Looking for ways to make your resume grab the attention of hiring managers? Crafting a standout CV can seem challenging, but we’ve gathered 30 tips to help you build a resume that’s visually appealing, keyword-optimized, and ATS-friendly. Let’s dive in!
Personalizing your resume for each application is essential. Identify and include keywords from the job description to align with what the company is seeking.
A strong, concise summary at the top of your resume should capture your core skills, experience, and what you bring to the table.
Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), so make sure to include keywords from the job posting, including specific job titles, skills, and certifications.
Whenever possible, use numbers to showcase your accomplishments, such as “Increased sales by 30%” or “Managed a team of 12.”
Start each bullet point with an action verb, like "Led," "Created," or "Enhanced." It keeps your resume direct and impactful.
List skills that are relevant to the job in a specific section, like “Technical Skills” or “Core Competencies,” to give employers a quick view of your qualifications.
Aim for a one-page resume if you're a new graduate or early in your career. More experienced professionals can use two pages.
Stick to clean, professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, in a size between 10-12pt.
Lead with experience most relevant to the job, even if it’s not your most recent position.
Avoid graphics, complex fonts, and unconventional layouts that may disrupt ATS readability.
ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System, a tool that helps employers and recruiters streamline the hiring process by automating resume screening. ATS software scans resumes for keywords related to the job description, ranks candidates based on relevance, and filters out applications that don’t meet basic criteria—making it essential for applicants to tailor resumes with role-specific keywords to increase visibility in the hiring process.
Industry-relevant certifications or licenses are valuable—make sure they’re clearly listed in your resume.
Use consistent headers, bullet points, and margins to make your resume easy to read.
In most cases, there's no need to include details like age, marital status, or a photo unless specifically requested.
Even minor errors can make a big difference. Have a friend or mentor review your resume to catch any mistakes you may have missed.
Avoid overwhelming blocks of text—space out your sections for a balanced look.
Ensure that job titles are clear and easy to understand at a glance.
Highlight relevant volunteer experience that demonstrates your commitment, skills, and values.
Include your LinkedIn profile or a portfolio if it showcases additional skills or projects.
A brief section for projects can highlight leadership, innovation, or specific skills relevant to the job.
Soft skills, like leadership, teamwork, or problem-solving, are often as valuable as technical expertise.
Present your experience with the most recent position first for easy navigation.
Align your dates to maintain a professional, organized look.
A single color for section headers can improve readability without distracting.
Simplify or spell out technical terms to improve clarity.
Check that your phone number, email address, and any links are current.
Only include accurate information about your experience and skills.
Highlighting significant accomplishments instead of daily tasks will keep your resume engaging.
Show employers the value you bring by explaining the impact of your previous work.
Keep your resume current with new skills, experiences, or certifications.
Rather than listing references, simply add “References available on request” to save space.
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