This layout is recommended if you have a strong work history and continuous employment. It lists your work experiences in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job.
• Functional: This layout emphasizes skills rather than work history. It’s suitable for those with gaps in their employment, changing careers, or starting their careers.
• Combination:  This layout blends the best of both worlds, detailing your relevant skills and work history.

Keep in mind that whatever layout you choose, consistency in formatting (fonts, bullet points, headings, etc.) is critical.

🔍 Section 2: Clarity is Key – Make Your Content Easy to Read

A well-structured resume is one that communicates clearly. Your resume should be easy to skim through, with crucial information readily apparent.

• Simplicity: Avoid jargon and use simple language. Recruiters often review hundreds of resumes and do not have time to decipher complex phrases.
• Bullet Points: Break down your experiences into digestible bullet points. This will allow recruiters to quickly understand your achievements.
•  Action Words: Start each bullet point with action verbs such as “led”, “managed”, or “implemented”. These words present you as a proactive individual.
• Quantifiable Achievements: Wherever possible, quantify your achievements. Numbers provide clear evidence of your accomplishments.

⚖️ Section 3: Balance it Out – Combining Text and White Space

One critical factor in maximizing resume readability is the balance between text and white space.

• Text: The text should be concise and focused. Don’t include every task you performed at a job—just the highlights. Remember, quality over quantity.
•  White Space: White space helps separate different sections, making the resume look cleaner and more organized. It also aids in guiding the reader’s eye around the page.

🌟 Section 4: Making It Shine – Use of Bold and Italics

The strategic use of bold and italics can make your resume stand out.

• Bold: Use bold for job titles and headings. It draws attention and allows recruiters to quickly scan your resume.
• Italics: Use italics sparingly for emphasis, such as for job descriptions or details underneath job titles.

💼 Section 5: Tailoring Your Resume – One Size Does Not Fit All

A generic resume isn’t going to catch a recruiter’s attention. Tailor your resume to each job you apply for by aligning your skills and experiences with the job description.

• Keywords: Use keywords from the job description in your resume. It will show that you are a good fit and can help you get past applicant tracking systems.

• Relevance: Make sure all information on your resume is relevant to the job. If it isn’t, remove it or replace it with something more suitable.

🗂️ Section 6: Organize Your Sections – Prioritizing Information

Your resume should be a roadmap of your professional journey, with the most relevant information upfront. Here’s how to prioritize:

• Contact Information: Your name, professional email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable) should be at the top. It should be easy for recruiters to contact you.
• Professional Summary: Write a brief summary that highlights your professional background, key skills, and career goals. This should be tailored to each job application
•  Skills: Highlight your skills early on. Recruiters often look for this section to see if you’re a match for the job requirements.
• Work Experience: List your work experience in reverse chronological order. Include your company name, job title, dates of employment, and a bullet-pointed list of your duties and achievements.
• Education: Include your highest degree first, then any other relevant educational achievements.

🎨 Section 7: Design – Aesthetics and Readability

The design of your resume is another essential factor in readability. Here are some elements to consider:

• Font: Choose a professional and easy-to-read font, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Font size should ideally be between 10 to 12 points.
• Colour: Use colour sparingly. Stick to one or two professional colours to highlight certain parts of your resume.
• Graphics and Charts: Use them only if they add value and aren’t distracting. For instance, a language skills chart might be useful.
• Alignment: Left-align your text for easy reading. Center alignment can be used for your contact details or section headings.
• Margins: Standard one-inch margins on all sides give your resume a neat appearance and allow for optimal readability.

🖼️ Section 8: To Picture or Not to Picture

Deciding whether to include a photo on your resume can be tricky and depends largely on the job and country.

• Job Requirements: If the job listing specifically asks for a photo, include one. If not, it’s typically better to use the space for more important information.
• Country Norms: Some countries, like Germany or France, expect photos on resumes. In contrast, others, like the U.S. and U.K., typically do not. Research the standard practices in your target job’s country.

⏲️ Section 9: Time Management – Recruiters’ Reading Time

Recruiters typically scan a resume for about 6 seconds before deciding whether to read in-depth or move on to the next. This fact underlines the importance of immediate impact and readability.

• Prioritize: Put the most important information on the top third of your resume. This area is what a recruiter will see first, so make it count.
• Highlight Achievements: Don’t bury your achievements in lengthy descriptions. Highlight them so a recruiter can see your value at a glance.

🚀 Section 10: Go the Extra Mile – Proofreading and Reviewing

After spending considerable time writing your resume , the last thing you want is a spelling or grammar mistake to ruin your chances.

• Proofread: Check for any typos or grammatical errors. Read it out loud, or use software like Grammarly to help.
• Ask for Opinions: Have someone else review your resume. A fresh set of eyes may catch something you missed.
• Print it Out: Looking at your resume on paper can help you spot errors or inconsistencies that you didn’t see on the screen.

By implementing these tips, you can optimize your resume structure to impress recruiters at first glance. The goal is to make their job easy, clearly presenting why you’re the best candidate for the job. Good luck with your job hunt!

Get a job now  when you make an account with us. JobGet is the #1 mobile-first job platform, connecting thousands of applicants and companies across the U.S. Now available on Google Play and the Apple App Store!

Share this:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• Resume and Cover Letter
• A Stagnant Job Seeker Gets a...

A Stagnant Job Seeker Gets a Resume That Pops

5 min read · Updated on December 14, 2021

The best time to make your resume pop is now.

You may wake up one day and think to yourself, “It's time to start a job search.” And instead of diving right in, you're probably doing a whole lot of planning and preparation. First comes research,  and then the writing, rewriting, and perfecting of all your professional materials before the actual job searching begins. 

Yet, it all starts with a feeling. Riley was happy at his job, doing well and progressing, but his gut was telling him it was time to start exploring new opportunities. When he heard about our resume makeover contest he thought, “Why not?” and entered. To his delight, he won.

Work on hold

Riley works for the NBA and due to the pandemic, business was at a standstill. This pause in work, however, afforded him the time to think about his next professional steps — especially as things were starting to feel stagnant in his current role. While he wasn't dying to leave, this was the perfect time to start preparing for the future. And that preparation started with a new, eye-catching resume. 

A resume positioned for the future

As a media relations manager looking to advance his career to a communications manager or director-level role, Riley needed a resume that properly showcased his stellar experiences and accomplishments. 

His resume writer, Traci K., detailed that, “His existing resume format was out of date in terms of style, and the all-bullet format made it difficult to distinguish his achievements from his responsibilities.” Traci started by choosing a new format that's proven to be highly effective for manager/director roles with a more modern and colorful layout, a stronger resume career summary , and a core competencies table. 

The core competencies table is a great way to capture the hiring manager's attention and ensure they immediately see his key skills.

She then rewrote Riley's professional experience to focus on the contributions he's made to his employers. His new resume clearly shows his professional growth, emphasizing the key skills he brings to the table.

Resume length lessons

Riley not only received a new resume that is ready for a job search, he learned a thing or two about the art and science of resume writing. Riley let us know that in addition to being responsive, Traci was helpful and taught him a few tricks. 

Riley had always been under the assumption that his resume needed to be one page. Traci explained that in this day and age, and with his level of experience, two pages was the route to go. 

