Crafting a Winning Résumé

Hand writing on a resume form

Practical tips to make your résumé stand out from the crowd

Your résumé is your first impression on potential employers, so making it as polished and impactful as possible is crucial. Here are a few simple yet effective ways to improve it:

  • Customize for each job you're applying to: adjust keywords, reorder bullet points, and mirror the job posting’s tone and priorities.

  • Use keywords from the job description: to ensure your skills align with what the employer is looking for.

  • Highlight your most relevant experience: and accomplishments instead of listing every job you’ve ever had.

  • Write a targeted summary: 2–3 sentences highlighting your role, focus, and value—use job posting keywords and avoid vague phrases.

  • Lead with achievements, not duties: use metrics, impact-driven statements, and strong action verbs.

  • Make it ATS-friendly: clean formatting, standard headings, no images/tables, and natural keyword integration so it is easily read by Applicant Tracking Systems used by employers and recruiters.

  • Keep it concise: one page for most, two for senior roles; remove irrelevant jobs or condense older experience.

  • Highlight skills strategically: emphasize hard skills, group them logically, and weave them into experience bullets.

  • Design for quick scanning: consistent formatting, most important information in the top half, and ample white space.

  • Add value-added extras: certifications, portfolio/LinkedIn links, awards, and recognitions.

  • Proofread meticulously: eliminate typos, ensure consistent tense, and review with fresh eyes or a second reader.