The job market is constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends is key to career progression.
With over 75% of recruiters using applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes, it’s crucial that your resume showcases your skills and passes through these automated filters before it even reaches human eyes.
But that’s not all—recruiters are increasingly prioritizing resumes that are tailored to specific job descriptions. As competition for roles heats up, you must ensure your resume stands out in an overcrowded field.
In this blog post, we’ve gathered 35+ actionable tips to help you craft a resume that gets noticed. Keep reading to discover how you can create a resume that leaves a lasting impression on hiring managers and gets you one step closer to landing your dream job.
35+ Resume Tips to Stand Out in Today’s Job Market
Summarize this article for me please✍️Tips for Writing a Great Resume
Creating a compelling resume requires balancing strategy, precision, and creativity. Each section should reflect your skills and experiences while aligning with what the hiring manager wants to see. Below are 35+ actionable tips to ensure your resume makes a strong impact.
Basic resume writing tips
Writing a good resume that impresses an applicant tracking system and potential employers requires a mix of clarity, relevance, and strategy. Here are some essential writing tips to ensure your resume leaves a strong impression.
1. Tailor your resume to the job description
Customize your resume for each job by aligning it with the specific requirements of the job description. Recruiters look for relevant skills and experience, so review the job post closely and reflect those exact skills in your resume.
📌 Example
If the job responsibilities require ‘project management’ and ‘data analysis’ skills, make sure these terms appear in your experience or skills sections. This customization tells recruiters that you’re qualified for the role.
2. Use the right keywords
Incorporating the right keywords isn’t just about getting past ATS—it’s about speaking the hiring manager’s language. Use industry-specific terms and job-specific skills directly from the job posting.
A good rule of thumb is to include 20–30% of the keywords in your resume that match those in the job description to increase your chances of passing ATS filters.
📌 Example
If you’re applying for a marketing role, add terms like ‘SEO,’ ‘content strategy,’ or ‘Google Analytics’ in your resume.
3. Highlight achievements and quantify results
Whenever possible, use numbers to show the impact of your work. Quantifiable results make your achievements concrete and memorable. This strategy is particularly effective for sales, marketing, or operations roles where they expect measurable outcomes.
📌 Example
Instead of saying, ‘Managed a sales team,’ say, ‘Led a sales team of 10, increasing revenue by 30% in six months.
4. Be concise and specific
Avoid long paragraphs and unnecessary details. Stick to concise, impactful bullet points that highlight your accomplishments. Aim for 1–2 sentences per bullet point, focusing on measurable results.
📌 Example
Instead of writing “Responsible for increasing team productivity,” say, “Increased team productivity by 20% through simplified processes.”
5. Avoid generic phrases
Skip overused phrases like ‘hard worker’ or ‘team player.’ They hardly add any value to your resume. Instead, focus on specific actions and the results.
📌Example
Instead of saying ‘goal-oriented individual,’ describe how you achieved results by mentioning, “Consistently exceeded quarterly sales targets by 20% through strategic planning and client relationship management.”
6. Use powerful action verbs
Begin each bullet point with an action verb that adds energy and clarity to your resume. Verbs like ‘produced,’ ‘launched,’ ‘facilitated,’ or ‘optimized’ can help paint a clear picture of your contributions and make your resume more engaging. Action verbs convey initiative and make your achievements feel tangible.
7. Write for the role you want, not just the role you had
Think of each job listed on your resume as a stepping stone to your desired role. Highlight responsibilities and achievements that align with the skills and relevant qualifications needed for your target position, even if you held a different title.
Madeline Mann, a renowned career coach, offers a unique perspective: “Begin by envisioning your dream role and then craft your resume to align with that vision.“
8. Limit jargon and industry-specific terms
While it’s good to include relevant industry terms, don’t overuse jargon that may confuse non-expert recruiters. Keep the language simple yet specific, allowing ATS and humans to understand your qualifications clearly.
9. Proofread carefully
A resume with typos or grammar mistakes can be an immediate red flag. Reading your resume aloud can help you catch awkward phrasing and errors you might otherwise miss. You can use proofreading tools to ensure no typos or grammatical errors in your resume.