Process makes perfect

At the end of the day, Riley felt that the TopResume resume rewrite process was really smooth and easy. Traci was available, always checked in, stayed in touch, reminded him how many days left before the final results, and kept tabs so that he didn't have to, creating a seamless experience.

The finished product

Riley let us know that the layout of his resume has become more visually appealing and exciting, and that from an organizational standpoint, the layout is much clearer. He had far too many bullet points before, and now his resume is a mix of sentences and bullets, making the document much more digestible.

We asked him, “How do you feel moving forward with your new resume?” His response:

“Excited. I'm not sure when something will pop up, but I'm ready and confident that if and when an opportunity arises, I'll be able to apply right on spot.”

While he didn't think his initial resume was bad, this one just “pops” — which is exactly what's needed to make an impression and secure success. Best of luck, Riley!

Don't let your resume fade into the background. Let our expert resume writers help.

Recommended Reading:

A Qualified Candidate Finally Gets the Resume That Shows Her Off

What It's Really Like to Work With a Resume Writer

See How We Helped This Salesman Start Selling Himself on His Resume

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

From Bland to Beautiful: How We Made This Professional's Resume Shine

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

• Career Coaches for Alumni
• Agriculture & Environment
• Architecture Development & Construction
• Arts, Entertainment & Communications
• Business, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
• Education & Training
• Finance & Real Estate
• Government & Public Service
• Health & Human Services
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
• Featured Jobs + Employers
• BIPOC Students & Alumni
• Collegiate-Athlete Students & Alumni
• First-Generation Students & Alumni
• International Students & Alumni
• LGBTQ+ Students & Alumni
• Students & Alumni with Disabilities
• Veteran Students & Alumni
• Women-Identifying Students & Alumni
• Get Involved
• Architecture
• Arts & Humanities
• Communication, Music & Entertainment
• Education & Sports
• Environment, Marine & Atmospheric Science
• Healthcare & Life Sciences
• Social Sciences & Pre-Law
• Graduate Students
• Career Tools
• News & Advice
• Job Market Data
• Vault Guides
• Resume Scanner
• Mentoring + Networking
• Faculty + Staff
• Contact Information
• Social: What’s Happening

Skimmability: How to Make Your Resume Pop to a Busy Employer

• Share This: Share Skimmability: How to Make Your Resume Pop to a Busy Employer on Facebook Share Skimmability: How to Make Your Resume Pop to a Busy Employer on LinkedIn Share Skimmability: How to Make Your Resume Pop to a Busy Employer on X

Let’s face it, we are all busy. Whether you are juggling your fantasy football team, an active toddler, a destructive pup or you just have a very active social life, we can all understand being a little overwhelmed and not having 100% focus on everything, every single day. This is why it shouldn’t surprise you that recruiters look at your resume for an average of 7.4 seconds . That’s right, seconds .

While this seems like an exceptionally small amount of time, it is actually up from 6 seconds, which was the norm in 2012. So how do you make an impactful impression in just that small moment? The answer: You format your resume to be skimmable . Now this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t put a substantial amount of thought and effort into your document. It means that on top of building a reputable resume, you need to make it easy to read and for the important information to be effortless to extract.

#1 – Put Your Best Foot Forward

If you have only 7.4 seconds, then make them count. Use active and decisive words to start each bullet point. This means using strong language to illustrate your abilities and keep them captivated.

Here are some examples of how dynamic language can change the significance of a statement:

“Assist with compliance for all offices to pass State inspections” to “Ensures the distribution of dental compliance-related documents as well as the coordination of the registration and training of employees to guarantee that all offices pass state inspections.”

“Research potential customers to find new opportunities for business” to “Qualifies leads and client specific needs to customize product solutions to best suit their business”

“Covers breaking news” to “Presents live coverage of breaking news on both television and social media platforms while simultaneously writing copy on the active situations and corresponding with reporters for live updates”

It is also important to remember that a thesaurus is your best friend when writing your resume! No one wants to read “responsible for” over and over again. Find the right synonyms that best display your experience.

#2 – Don’t Bury the Lead

Remember that you only have those few seconds to make an impression so don’t bury the items that employers care about most – keywords! Many employers use applicant tracking systems to grade your resume – and a huge part of the scoring will depend if your resume has the keywords that these trackers are looking for. When in doubt, add to your resume the same skills and important words found in the job description – often times these will be the very keywords that applicant trackers want to see on your resume.

#3 – Show Them Your Skills

Having an actual skills section in your resume makes it nice and easy for an employer to see if you possess the abilities they are looking for in a candidate. However, remember that putting this in a table or column format does make it harder for applicant tracking systems to read your resume, so this is best suited for when you are emailing the hiring manager a copy of your document directly or handing it to them in person.

One handy way of keeping track of your skills and check if they’re being picked up by an applicant tracking system is to use an online resume scanner . These scanners mimic how applicant trackers work and can give you additional information in regards to your resume.

#4 – Give Them Your Digits

It is always a great idea to show your actual impact within a role by using metrics within your document, but remember to use digits when referencing numbers. Don’t write them out. This makes it easier for the recruiter to quickly spot these key details.

Manages a team of 25 employees and developed a SOP to aid in the onboarding process when new hires start their tenure with the company.

Lowered supply costs by 55% within the past year and continually identifies areas of cost avoidance to establish future savings.

#5 – Be Clear and Concise

You want your resume to be like a compelling novel in the sense that it tells a story that you don’t want to put down. However, you do not want it to be the length of a novel. The goal is to paint a picture of the role you played at a company and the imprint you made without droning on and on with unimportant details.

Keep each bullet point to two lines or less and if your function within the business is more difficult to simplify, consider adding a summary paragraph (2-3 sentences) about what your current company is all about and how you fit in, in order to display the big picture.

#6 – Establish a Uniform Layout

Consistency is key when formatting a resume. This means equal spacing between sections, using serif fonts, identical font sizes, aligning dates and job locations in the same spot (right aligned is normally recommended) and having just enough white space to allow for readability, but not enough to imply that your experience is lacking. When it comes to adding typographical emphasis – aka bold, underline and italics – use these sparingly and remember that you want to continue with the theme of keeping things constant. Pick one category, such as section titles, to bold, and another to italicize. Simplicity is your friend!

5 Tips to Make Your Resume Pop

• THE HIRING PROCESS
• Tips for Job Seekers

Writing the perfect resume can be tricky for anybody who’s in the middle of the hiring process. On the one hand, it’s easy to simply update the resume you last used 7 years ago to land a position. On the other hand, times are changing, and today’s resumes really need to pack a punch in order to stand out from the crowd.

If you’re worried your resume looks exactly the same as everyone else’s, consider using one of these 5 tips to make your resume pop:

1. Use keywords.

The sad fact of life today is that if you don’t use the right words in your resume, you won’t be found. If you call yourself a “grammar checker extraordinaire” instead of a “proofreader,” your resume may never even get pulled when hiring managers check their automated applicant system for the latest editing job. While these systems have made it easier than even for hiring managers, it can be harder for applicants. Neglect to use the right keywords, and you could be toast.

The best way to ensure you’re using the right words for the job is to simply look at the job description, and borrow the company’s phrasing. Why? Because that’s likely what they’ll search for when sorting resumes.

