How to Write Your Resume So It Stands Out: A Step-by-Step Guide

Finally you find your dream job. Now what all do you have to go through in the resume submitting process? Your next problem is how to write a resume that stands out from your other peers who will be thinking the same exact thing. So how will you write that one page that will decide whether you will stand out from the crowd or not?

Resumes play a very significant role in your selection. This one page will determine whether you will be interviewed and employed or not.

The following 9 basic tips will help you to build an outstanding professional resume.

1. Choose the Right Resume Format

It is very important to choose the right resume format. Whether you are freshers or experienced, it is also important, as much as the type of job you are applying for.
There are basically 3 types of resume formats: chronological, functional, and hybrid, given below:

a) Chronological Resume Format

It is the most common resume format. In this format, it lists your work experience from most recent to older ones. It is ideal for those who want to highlight their work experience, or I can say senior-level jobs. It is highly preferable to employers and ATS. If you are a person who switches careers or job fields and has employment gaps, then you should not use this resume format. It is best for the job seekers who have consistent work history.

b) Functional Resume Format

This format is made for those who have employment gaps, career changers, and entry-level candidates. Functional resume format focuses on skills and training rather than work experience. It stresses your specific strength and helps it to be upfront.

c) Combination Resume Format

You may also know it as a hybrid resume format. By the name, it makes it clear that it is the combination of chronological and functional as well. It is especially designed to highlight your skills as well as work experience. It is ideal for mid-career professionals, specialists, etc. This is beneficial for those who have 10+ years of experience.

Tips for All Formats:

•  Be ATS-Friendly: Use standard fonts, avoid graphics, and include keywords from the job description.
• Keep It Concise: Aim for 1 page (or 2 if you have extensive experience). 
• Tailor Each Resume: Customize your resume for every application to highlight the most relevant details.

2. Craft a Compelling Professional Summary

You have already heard that the first impression is the last impression, so your resume is also putting your first impression on the employer. A professional summary is a brief section

Highlighting your most relevant achievements

In this you have to show your recent accomplishment and show your potential to employers. In it, don’t try to show the list of things you have done; instead, show what you have achieved, and most importantly, try to focus on the achievement that is relevant or needed to the job you are applying for.

Must-Have Resource: Explore our 64 Toughest Interview Questions & Answers for Everyone to prepare for challenging job interviews in tech and other industries.

Tailoring it to the job description

Then you have to tailor your resume according to each job application. Tailoring means you have to align your skills, experience, and achievements according to the job description, and it makes you more appealing. if you are applying for a specific role that needs specific skills that appear in your resume and show you are a good match.

Example: For a job in digital marketing, you might emphasize your skills in SEO, social media management, and data analysis if those are mentioned in the job posting.

3. Focus on Achievements, Not Responsibilities

Recruiters are less interested in what you were “responsible for” and more interested in what you achieved. Always quantify your accomplishments to show impact. Use strong, action-oriented words instead of passive words, which show you are proactive, result-driven, capable, and determined to complete work on time and convey action and impact. For example, rather than saying was responsible for managing the team, it would be better to say led the team to”.

Example: “Developed and implemented a comprehensive marketing strategy that increased website traffic by 37%.”

4. Optimize for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)

An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is a tool that companies use to scan, sort, and rank resumes based on specific keywords, formats, and criteria.
Resumes that aren’t optimized for ATS might get filtered out even if the candidate is qualified. Most companies use ATS to filter resumes before they reach a recruiter.

To ensure your resume gets past the software, follow these tips:

• Include keywords directly from the job description.
  ATS scans the keywords that are related to the job. Use some specific terms, such as skills, qualifications, or tools.
  Example: If the job description mentions “content marketing,” “SEO,” or “Google Analytics,” make sure these appear in your resume (if they match your skills).
• Use simple, clean formatting without excessive graphics.
• Use a clean, professional layout without excessive graphics, images, or complex designs, as ATS might struggle to parse them.
• Stick to standard fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri) and avoid tables or columns.
• Avoid using tables or unusual fonts, as these can confuse ATS.
• While you use abbreviations, don’t forget to include the full form also to ensure ATS recognizes them.
• Save your resume as a .docx or PDF file if allowed, ensuring it’s ATS-compatible.

