How to make your resume pop

Finding a job can be pretty competitive these days, so knowing how to make your resume stand out is crucial to catching the eye of recruiters and prospective employers. The following helpful tips and tricks will give you the best chance to get your CV on the top of the pile and get you an interview.

Keep it professional

Anyone involved in the hiring process has seen a lot of resumes before, so understanding how to create a professional resume should be your first priority. Thankfully, most of these tips are simple to implement and there is software out there that can help you too

• Simple layout: Unless the role you are going for is one that requires a portfolio or is within the creative industries, keep to a tried and trusted layout. Make sure you also keep the font and sizing consistent.
• Grammar: Make sure that what you are writing makes sense. Remember your resume is telling your story and explaining the benefits you can bring. Make it compelling!
• To the point: While you want to make sure you are detailing all of your relevant skills and experience, your CV needs to be concise. Keep it brief and avoid bloating it with irrelevant information.
• Errors: Always proofread! There are many types of programs out there that can help with editing if it’s not your strong suit. Grammarly offer a free web-based solution that covers all the basics.
• Make it scannable: Did you notice how this page flows? The sentence structure varies in length, there are headings or bullet points that prime the reader. These are all things intended to make a document easier to read and increase your chances of success.
• Tie it to your cover letter: Make sure your cover letter sets the tone for what people will find within your resume. Your cover letter needs to summarize what is within your resume.
• Tailormade: While it may take more time, making sure each resume is customized for each job. It will give you much more chance of being successful.

Beat the bots

Technology has made so many things more efficient and streamlined in our day-to-day lives. These advances can sometimes be a double-edged sword. Many larger companies make use of technology known as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). 

An ATS is programmed to scan documents for targeted keywords such as specific skills, previous places of employment and qualifications. While this software makes it easier for hiring professionals it can make it harder for applicants.

Knowing how to write a CV that gets through these bots and onto the hiring manager’s desk isn’t so tough, as long as you take a bit of time with your resume. Make sure you do your research. If you know what the business is looking for, it will make it easier to guess what keywords to include in your resume and highlight your relevant skills and experience.

Where to now?

You now know how to create a resume, but you may need some help putting it together or need some inspiration. You can find a range examples on how to make a CV specific to your industry on our resume examples page or you can upload your CV online.

If you really want to know how to make your resume pop, your best bet is to contact your placement consultant and they can provide some tailored advice for your particular job search.