2. Consider your formatting.

So you have to use specific words to get found in a job search. That doesn’t mean you can’t stand out from the pack. One of the best ways to make your resume look sharp is use great formatting. A stylish font choice or even selective use of color or design can make your resume look different from everyone else’s. These days, even Google is offering free resume designs , so don’t be afraid to show a little personality with formatting flair. After all, the average resume only gets 5 – 7 seconds of attention, so make ‘em count.

3. Include your credentials.

Sure, you went to college and got a degree – but so did everybody else applying for the job. Stand out by including your “extra” credentials. For example, a weekend workshop you took or conference you attended could help you stand out. These days, you can even add badges to your resume to verify background screening checks . It’s the little touches that matter, so to stand out, make sure you include them.

4. Get creative.

Some of today’s most high-profile jobseekers are turning away from resumes entirely and using videos , Twitter accounts and even Facebook advertising to get on the radar of their favorite companies. It’s a bold move to step away from a resume, but it’s definitely creative.

You can also get creative with resumes, including more “designed” options . Just make sure you’re aware that a resume like this may not always resonate, and should be tailored for each organization you’re applying to.

5. Give ‘em the numbers.

All HR managers have read the “played a critical role at XYZ Company” a million times. Don’t just use vague sentences and phrases to show off what you did in previous positions. Where possible, add in statistics and numbers. It makes your general statements about leadership more powerful when you say, “Increased productivity 75% through training seminars.”

Not sure where you can get numbers? Think about things like retention rate (client or employee), units sold, quarters with improved sales or even simply quantity of work produced. There are lots of different ways you can use numbers , so find some that work for you.

Your resume is often the first impression employers get of you, before they call you in for an interview or hire a screening service for a more thorough background check. Show them that you mean business with a fantastic, up-to-date resume.

Want to learn more about our background screening services? Let's talk.

How To Make Your Resume Pop, Not Flop

Strong content with an aesthetically pleasing format is by far the best way to generate interest and get the interview. Having written and reviewed thousands of resumes (over 10,000 at this point!), I am still amazed by how many common errors are made on resumes and cover letters – the kinds of errors that will immediately send your resume to the trashcan. Related: How To Transform Your Resume From Vintage To Viral If you know how to make your resume pop with clear structure and strong proofreading, you will solidify your first place position in the interview line. Here are some tips:

Opening Paragraph

Bullet points, size matters, formatting fiasco, inconsistent use of punctuation, capitalizing on capitalization, widows and orphans, i repeat myself under stress ; i repeat myself under stress, speilling (sp) errors, related posts, about the author, spring cleaning: 4 ways to fix your job search.

Is your job search turning into a grind with no end in sight? It may be time to take a step back and reevaluate your entire approach.

In cold weather climates, the beginning of spring is a time to clean the house and get organized—a practice known as spring cleaning. Through the years, spring cleaning has taken on a larger meaning with people using the time to organize and declutter things in their lives.

For professionals on the job hunt, a little spring cleaning (metaphorically speaking) could be a great way to reinvigorate your job search. Here are a few strategies your job search spring cleaning should include.

Reevaluate Your Job Search Approach

Make a list of the last handful of jobs you applied for and see if you can identify any positive or negative trends. Consider things like:

• How did I learn about this job?
• How did I apply for the job?
• Did I earn an interview?
• What was the ultimate result?

A lot can be learned about your job search approach just by answering these questions and identifying patterns. For example:

Negative Trends

You discovered five jobs through job boards, applied to all of them via the job boards, and never heard back from any of them.

The common pattern here is applying through job boards. This isn't to say that job boards don't serve a purpose in the job search process, but they have their limitations , and you can't run your job search entirely off of them. When you apply through a job board, there's a good chance that your materials will never get past the applicant tracking system (ATS) and never be seen by an actual person.

One simple fix is to research who the hiring manager or recruiter is that posted the position and email your materials to them directly.

The more efficient fix would be to take a proactive approach by putting together a bucket list of companies that you want to work for and start making connections on LinkedIn with people who work at those companies. You may already know some people who work there or have connections that can refer you to some individuals.

This is a great way to network your way onto a company's radar.

Positive Trends

You applied to three jobs via referral, were invited to two job interviews, and made it through multiple rounds of interviews for one of the jobs before being passed over for someone with a little more experience.

The pattern here is that getting referred to a job by a professional acquaintance is a great way to land a job interview . This indicates that you're leveraging your network well and you should continue to focus on your networking efforts.

The next step is to review the interview process and determine what went well and what needs to be improved. Sometimes the interviewer will provide feedback , and that feedback can be valuable. However, not everyone is comfortable with giving feedback.

Chances are you probably have a good idea about areas of improvement and the skills you need to gain. Put together a plan for addressing those shortfalls.

The good news in making it deep into any interview process is that it indicates that the company likes you as a potential employee (even if the timing just wasn't right) and the experience could be a roadmap to a job with that company at a later date, or another similar opportunity elsewhere.

Give Your Resume & Cover Letter Some Much-Needed Attention

Are you continuously sending similar resumes and cover letters to each job opening with only minor adjustments? If so, your strategy needs some serious spring cleaning.

Let's start with resumes!

Every resume should be tailored to the position in order for it to stand out to recruiters and hiring managers . It may seem like a lot of work, but it's actually less work than submitting the same resume over and over again and never hearing back.

The reason why it's so important to tailor your resume is that throughout your career, you acquire numerous skills, but the job you're applying for may only be focusing on 6-8 of those skills. In that case, those skills must rise to the top of the resume with quantifiable examples of how you successfully used those skills at previous jobs.

Remember, recruiters go through hundreds of resumes. They need to be able to tell from a quick glance whether or not you're a potential candidate for the position.

While updating your resume, you could also spruce up your LinkedIn profile by highlighting the skill sets that you want to be noticed for by recruiters.

As for writing a good cover letter , the key to success is writing a disruptive cover letter . When you write a disruptive cover letter , you're basically telling a story. The story should focus on how you connect with the particular company and job position. The story could also focus on your personal journey, and how you got to where you currently are in your career.

If your resumes and cover letters aren't unique, now is the time to clean things up and get on track.

Build Your Personal Brand

Just because you're looking for work doesn't mean that you don't have anything to offer. Use previous career experiences and passions to build your personal brand .

Ask yourself, "How do I want other professionals to view me?"

Pick an area of expertise and start sharing your knowledge and experience with your professional network by pushing out content on your LinkedIn and social media accounts. Good content can include blogs, social media posts, and videos.

By sharing content about your experiences and passions, you slowly build your personal brand, and others will start to notice. The content could lead to good discussions with others in your network. It could also lead to reconnecting with connections that you haven't spoken to in years, or making new connections.

You never know when one of these connections could turn into a job lead or referral. The trick is to get on people's radars. So, when you're cleaning up your job search, be sure to build a plan for personal branding.

Maintain Healthy Habits During Your Job Search

Your job search is important, but it's even more important to know when to pull back and focus on personal health and spending time with family and friends.