💡Pro Tip: Try ClickUp Brain, ClickUp’s powerful AI assistant, to review your resume for grammatical errors or inconsistencies. Paste your entire resume and prompt ClickUp Brain to give you tips on improving it.
Resume formatting tips
Formatting plays a critical role in making your resume readable and visually appealing, helping recruiters quickly identify your qualifications. Here are some of the best resume format tips and practices to follow.
10. Choose a clean, professional layout
Use a clean, simple design without excessive colors, graphics, or fonts. Stick with one or two standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman to maintain professionalism and readability. Bold your section headers and use ample white space to make your resume easy to scan.
11. Prioritize key sections
Order your sections strategically, placing the most relevant experience and skills at the top.
📌 Example
If you have extensive work experience, list it before your education section. On the other hand, recent graduates may want to lead with education and relevant projects. Keep the hobbies and interests section at the end.
👀 Did You Know? Recruiters use the F method to scan your resume, so highlight your achievements at the top and mention important details at the front and center.
12. Use bullet points for clarity
Present your achievements and responsibilities in bullet points rather than paragraphs. This makes it easier for recruiters to skim through your experience and focus on your accomplishments quickly. Aim for 3–5 bullets per job, highlighting your most impactful achievements.
13. Keep your resume to one page (or two if necessary)
If you have less than 10 years of experience, aim for a one-page resume. For more experienced candidates, a two-page resume is acceptable but ensure the content is relevant. Recruiters may only spend 6–7 seconds on an initial review, so prioritize conciseness.
14. Optimize for ATS
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) may have difficulty reading certain design elements. Avoid using text boxes, tables, graphics, and unusual fonts that can confuse ATS software. Stick with straightforward text and simple formatting to make your resume easy to parse.
👀 Did you know? 88% of resumes are rejected because of adding photographs
15. Use consistent font sizes
Keep font sizes consistent throughout the resume. Typically, your name should be the largest font (around 18–20pt), section headers slightly smaller (14–16pt), and body text at a readable size (10–12pt). Consistency in font size helps maintain a professional, balanced appearance.
16. Use section dividers
Use clear section dividers, like thin horizontal lines, to separate different sections. Dividers help recruiters quickly navigate between your experience, educational background, and skills sections, making it easy to locate the most relevant information.
17. Name the resume file properly
Save your resume with a professional file name that includes your full name, such as FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf. This helps your resume appear polished and enables recruiters to locate it easily. Avoid generic names like ‘Resume.pdf,’ as they come across as unprofessional.
Tips for optimizing your resume for ATS
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) filter resumes based on specific keywords and formatting rules before they ever reach a recruiter. Here are key strategies to ensure your resume is ATS-friendly.
18. Stick to standard section headings
Use conventional section headers like ‘Work Experience,’ ‘Education,’ ‘Skills,’ and ‘Certifications.’ ATS software may not recognize unconventional titles like ‘Where I’ve Worked’ or ‘My Abilities,’ which could send your resume straight to the spam folder.
19. Avoid complex formatting
Stay away from graphics, tables, text boxes, and columns, as these can cause issues with ATS parsing. Use a single-column format, and keep everything aligned to the left for a simple, clean layout that ATS software can easily read.
20. Include both long-form and acronyms for important terms
If you’re including industry terms or certifications, write out both the acronym and the full form, as some ATS might only search for one version.
For instance, write ‘Search Engine Optimization (SEO)’ or ‘Certified Public Accountant (CPA).’
21. Don’t use headers and footers
Some ATS systems may ignore headers and footers, so avoid placing essential information like your contact details in these areas. Instead, list your contact information at the top of the main body of the document.
22. Avoid overuse of keywords
While using keywords is crucial, avoid ‘keyword stuffing’ or repeating terms excessively, as this can look unprofessional. Focus on incorporating keywords in relevant contexts, like describing your responsibilities and achievements, rather than forcing them multiple times.
23. Emphasize core skills in a dedicated ‘skills’ section
Create a separate ‘Skills’ section where you list your top qualifications using specific keywords. This will help the ATS recognize key skills that match the job description and increase your chances of passing the initial screen.
Education section tips
The education section of your resume highlights your academic background and any relevant certifications or professional training. Here are some tips to effectively present this information.
