Crafting a standout resume can feel like an unattainable art form, but it doesn’t have to. Like you, your resume is unique, and it’s often your first introduction to potential employers. As a snapshot of your professional story, your resume is an important tool for landing your next prominent role. After working with thousands of candidates over 27 years, our team understands what it takes to capture the attention of hiring managers and recruiters. Here are five pro tips from Tom Darrow, SHRM-SCP, Founder and Principal of Talent Connections, that will help your resume stand out:

1. Make It Visually Appealing

First impressions matter. Your resume’s appearance is the first thing a recruiter or supervisor will notice. Most people spend 15 seconds or less scanning a resume before deciding to read on or trash it. To make the most of this short window, here are a few ways to make your resume easy to read, organized, and professional:

• Make the top third of the first page compelling: Share key accomplishments. If you don’t WOW them here, they might not read on.
• Use clear section headers: Bold and slightly larger fonts can help direct attention to critical areas like “Professional Experience,” “Skills,” and “Education.”
• Choose a clean format: Avoid excessive graphics or decorative fonts. Stick to professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (I personally like Aptos).
• Include white space: A cluttered resume is overwhelming. Ensure enough spacing between sections to keep the document easy on the eyes. A visually appealing resume makes it easier to scan and demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism.

2. Use a Chronological Format

Recruiters and hiring managers value clarity, and the industry standard is a chronological format—starting with your most recent role. This format helps recruiters quickly understand your career progression and experience level. Be careful not to omit any dates, as that can raise red flags and leave recruiters guessing about gaps or inconsistencies. Some people suggest removing dates if you’re an ”older” worker, but that won’t fool anyone. If anything, it will create mistrust with the reader and make them skeptical of the information you’re providing.

Also, be sure to highlight your most relevant experience and accomplishments. Keep your most recent and significant roles detailed while trimming down older or less relevant positions. Last, remember that consistency in formatting is critical. For instance, if you’re listing dates in “MM/YYYY” format, stick to that throughout.

3. Emphasize Key Accomplishments

Your resume should not only describe what your responsibilities have been, but also highlight what you have achieved. Hiring managers must SEE the value you bring through the lens of your previous roles. When writing these sections, keep in mind the following:

• Keep it results-focused: Replace vague job responsibilities with quantifiable achievements. For example, instead of saying, “Managed a team,” say, “Led a team of 10 to achieve a 25% increase in sales within six months.”
• Keep it concise: Use bullet points to list accomplishments and limit each bullet to one or two lines. You don’t want to take up too much real estate.
• Tailor for relevance: Focus on accomplishments that align with the job you’re applying for. If you’re seeking a leadership role, emphasize examples of team management and strategic impact.

4. Be Honest and Confident

Integrity matters (and it is one of our core values here at Talent Connections.) Never lie or exaggerate on your resume. Misrepresentations can come back to haunt you, often during background checks or interviews. Stick to the facts and always take the highest road! Honesty about your roles, achievements, and skills builds trust with potential employers. 

When highlighting your strengths, confidence is equally important. Don’t downplay your achievements—if you’ve earned recognition, showcase it. Use action verbs like “achieved,” “led,” “initiated,” or “implemented” to demonstrate your impact. Remember, being truthful and self-assured positions you as a credible and reliable candidate.

 

5. Have someone else proofread it

Avoiding typos or grammatical errors should seem like a given, but you wouldn’t believe how many resumes have mistakes. These mistakes signal a need for more attention to detail, which can be a dealbreaker. Spellcheck tools, like Grammarly, can help you avoid these pitfalls. Be warned: while helpful, they are not foolproof. Manually review your resume for errors that automated tools might miss. Reading your resume out loud can also help you catch awkward phrasing or missing words. Finally, ask another to “proof” (not just review) your resume. A fresh pair of eyes from a trusted friend or colleague can identify issues you may have overlooked. Plus, meticulous proofreading shows professionalism and respect for the interviewer’s time.

Your resume is more than a document. It’s a marketing tool highlighting your unique skills, accomplishments, and professional journey. It not only documents your past—it also SELLS you for the future! By following these five tips, you can create a resume that grabs attention, tells your story effectively, and positions you as the ideal candidate for your next opportunity. Remember, it’s not what you want to say—it’s what they need to hear. Write your resume from the perspective of the audience that will read it and make decisions on it.

Need additional guidance? Our sister company, Career Spa, specializes in helping candidates optimize the job search process. They offer expert advice and practical resources to ensure your resume stands out and that you’re positioned to compete and WIN in today’s competitive, high-volume job market.