There are actually things that you can do for your own enjoyment that could help your job search in the long run, such as:

• Grab coffee with a friend - It's good to engage in light conversation with friends during challenging times. And if your job search does come up, remember that most people have been through it themselves and you never know when a friend may provide you with a good idea or lead on a job.
• Volunteer - Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the community and help others. In addition, if you develop a little bit of a career gap while looking for a job, you can always talk about how you filled that time volunteering, if you're asked about it during a job interview.
• Continue to focus on other passions - Are you a fitness nut? Blogger? Crafter? Continue to do the things that bring you happiness. And if you're in a position to profit from your passion through a freelance job or side hustle , even better!

Spring is the perfect time to clean up and improve your job search so you can land the job you want. If you're struggling to find a job, follow the tips above to reinvigorate your job search—and watch your career blossom!

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

The Job Search Tip Introverts Hate (But Desperately Need)

Now hiring: remote sysops engineer, 3 important career lessons learned on and off the field, how ex-nfl player, chris gronkowski, is using social media to change careers.

• email (1) [email protected]
• Group 15 404-252-8777

Sunday - Friday 9AM - 9PM

5 Insider Tips to Make Your Resume Pop

Book your consultation with an award-winning writer.

Hiring managers and recruiters are inundated with resumes and often have hundreds of candidates in front of them to choose from. Their mission is to find a good match for the company and the first step will be to eliminate anyone who doesn’t fit the bill.

I want to help you improve your chances of making the final cut so I’m giving you a few insider tips for ensuring you have a resume that stands out from the rest.

Visual Appeal: I cannot stress enough the importance of an attractive design. First impressions go a long way in landing that interview and resumes that are formatted correctly with a pop of color and a professional design really do shine above the rest. It shows the prospective employer that you take your career seriously, are professional and respect the process.

Keywords: Nowadays companies are using software to scan large volumes of applicants and selecting those who have certain keywords in an effort to match the skills that are needed. Customize your resume slightly to include keywords from the job description itself. Don’t be dishonest but carefully phrase your skills so that the company can easily see you have the experience they need and would make a great match.

Error-Free: Always make sure your resume has perfect grammar, punctuation and spelling. Nothing will turn an employer off more than poorly written content. Companies want you to have a certain level of education and will not consider hiring you otherwise. If spelling isn’t your forte’ use spellcheck or have someone proofread it for you. Even if you have to pay someone to proof and edit it will be well worth it.

References : Go ahead and attach your references (three is ideal). Rarely do candidates send them over until asked for them. Including them up front with your resume shows the hiring manager you have nothing to hide and makes the process much easier for them by having that information available at their fingertips. Trust me; they’ll appreciate you for it.

With a few simple updates you can take your resume from good to great and stand out in this competitive market. Don’t cheat yourself; spend the time upfront to make sure your resume represents who you are and will appeal to prospective employers. Your career depends on it!

YOUR 25% DISCOUNT IS ONE CLICK AWAY

Call now for a free initial consultation.

• Resume Services
• Executive Resume Package
• Mid Level Resume Package
• Professional Resume Package
• Federal & Military Transition Resumes
• Networking Resumes
• I Have a Resume
• Resume Distribution

How To Make Your Resume Pop

• Eye Catching: You want your resume to catch your potential employer’s eye immediately so they spend time looking at your resume intently rather than just passing over it briefly. While it would be easy to do this using a wacky font, that is a bad idea. Using a wacky font looks unprofessional and can be hard to read. It might not look the same on their computer either. They might see an entirely different font. Instead, use a sans serif font. Another idea is to add a touch of color. Color in small doses can look great. This will catch their eye without looking unprofessional.
• Professional: You do not want to give your potential employers a bad impression by having a resume that looks unprofessional. This means you need to keep it easily readable and organized. No wacky fonts, bright colors, or pictures (or words) that are large, obscene or vulgar. A small clip art that has to do with the job may be appropriate, but for the most part you should not put any pictures on your resume at all.
• Impressive: Now that you have caught their eye and shown them a professional resume, you need to impress them with what you put on your resume. Keep them interested and invested in you by putting your greatest accomplishments, achievements, and job titles on your resume. This is what will make them want to call you in for an interview.

It can be hard to get your resume noticed in a sea of resumes that all look very similar, but if you can find a way to make your resume stand out without compromising professionalism, then you will be one step ahead and closer to getting an interview and landing a job.  

Recent Posts

• Navigating Rejection: Tips for Handling Feedback in Your Job Search
• 5 Essential Soft Skills Employers Want You to Have
• Mastering and Adapting Your Resume to Market Trends

Career Resources

• Welcome NAU Students and Future Graduates!
• Educational and Career Planning Resources
• Job Search - Online Job Boards
• CareerOneStop
• Job Resource for Veterans, Transitioning Military, and Military Spouses
• Job Resource for Paramedics
• Resume Templates

Make your Resume POP

• Powerful Bullet Points
• Summary and Highlights
• Edit and Proofread
• Formatting Your Cover Letter
• Build Your Personal Brand
• Social Media
• Master the Interview
• Dress for Success
• Common Interview Questions
• STAR Responses
• Negotiation Tips
• Follow Up and Thank You Notes
• Career Enrichment
• Job Application Tracker
• AI Tools for Job Seekers
• Exploring Security Careers
• Professional Associations
• Strategic Security Related Job Links
• Security Clearance
• Prepare While Enrolled
• Job Resource for Military, Military Spouses, Veterans, and Veteran Spouses
• Educational and Career Counseling for Veterans and Dependents
• Continuing Your Education
• Alumni Foundation

Resumes are used by employers as a quick way to get to know you! In order to stand out from

The hundreds of other potential candidates, you need your resume to pop. take a look at this, video to gain helpful insights on how to make your resume stand apart. .

Resume Help Videos

Please click here to view more short helpful videos on how to create a resume, cover letter, and more. .

• << Previous: Resume Templates
• Next: Powerful Bullet Points >>
• Last Updated: Feb 20, 2024 3:15 PM
• URL: https://national.libguides.com/NAU_Career_Resources

404 Not found

May 2024 Graduates - Complete this survey to share your post-graduate plan.

• Undergraduate Students
• Graduate Students
• Non-Degree Students
• Transfer Students
• Faculty & Staff
• Parents & Families
• Prospective Students & Guests
• Asian, Pacific Islanders, & Native American
• Black/African American
• First Generation
• International Students
• Students With Disabilities
• Undocumented Students
• Accounting, Finance, Marketing, & General Business
• Arts, Dance, Music, & Theater
• Communications, Entertainment, & Media
• Education & Education Administration
• Government, Criminal Justice, & Law
• International Affairs & Global Careers
• Life Sciences, Biotechnology, & Pharma
• Nonprofit, Psychology, & Helping Professions
• Science, Math, Engineering, & Research
• Technology, Cybersecurity, & Software
• Undecided/Exploring Career Options
• Create a Resume / Cover Letter
• Design Your Careers
• Expand Your Network
• Explore Your Interests / Self Assessment
• Find an Internship
• Internship Funding Opportunities
• Make the Most of a Career Fair
• Negotiate an Offer
• Prepare for an Interview
• Prepare for Graduate School
• Professional Development Programs
• Search for a Job
• Signature Internship Programs
• Employer Services
• Job Postings/Handshake
• Career Fairs & Events
• Branding Opportunities
• Internship Information for Employers
• Internship FAQs
• Recruiting Policies
• Mission & Memberships
• Location, Parking and Social Media
• Schedule Appointments

Make Your Resume Pop (Video)

• Share This: Share Make Your Resume Pop (Video) on Facebook Share Make Your Resume Pop (Video) on LinkedIn Share Make Your Resume Pop (Video) on X

10 Tips to Make Your Resume Pop

Estimated reading time: 3 mins

Recruiters, managers and HR professionals receive a lot of resumes each day. Very little time is spent reviewing each resume so you need something which will make you stand out above the crowd. Here are ten tips which will make your resume pop.