At last, check ATS compatibility to see how your resume ranks for your particular job. You can use free online tools like Jobscan/Resunate to see and improve ATS compatibility.

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5. Highlight Your Skills Strategically

Create a skills section to showcase your hard and soft skills. Focus on those that are directly relevant to the job. Use a mix of hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal qualities).

Examples of Hard Skills:

•  Data analysis 
• Project management 
• Coding languages (Python, Java)

Examples of Soft Skills:

•  Leadership 
• Team collaboration
• Communication

Ensure your skills are directly relevant to the job you are applying for. Avoid cluttering your resume with unnecessary skills. Be concise and keep the focus on the abilities that will add value to the position you’re seeking.

6. Design a Clean and Professional Layout

• Choose the Right Format
• Use Consistent Formatting: You have to maintain the consistency throughout your resume, and you have to keep a few things in mind, like font style, font size, line spacing, margin, etc.
• Font Style: Use professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Verdana.
• Font Size: 10–12 points for body text; 14–16 points for section headers.
• Line Spacing: Use 1–1.15 line spacing for clarity.
• Margins: Keep margins between 0.5 and 1 inch to ensure the content is not cramped.
• At last, try to stick to one or two fonts throughout the resume to look professional.
• Organize Sections Clearly : Divide your resume into clearly labeled sections like Header (Name and Contact Information), Professional Summary or Objective, Skills, Work Experience, Education, Certifications, or Additional Information (if applicable). Use bold or larger text size for the section headers to make them stand out.
• Use Bullet Points for Readability : Use bullet points Make your resume easy to read by breaking up large chunks of text. Use short, concise statements, and start each bullet point with an action verb.

Example:

-> Improved customer retention rates by 20% through personalized marketing campaigns.

-> Streamlined office operations, reducing overhead costs by 15%.

-> Incorporate White Space: Don’t try to fill your resume with too much information. Leave adequate white space between sections and around text to make the content easier to read.
Prioritize Information place the most relevant and important information first.

For example: 

-> If you’re a recent graduate, put your education and skills at the top.

->  If you’re an experienced professional, prioritize work experience.

Pro Tip: To boost your chances of landing these roles, consider creating a standout resume. Check out our Job Ready Resumes: 100+ Templates for Every Profession for professional, ATS-optimized resume designs tailored to specific industries.

• Use Professional Colors : Only use black and white color for text, with minimal use of color for section headers or borders. Subtle shades of blue or gray can add a professional touch without being distracting.
• Incorporate Visual Elements Sparingly : Use simple design elements like horizontal lines or subtle icons to separate sections and enhance the layout. Avoid overly complex graphics or visuals that might distract from the content.

7. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

Two jobs were never alike each other, so your resume shouldn’t be either. Customizing your resume for each application shows employers that you’ve done your homework.
Try to match your professional summary and skills to the job description. Highlight your experiences that are relevant to the role you applied for.

8. Proofread

Overconfidence can ruin a great resume. So, before submitting, you should do 2-3 things, like use some tools to check your grammar, like Grammarly, to detect errors, and ask your friend/family/mentor to review it.

9. Consider Adding Additional Sections

You can make your resume more beautiful by adding some other details like certifications and projects; at last, you can also add voluntary works that demonstrate your soft skills.

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Conclusion

 Your resume is your personal marketing tool—make it exceptional. A standout resume isn’t just a list of your qualifications; it’s a strategic tool to market yourself effectively. By following these tips, you can create a resume that not only impresses recruiters but also gets ATS-friendly resumes.
Remember to keep your resume updated, and don’t be afraid to seek feedback from professionals.
Start crafting your standout resume today and take the first step toward your dream career!