5 Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out | Greensboro Staffing Consultants

As the job market continues to evolve, so do the strategies for writing an effective resume. What worked in 2020 is no longer going to cut it in 2021 and beyond. Here are five tips to make sure your resume stands out from the rest in 2023:

Use typography and layout to your advantage - make sure your resume is easy to read and looks professional

When considering how to make your resume look as professional as possible, typography and layout can be two of the most important elements. It is essential to ensure your resume font is easy to read - stick to common fonts like Times New Roman or Arial. Make sure that spacing between sections and paragraphs are consistent, and typically smaller size fonts are better for adding additional information as needed. Additionally, applicant tracking systems (ATS) use keywords from resumes to match each applicant with job openings; therefore, it is important to format your resume fairly traditionally with clearly designated sections such as Education and Work Experience so it will make keywords more prominent for ATS. In this way, you can use typography and layout to maximize the benefit of your resume when applying for jobs.

Highlight your skills and accomplishments - don't be afraid to toot your own horn

Gaining recognition for our skills and accomplishments can be a daunting prospect, but it is important to showcase our talents and celebrate our hard work. If you have achieved something noteworthy, don't shy away from mentioning it - your accomplishments are all part of who you are and should be celebrated! It can help to practice talking about your achievements in a confident manner, no matter how small they may seem. Always strive to improve and build upon your existing skills and experiences. Our successes should be amplified so that we can share them with others, inspire people around us and move forward in our careers with confidence.

Tailor your resume for each job you apply for - show that you're a good fit for the position

When applying for positions, it's important to tailor your resume to showcase your specific qualifications in regards to the job description. Writing a general resume is fine, but if you really want to stand out and demonstrate that you are the right fit for the job, taking the time to customize each resume for each job you apply for will be worth it. Make sure the job requirements specified in the job description are addressed in your tailored resumes – it shows a potential employer that you have read and understand what their desired qualifications are. This can help make a great first impression and can lead to an interview request.

Use keywords relevant to the job you're applying for - this will help you get past automated resume screening tools

When submitting a resume, it is important to utilize keywords that are relevant to the position. Doing so can help you get past automated screening tools which may be used by employers when reviewing applicants. Aligning job skills and experiences with the desired qualifications for the available position makes the process of finding a great fit more efficient. Your resume should reflect the language used in job descriptions while also distinguishing your capabilities and accomplishments, helping potential employers to understand why you’re the perfect choice for their role. Utilizing techniques like this boost your chances at landing an interview and making a favorable impression at this crucial first step in the hiring process.

Keep it updated - make sure your resume is current and reflects any new skills or experiences you may have gained

As the job market becomes more competitive, employers are looking for relevant and current information when they review resumes. It is essential to keep your resume updated to capture the attention of potential employers. Be sure to include any new skills you have accumulated or certifications you have earned since your last application. If you've been on long-term projects, stress the roles and responsibilities that showcase your professional growth. Even volunteer work can be included in your resume if it helps bolster a skill set or position. Take some time each quarter or each year to make sure that your resume is polished and up-to-date so that employers will recognize what an exceptional candidate you are!

Conclusion

Now that you know some of the most important tips for creating a resume that will make it past an ATS, you can confidently apply for jobs knowing that your application will be seen by a real person. Of course, tailoring your resume for each job is still important - don't forget to swap out those keywords! And if you're ever curious about how well your resume matches a particular job listing, use JobScan's free tool to scan your resume against any job description. Creating a winning resume doesn't have to be difficult - just remember these simple tips and you'll be on your way to landing the job of your dreams in no time!