1. Follow the instructions

When you read the request for applicants, are the recruiters asking for a resume and cover letter? Do you need to send your resume in a specific format? Are there specific words that you need to have in your cover letter to reassure the hiring professional that you have read their advertisement? The applicants which do not meet standards are not even considered.

2. Don’t be boring

When you read your resume, do you find that you are falling asleep? If you are falling asleep then you can be assured that the person reading it finds it boring. Focus on the things that will make your audience excited. Are there any words that can be used in the place of ‘responsible for cash handling procedures?’ Your resume is a reflection of yourself.

3. Use numbers

Tell the hiring professional what you have done. You want the recruiter or HR person to know exactly what they are getting. If your sales numbers increased by 300% or your customer base increased by 10%, write it in your resume. Let the manager know that you served over 200 customers a day as a bartender.

4. Use an original layout

Countless applicants use the resume template that MS Word offers. HR professionals and recruiters have seen it so many times that they can probably write these resumes in their sleep . If you do something different with the layout, you will set yourself apart from the crowd. Try placing your name vertically upon the page. Be different.

5. Talk about your strengths

Your resume is designed to tell people what you can do. Managers need to know about the strengths that you offer. If you are an excellent listener, talk about that. Do not be low key when you are writing your resume. Put your strengths right above your experience.

6. Read about copywriting

Copywriting is the art of using words to sell products. In this instance, you are the product. Learn some new tactics which will make your resume dynamic and appealing. There are plenty of copywriting manuals on the market.

7. Testimonials

If your manager has written a glowing recommendation, put it at the top of your resume above your contact information. This will make you stand out above the crowd, because you are immediately showing what you can give your prospective employer.

8. Proof, proof and proof again

Technical errors are sloppy and show that you are not paying attention to detail. Let your friends proof your resume. Read it over and over again to make sure that it places your best foot forward. Remember that spell check only catches those words which are misspelled, not the ones which are improperly used.

9. Use bullets and short phrases

Huge paragraphs turn people off. The recruiter does not want to read a tome, they want to get an idea about whether they should hire you. If they are having to slog through a narrative, chances are they will not read to the end. Use bullet points to draw attention to your work. Use short sentences to get your point across.

10. Tailor your resume

There were key words and phrases placed in the advertisement. The employer might be looking for an executive assistant. The employer might be searching for an administrative assistant. Tailor the words in your resume to meet the criteria specified in the advertisement. There should be no question about your abilities.

To make your resume pop, you want to show the employer that you care about the position that they are advertising. Use care in your words and tailor them to meet the expectations of the hiring professional. A resume that stands out is more likely to get the interview

Check out these similar posts:

• 5 Reasons You Need to Provide a Solid and Well-Outlined Resume
• 4 CV Tips That Come Straight From Resumes That Get Jobs
• How To Make a Video Resume
• How To Get That Job Interview
• What’s the Difference Between a Resume and a CV?

About The Author

3 thoughts on “10 Tips to Make Your Resume Pop”

“Tailor your resume”

I cannot emphasise this enough. The requirements for graduate jobs are not all identical, neither should you resume be identical for every application. It really shows through if you’re just firing off a template and it does affect your chances. Everything you put in a resume should be geared towards the job description.

@Nic – I tailor my resume for each position I apply for. We have to be organized when we do this, and very importantly, make sure that the ‘tailoring’ doesn’t damage the integrity of it. I try to avoid providing conflicting information between different versions!

I agree that Writing our experience and achievements in numbers, will make resume attractive to read on., but how to describe if you did jobs in various companies with lesser period of time.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Please note: if you are making a comment to contact me about advertising and placements, read the Advertisers page for instructions. I will not reply to comments about this subject.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

How Am I Doing?

Did this discussion solve your problem?

Then please share this post or leave a comment .

10 Best Resume Builders to Create A Great Resume – 2024 Guide

A re you exhausted from investing endless hours into creating an impeccable CV? This article introduces the top resume builders that will revolutionize your job application approach. Bid farewell to monotonous formatting and greet a remarkable resume that distinguishes itself from the rivalry. Prepare yourself to secure your dream job with self-assurance effortlessly!

>> Unlock Your Career Potential With Super Star Resume

10 Best Resume Writing Services

• Super Star Resume - Best overall
• ZipJob - Best for guarantees
• Resumeble - Best with custom bundles
• Let’s Eat, Grandma - Best for range of career service
• ResumeSpice - Best for job seekers of any level
• TopResume - Best customer service
• Resume Writing Services - Best for affordability
• Craft Resumes - Best for quick turnaround
• Resume Companion - Best value resume writing service
• Resume.com - Best free service

When creating this compilation, we considered different elements such as affordability, ease of use, accessibility, the privacy policies of the companies involved, and more. The highest-rated services offer advice, templates, and tools and allow you to consult with experts who can help you craft an impressive resume highlighting your strengths to potential employers.

Our collection comprises free services and those that make use of professional writers’ skills. Some options require a subscription or one-time payment.

>> Secure Your Dream Job With Super Star Resume

Super Star Resume - Best Resume Builder Overall

Star Rating: 4.9/5

Super Star Resume is an innovative resume builder that completely transforms creating professional resumes. By offering a user-friendly interface and a range of powerful features, Super Star Resume enables individuals to produce exceptional resumes that effectively showcase their abilities, accomplishments, and work history.

• Skilled and seasoned writers
• Customized strategy aligned with unique career objectives
• Timely delivery of resumes
• More significant expense compared to certain other resume writing services
• Restricted selection of additional services
• Availability may be restricted depending on demand and geographic location
• Intuitive resume builder: An intuitive interface that simplifies the resume creation process, offering modern templates for a professional look.
• Customization choices: Users can personalize their resumes by selecting from various font styles, colors, layouts, and sections to align with their unique style.
• Comprehensive content suggestions: Access to a collection of expertly curated bullet points, action verbs, and industry-specific phrases to craft impactful resume content.
• Real-time previews and editing: Real-time previewing and editing capabilities ensure a visually appealing and error-free final resume.
• Integration with professional networking platforms: Integration with LinkedIn allows users to maintain consistency between their online presence and resume.
• Tailored resumes for different job applications: The duplication feature facilitates the creation of multiple resume versions, each customized for specific job applications or industries.
• Resume analytics and tracking: Users can monitor the views and downloads of their resumes, gaining valuable insights to optimize their job search strategies.
• Professional Resume : $169
• Resume With Cover Letter : $199
• All-Included : $199

>> Use Super Star Resume to Secure Your Dream Job

ZipJob - Best Resume Builder for Guarantees

Star Rating: 4.7/5

ZipJob is widely regarded as an excellent option for resume creation, especially for those who value guarantees. Their impressive 60-day assurance ensures that individuals searching for employment will experience a surge in interview invitations within this period.

