When was the last time you took a good, hard look at your resume? (You know, actually trying to be critical.) If you’re applying to lots of jobs but not getting interviews, there’s a good chance your resume is blending in with the hundreds (or even thousands) of others that hiring managers see daily. A generic, cookie-cutter resume just doesn’t cut it in today’s competitive job market. Employers are looking for candidates who stand out, not those who tick the same boxes as everyone else.
Which begs the question, how do you make your resume different from everyone else’s? Let’s dive into some key strategies that can help you take it from forgettable to interview-worthy.
Ditch the Resume Summary
Most resume summaries read something like this: “Results-driven professional with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.” Sound familiar? That’s because it’s the same vague, overused language found on countless resumes. Don’t be afraid to do something different! Focus on crafting a compelling, tailored opening that highlights your unique value.
For example, you might use something more specific like this instead: “Marketing specialist with a track record of increasing engagement by 35% through data-driven content strategies. Passionate about transforming brand storytelling into measurable growth.”
In my book, Steal My Secrets: A 1-Day DIY Guide to a Killer Resume, I recommend that readers don’t use summaries at all (I know, it’s out of the box) and instead provoke interest with a powerful headline. Something like “Strategic Security & Loss Prevention Expert” in bold letters followed by a smaller, italicized subtitle like “Creative Problem Solver Who Excels at Identifying Key Trends and Risks to Minimize Retail Shrink” or “Experienced Supervisor and Mentor Driven by a Passion to Consistently Improve the Customer Experience.”
Formatted correctly, a short yet impactful headline can help you make an impression on someone who has already seen a million of the same old resumes, day in and day out.
Show, Don’t Tell
You’ve likely heard this before, but it bears repeating. Hiring managers don’t just want to hear that you have “strong leadership skills” or that you’re “detail-oriented.” They want proof. So, instead of using empty buzzwords, back up your claims with concrete achievements. For example:
Generic: Managed a team and improved efficiency.
Better: Led a team of 10, implementing a new workflow that reduced project turnaround time by 25%.
Numbers, results, and specific examples will make your resume more compelling and memorable. As I say in my book, “… when you write about all your impressive feats, use numbers whenever you can. Why? Because they visually stand out, making it easier for people to see the exact, quantifiable impact you made in previous jobs. Their thinking will then likely go something like if they did that for them, they’ll probably do the same for me.”
Customize Your Resume for Every Application
I know, you’re inwardly groaning. The idea of tailoring a resume multiple times over doesn’t sound like much fun. But it really is necessary to make sure your resume reflects your target job ad. A one-size-fits-all document signals to hiring managers that you’re not truly invested in the role. Take the time to tailor your resume to each position by emphasizing your most relevant skills and experience.
A quick way to do this is by mirroring the language in the job posting. If the listing emphasizes “project management” and “stakeholder communication,” for instance, make sure those phrases also appear in your resume (as long as they genuinely apply to your experience). If nothing else, this will help your resume get past robotic ATS barriers and into human hands.
Design Matters—But Keep It Professional
Finally, it’s important to remember that a cluttered resume filled with different fonts and colors won’t impress recruiters—they’ll probably find it chaotic, confusing, and amateur. On the other hand, a visually appealing layout that takes advantage of white space and makes key information easy to find can give you a competitive edge.
Using clear section headings, consistent formatting, and standard fonts will help ensure readability. If you need help in this area, Steal My Secrets: A 1-Day DIY Guide to a Killer Resume will walk you through exactly how to create a resume layout that is unique, organized, and professional, helping you impress hiring managers so your resume doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.
Don’t forget—your resume is your first impression. By ditching the generic language, highlighting your achievements using numbers, and customizing your content, you’ll increase your chances of landing interviews and standing out from the crowd.
Need help revamping your resume? A professional touch can make all the difference. Get in touch and let’s craft a resume that truly represents you! Or sign up for my FREE 5-day email writing course today.