If this desired outcome cannot materialize, ZipJob proactively offers a complimentary review and revision of your resume. This guarantee highlights their commitment to client contentment and showcases their unwavering belief in the superior quality of their resume writing services.

• The starting package is cost-effective
• Complimentary ATS check included
• 60-day interview assurance with higher-tier packages
• The design and layout made it challenging to read the resume
• The summary section was overly lengthy and filled with clichés
• The formatting of the education and training sections was subpar
• Expert resume writers: ZipJob provides access to a team of expert resume writers with the skills and knowledge to review, evaluate, and optimize your resume for compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hiring managers.
• ATS optimization: Meaning they ensure your resume is structured and formatted to navigate and succeed in ATS filters effectively. Employers commonly use these filters to assess and rank resumes during the initial screening process.
• Keyword optimization: The resume builder online offered by ZipJob assists you in identifying and integrating pertinent keywords and industry-specific terminology. This practice heightens the visibility of your resume, making it more likely to capture the attention of hiring managers.
• Job-specific content suggestions: ZipJob provides valuable advice regarding the most relevant and influential content to include in your resume for different job titles and industries. This guidance is invaluable in customizing your resume for specific roles.
• Cover letter writing assistance: ZipJob supports the creation of impactful cover letters that complement your resume, strengthening your overall job application.
• Unlimited revisions: One noteworthy feature of ZipJob is the option for unlimited revisions and updates to your resume. This ensures that your resume not only meets but continues to meet your specific requirements and mirrors your professional growth.
• Collaboration with resume writers: the platform facilitates direct collaboration with the resume writers, enabling you to share additional information, discuss specific requirements, and seek clarifications at any stage of the resume creation process.
• Launch Package: $139 (or $48/mo)
• Fast Track Package: $189 (or $65/mo)
• Premium Package: $299 (or $27/mo)

>> Use ZipJob to Secure Your Dream Job

Resumeble - Best Resume Builder With Custom Bundles

Star Rating: 4.3/5

Resumeble is a highly efficient and user-friendly resume builder that empowers individuals to create professional and compelling resumes. With Resumeble, crafting a standout resume becomes a streamlined process thanks to its intuitive interface and extensive range of customizable templates.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or someone looking to change careers, Resumeble caters to all needs and skill sets. It offers helpful suggestions and expert advice to ensure your resume showcases your unique qualifications and achievements in the best possible light.

• A 60-day interview guarantee is included
• Budget-friendly package deals are available
• It’s more established than some other websites
• Keyword optimization: This feature helps optimize your resume by suggesting relevant keywords aligned with your target industry or job, enhancing your visibility to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and recruiters.
• Content import: Resumeble allows you to import your existing resume or LinkedIn profile, saving you the time and effort of manual data entry.
• Real-time editing: You have the convenience of editing and modifying your resume in real time, providing the flexibility to experiment with various formats, sections, and content.
• ATS compatibility: Resumeble ensures your resume is ATS-compatible, essential for better visibility and a higher chance of being shortlisted by employers using Applicant Tracking Systems.
• Download options: The platform offers various download formats, including PDF, Word, and plain text, ensuring compatibility with diverse application processes.
• Cover letter builder: Resumeble features an integrated cover letter builder, streamlining the creation of professional and personalized cover letters that complement your resume.
• Career Pro Package : $159.00
• Professional Package : $299.00
• Premium Package : $399.00

>> Use Resumeble to Secure Your Dream Job

Let’s Eat, Grandma - Best Resume Builder for Range of Career Service

Star Rating: 4/5

Let’s Eat, Grandma is an inventive and progressive tool for creating impressive resumes. The platform streamlines the resume-building process, making it easier for job seekers to craft exceptional resumes. With Let’s Eat, Grandma, individuals can create unique resumes that catch the eye of employers and set them apart from the competition.

This user-friendly platform offers a range of customizable templates that allow users to tailor their resumes to showcase their specific skills and experiences. Let’s Eat, Grandma also provides expert advice and recommendations to help ensure that your qualifications and achievements are effectively highlighted in your resume.

• Complimentary resume evaluation
• Choices available for individuals from entry-level to executive-level positions
• Extensive collaboration opportunities
• Not specialized in academic CVs or federal resumes
• Relatively higher pricing compared to some other services
• Potential for a longer turnaround time compared to competing services
• Expert choice: You can save your resume in multiple formats (PDF, Word, plain text) or easily share it with potential employers via email or a link, simplifying the distribution of your resume.
• Error highlighting: The builder can identify potential errors, inconsistencies, or missing information within your resume and provide suggestions or alerts for improvement.
• Section prompts: Pre-written prompts for various resume sections (e.g., work experience, education, skills) can help you structure your resume effectively and ensure you include essential details in each area.
• Customizable sections: You can add, remove, or rearrange sections to tailor your resume to emphasize your strengths and relevant experiences.
• Keyword optimization: The resume builder can recommend industry-specific keywords based on the job description, enhancing your resume’s chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and grabbing the attention of hiring managers.
• Starter Package : Priced at $439, but there is an anti-inflation sale price of $389.
• Accelerated Package : $549.
• The premium Package : $689, but the anti-inflation sale price is $614.
• Executive Concierge Service : $1,899 or as low as $119/month.

>> Use Let’s Eat, Grandma to Secure Your Dream Job

ResumeSpice - Best Resume Builder for Job Seekers of Any Level

Star Rating: 3.8/5

ResumeSpice , a renowned online resume builder, streamlines crafting professional resumes. This platform provides job seekers with a user-friendly interface and a wide selection of templates, enabling them to create impressive resumes that align with their career objectives.

With ResumeSpice’s seamless experience, users are guided through each resume section effortlessly while receiving valuable tips throughout the process. From personal details and work history to skills and accomplishments, this platform ensures that all crucial aspects of a resume are comprehensively addressed.

• Additional assistance
• Timely service
• ATS optimization
• Guaranteed interviews
• Restricted revisions
• Insufficient customization options
• Restricted refund policy
• User-friendly interface: ResumeSpice boasts an intuitive and user-friendly platform, simplifying the resume creation process and offering a seamless experience to users.
• Extensive template library: The platform offers a vast selection of professionally designed templates tailored to various industries and job positions. Users can explore different styles and layouts to find the perfect match for their needs.
• Import and export options: ResumeSpice enables users to import their existing resumes in formats like PDF or Word for easy editing and updates. Users can conveniently export their finalized resumes in multiple formats, facilitating sharing with employers or uploading to job portals.
• Mobile-friendly design: ResumeSpice is optimized for mobile devices, allowing users to create and modify their resumes using smartphones or tablets.
• Cloud storage: The platform provides secure cloud storage for users’ resumes, ensuring accessibility and updates from any device with an internet connection.
• Resume tracking: ResumeSpice includes tools for tracking the performance of submitted resumes, such as monitoring views, downloads, and application outcomes. These features empower users to evaluate their progress and make data-driven enhancements to their job search strategies.
• Entry Level Resume : $479
• Professional Resume : $589
• Executive Resume : $699

>> Use ResumeSpice to Secure Your Dream Job

TopResume - Best Resume Builder for Customer Service

Star Rating: 3.6/5

TopResume is an outstanding resume builder explicitly tailored for customer service professionals. It offers a seamless and user-friendly experience, enabling users to create exceptional resumes effortlessly. The platform goes beyond just providing a basic resume template, offering valuable suggestions and tips to optimize the content.

This ensures that each resume created on TopResume is unique and attention-grabbing in the highly competitive job market.

Besides its user-friendly interface, TopResume provides expert review services. These services allow skilled professionals to provide personalized feedback on resumes, helping enhance their overall quality further. By leveraging this feedback and incorporating attention to detail, customer service professionals can create compelling resumes that effectively capture the attention of potential employers.

• Streamlined registration process
• Well-designed and formatted one-page resume
• The summary and Job Scope sections were overly extended
• The training section needed to have prominence
• Skill-based sections: The resume builder features dedicated sections highlighting essential customer service skills, including communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and relationship building.
• Expert review services: TopResume provides expert review services where experienced professionals offer personalized feedback and recommendations to enhance the overall quality of your resume.
• ATS compatibility: The platform ensures that the resumes created are compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which employers commonly use for scanning and filtering resumes.
• Download and sharing options: Users can download their resumes in various formats, such as PDF or Word, and easily share them with potential employers or upload them to job portals.
• Industry-Specific Tips: TopResume offers industry-specific tips and guidance to assist users in tailoring their resumes to the customer service field, helping them stand out among competitors.
• Cover letter builder: Besides resume building, TopResume provides a builder that empowers users to craft professional and compelling cover letters customized for customer service roles.
• Mobile accessibility: The platform is mobile-friendly, allowing users to create, edit, and update their resumes while on the go, using their smartphones or tablets.
• Entry level : Up to 200$.
• Professional level : Up to 200$-400$.
• Executive level : Up to $350-$700.

>> Use TopResume to Secure Your Dream Job

Resume Writing Services - Best Resume Builder for Affordability

Star Rating: 3.3/5

While Resumewritingservices.org may be a different size than its competitors, it stands out due to its team of talented and experienced resume writers. The website is user-friendly and provides exceptional service. However, this service’s true strength lies in its writers’ expertise.

Resumewritingservices.org sets itself apart by offering a comprehensive consultation process and goes beyond expectations by providing unlimited calls with its resume writers. This personalized approach distinguishes them from other companies and guarantees each client receives individual attention and support.

• Experienced resume writers of the highest caliber
• Unlimited phone consultations and revisions
• More expensive than rival services
• A limited range of products
• Skilled and experienced resume writers: Resumewritingservices.org takes pride in its team of highly trained and professional resume writers who possess a deep understanding of crafting effective resumes.
• Personalized service: Resumewritingservices.org offers a personal touch by providing unlimited calls with their resume writers. This unique feature allows clients to engage in direct communication and close collaboration with the writers throughout the resume creation process.
• Competitive job market expertise: The writers at Resumewritingservices.org have knowledge of current job market trends. This ensures that the resumes they create are optimized to excel in today’s fiercely competitive job market.
• Quality Assurance: The service maintains a rigorous quality assurance process to guarantee that the resumes delivered to clients meet the highest standards and align with their expectations.
• Timely delivery: Resumewritingservices.org is committed to delivering resumes within the agreed-upon timeframe, ensuring clients receive their documents promptly.
• Client satisfaction guarantee: Resumewritingservices.org offers a client satisfaction guarantee, assuring clients are fully content with the final resume. The service is ready to provide revisions if necessary.
• Affordable pricing: Resumewritingservices.org provides pricing options that are competitive and transparent, making professional resume writing accessible to a wide range of job seekers.

Resumewritingservices.org employs a pricing system that is clear and easy to understand for their resume-building services. The initial package begins at $270 , including a comprehensive consultation with a skilled resume writer and developing an individualized resume.

They offer extra options that enable customers to personalize their packages based on their unique preferences. This adaptable pricing strategy guarantees that clients can choose the services that align with their requirements and financial constraints.

>> Use Resume Writing Services to Secure Your Dream Job

Craft Resumes - Best Resume Builder for Quick-Turnaround

Star Rating: 3/5

Craft Resumes stand out as a well-established writing and editing service known for its ability to deliver effective outcomes. Our dedication to providing a 24-hour turnaround guarantees you’ll receive the initial version of your resume promptly.

Navigating our user-friendly website is effortless, making it easy to use our services. At Craft Resumes, we specialize in crafting customized resumes to match your skills, qualifications, and aspirations for your career.

• Speedy completion
• Customized CVs
• Intuitive site
• Insufficient details
• Absence of assurances
• Quick turnaround: Craft Resumes commits to delivering the initial draft of your resume within 24 hours, ensuring a speedy and efficient service.
• Expert Writers: Craft Resumes prides itself on its team of experienced writers who possess expertise across various industries and stay up-to-date with current hiring trends. They’re dedicated to making your resume stand out and catch the attention of potential employers.
• Unlimited revisions: We provide unlimited revisions to guarantee your complete satisfaction. If you have specific changes or additions in mind, our team will collaborate with you closely to implement the modifications.
• Confidentiality and Privacy: At Craft Resumes, we prioritize the confidentiality and privacy of your personal information. You can trust that your data will be handled securely and with the utmost discretion.
• Tailored resumes: We specialize in tailoring resumes to align with your career objectives, industry, and job requirements. Each resume is personalized to accentuate your unique strengths and qualifications.
• Resume Writing : $229.00
• Basic : $279.99
• Optimal : $339.99
• All-In-One : $499.99

>> Use Craft Resumes to Secure Your Dream Job

Resume Companion - Best Value Resume Builder

Star Rating: 2.8/5

Resume Companion is a virtual platform and service that specializes in aiding individuals in creating resumes that are professional and impactful. It offers an array of resources and tools to assist job seekers in crafting interesting resumes that effectively showcase their skills, experiences, and qualifications.

A prominent feature of Resume Companion is its user-friendly resume builder. This tool allows users to select from various professionally designed templates and personalize them based on their specific requirements.

Users can effortlessly incorporate their personal information, employment history, educational background, skill set, and other pertinent details to produce a customized resume tailored to their needs.

• Intuitive user interface
• High-quality templates
• Efficiency-boosting functions
• Cost-effective choice
• Restricted editing features without subscription
• Absence of extensive customization options
• Limited availability of extra services
• Cover letter builder: Resume Companion goes beyond resumes and provides users with a tool for crafting customized cover letters tailored to specific job applications. This feature guides users through the process, helping them effectively present their qualifications and make a compelling case to prospective employers.
• ATS optimization: In today’s job market, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Resume Companion helps users ensure their resumes are ATS-friendly. The platform offers valuable tips and insights on incorporating relevant keywords, formatting the document correctly, and increasing the likelihood of passing through the ATS screening process.
• Educational resources: Resume Companion extends its services by offering an informative blog and educational materials that cover various aspects of resume writing, job search strategies, interview techniques, and career development guidance. These resources provide users with valuable insights and advice to help them create impressive resumes and enhance their job search efforts.
• Download and sharing options: Upon completing their resumes, users can conveniently download their documents in multiple formats, including PDF and Word. Resume Companion also makes it easy for users to share their resumes online or print them offline.
• Customer support: Resume Companion values user satisfaction and offers customer support to assist with users’ questions or concerns while utilizing the platform. Users can access support through email or the platform’s contact form.

Resume Companion provides a cost-effective solution for individuals seeking an all-inclusive service. It’s vital to remember subscription renewal is required to access future editing services. In summary, Resume Companion offers a wallet-friendly option for those who desire a user-friendly resume-building experience without needing advanced writing abilities.

>> Use Resume Companion to Secure Your Dream Job

Our Ranking Methodology for Best Resume Writing Services

To comprehensively and objectively rank the top resume writing services, it is essential to have a thorough methodology. The first step in this process was conducting extensive research and analysis. This involved gathering a comprehensive list of reputable resume-writing services from multiple sources such as online searches, customer reviews, industry directories, and personal recommendations.

• Feature analysis: Evaluate the functionalities provided by each resume builder, considering elements like template variety and quality, customization flexibility, user-friendly editing and formatting options, import/export capabilities, spell check and grammar tools, and integration with job search platforms and professional networks.
• Template collection: Examine the assortment and quality of templates. Look for a wide range that suits various industries, job levels, and design preferences, considering these templates’ aesthetics, readability, and contemporary design.
• Editing and customization: Scrutinize the adaptability and user-friendliness of the editing and customization tools each resume builder provides. Assess the capacity to add or modify sections, reorganize content, and tailor resumes to specific job requirements.
• User interface and experience: Analyze the user interface and the overall user experience each resume builder offers. Evaluate the ease of navigation, instruction clarity, guidance or prompts, and the platform’s responsiveness.
• Integration with job search platforms: Determine whether resume builders offer seamless integration with popular job search platforms and professional networks like LinkedIn or ATS systems. Consider how well the resumes can be transferred and their compatibility with these platforms.
• Additional resources: Evaluate if the resume builders provide extra resources such as sample resumes, tools for creating cover letters, interview tips, or career advice. Consider the breadth and practicality of these supplementary resources.
• Mobile-friendliness: Gauge the mobile-friendliness and responsiveness of the resume builders, recognizing the growing trend of mobile job searching and application processes.
• Customer support: Reflect on the accessibility and quality of customer support services, encompassing options like live chat, email support, or knowledge bases. Assess the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team.
• Pricing and value for money: Appraise the pricing plans presented by the resume builders in terms of the value they offer based on features, usability, and overall service quality.
• Industry reputation: Consider the standing and trustworthiness of the resume builders, considering factors such as awards, recognition, partnerships, and user feedback from reputable sources.

Buyer’s Guide: Why Use a Resume Builder?

Crafting a well-crafted CV comes naturally to particular job seekers. However, even the most seasoned experts may need help in resume writing. If you find yourself in need of help with creating a compelling resume, here are several ways in which the best online resume builder can be beneficial:

Resume builders provide users with pre-designed templates and helpful tips, streamlining the process of writing a resume and alleviating stress.

Offers Writing Tips

Promoting oneself requires considerable effort. Only some people possess writing skills, even if they enjoy self-promotion. To showcase one’s experience and knowledge effectively, a resume builder can help select the most appropriate words and phrases.

Improves Design

In every field, there are unique standards for an impressive resume. If you need to gain knowledge in design or the tools, resume builders can provide free templates to enhance your resume’s visual appeal and quality.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Recruiters often use ATS systems to scan resumes. A good resume builder will help with formatting to ensure that your resume is easy for these systems to read.

What’s the Best Resume Builder?

The ideal resume builder for each individual may differ according to their specific requirements. If you prefer a tool that offers step-by-step guidance in creating your resume, we suggest using a builder that provides helpful tips and recommendations. If you prefer a resume builder that auto-generates a summary, we recommend using a tool that extracts information from your LinkedIn profile.

For those who enjoy having creative control over their resumes, we suggest using a platform with features. By selecting the resume builder that aligns with your needs and suits your industry and personal style, you’ll significantly increase your chances of capturing the attention of hiring managers.

Resume Builder vs. Resume Writing Service: What Matters for You

When it comes to crafting a resume, there are three options available. You can opt to create it independently, use a resume builder tool, or enlist the services of a professional resume writer. Your best choice will depend on your writing abilities, available time, and financial resources.

Do-It-Yourself

You have the choice to construct a resume entirely by yourself. The benefit of this option is that it costs nothing but requires a significant amount of effort. Along with composing all the information, you must possess graphic design skills.

This approach works well if you have these abilities, but with them, your options for creating a resume are unlimited. To overcome this limitation, you can use a resume builder or enlist the help of a resume writing service.

Resume Builder

A tool for creating resumes allows you to input your details into a template, resulting in an original appearance and layout with no design work. The top resume building tools also offer suggestions on enhancing your resume and tailoring it to match the specific job you are applying for.

While you are still responsible for writing the content, once it is written, you can quickly transfer that information into any other template with just a few simple clicks. Some of these services are free and many like to promote themselves as such, but most require a small payment to download your finished resume.

Professional Resume Writing Service

Professional resume writing services are expensive, but they offer the convenience of handling all the work for you. An experienced writer will gather relevant information about your background and transform it into a unique and engaging resume.

The process typically takes a few days, and the level of originality in the outcome largely relies on your choice of company and writer. However, we will not delve into these services further in this guide.

Are Resume Builders Worth It?

Definitely, without a doubt. An effective resume creator will guarantee that your CV is formatted correctly to navigate Applicant Tracking Systems and ultimately reach the hands of recruiters.

Is It Unprofessional to Use a Microsoft Word Resume Template?

Relying on a template will not set you apart, and there is a high likelihood that your application will be dismissed because your resume is identical to those of other job seekers.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right resume builder is crucial in today’s competitive job market. Creating a professional and impactful resume that stands out from the crowd can significantly impact your job search. With the right tool, you can save time, improve your chances of landing an interview, and ultimately secure your dream job.

When selecting a resume builder, consider your specific needs and priorities. Look for features like customizable templates, industry-specific examples, and the ability to export your resume in different formats. Consider user reviews and ratings to ensure you choose a reputable and reliable platform.

Remember, an exceptional tool for crafting resumes should give you the power to present your skills, experience, and accomplishments effectively. It should simplify and expedite creating a resume without hassle. Investing in a reliable resume builder is investing in your professional future.

Therefore, explore the different options available for resume builders. Test out their free trials or demos and choose the best fit for your objectives. Our top recommendation is Super Star Resume . This meticulously designed resume can open doors to exciting career prospects and be a dependable companion on your journey toward success.

Ahad Waseem is a business, blockchain, and cybersecurity writer who often takes on art, politics, and economics too. As a linguistic engineer who writes to solve problems, he’s written for various tech and business publications. When he’s not writing, he’s probably on horseback, caring for his houseplants, or training Bonsai trees. He can be reached at [email protected] . McClatchy’s newsrooms were not involved in the creation of this content. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links.

©2023 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.