24. List education in reverse chronological order
Start with your most recent or highest degree and work backward. This allows recruiters to see your most relevant education first.
📌 Example
If you are creating an engineering resume and with a master’s degree in technology, list it before your bachelor’s degree.
25. Include relevant details for each entry
For each degree or program, include the following information:
- Degree or certification name (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Marketing)
- Institution name
- Graduation date (or expected graduation date, if applicable)
- Honors or distinctions
26. Mention relevant coursework or projects (If applicable)
If you’re a recent graduate or have limited work experience, include relevant coursework, projects, or research that aligns with the job description.
📌 Example
If you’re applying for a digital marketing role, add “Completed a capstone project on digital marketing strategy for e-commerce companies.” This is especially helpful for students or early-career professionals building relevant experience.
27. Add certifications and additional training
List any certifications, licenses, or professional training programs you’ve completed that are relevant to the job.
📌 Example
If you’re applying for a project management role, a ‘Project Management Professional (PMP)’ certification can enhance your education section.
28. Keep it simple for experienced professionals
If you have over 5–10 years of professional experience, it’s usually sufficient to list your degree and institution. There’s no need to go into detail about coursework or extracurriculars unless directly relevant to the job.
29. Place the education section strategically
If you’re a recent graduate, place your education section near the top of your resume to highlight your academic background. For experienced professionals, it can be listed toward the bottom, allowing your work experience to take priority.
Skills section tips
The skills section is a prime opportunity to highlight the specific abilities that make you a strong candidate for the job. Here’s how to make it stand out.
30. Divide skills into categories
Organize skills into relevant categories like ‘Technical Skills,’ ‘Soft Skills,’ and ‘Industry-Specific Skills’ to make them easier to read and more visually organized. This structure helps recruiters quickly find the skills and can emphasize your expertise in key areas.
31. Include a mix of hard and soft skills
Aim for a balanced mix of both hard skills (like ‘Python programming’ or ‘SEO’) and soft skills (like ‘communication’ or ‘team leadership’). Hard skills demonstrate technical proficiency, while soft skills reflect valuable interpersonal abilities in collaborative settings.
32. Avoid generic skills that don’t add value
Skip generic or overly common skills like ‘Microsoft Office’ unless they are specifically requested in the job description. Instead, focus on specialized tools or programs (like ‘Salesforce,’ ‘Google Analytics,’ or ‘SQL’) that are more relevant and showcase your expertise.
33. Be specific with technical skills
For technical roles, list specific programs, languages, or tools that align with the job requirements.
📌 Example
Instead of just saying “coding,” list specific languages like “Python, JavaScript, and SQL.” This clarity gives recruiters a better idea of your technical capabilities.
34. Prioritize your strongest skills
List the most relevant skills at the top of the section to catch a recruiter’s attention. If the job depends on a particular skill, ensure it appears early and prominently in this section.
35. Keep it concise and relevant
While listing every skill you have might be tempting, focus on the most important ones for the position. Aim for 8–12 skills related to the job description to avoid overwhelming the reader with irrelevant information.
Tips for handling employment gaps or a career change
Employment gaps and career changes are increasingly common and can be addressed effectively on your resume to present your experience in a positive light. Here’s how to navigate these situations.
36. Be honest and brief about employment gaps
Address employment gaps head-on, but keep your explanation brief and positive. If you took time off for personal reasons, a career break, or skill-building, you might include a short note in the experience section like: “Career Break (2021-2022) – Focused on personal development and skill-building.” Brief explanations can reassure recruiters that the gap was intentional and productive.
37. Highlight transferable skills and achievements
Identify and emphasize skills from past roles that apply to the new industry or job type.
📌 Example
Skills like project management, customer service, or data analysis can be relevant across fields. Manage your skills as per the job description.
Be specific about how these skills have led to tangible achievements in previous roles. This will show that you can contribute effectively, even in a new industry.
38. Add a career summary or objective statement
Including a summary or objective statement at the top of your resume can clarify your career shift and show recruiters why you’re a fit for the new role.
Use this section to briefly mention your experience, what inspired your career change, and how your skills make you a strong candidate.
📌 Example
“Experienced marketer transitioning into data analysis, leveraging a deep understanding of audience insights and analytical tools to drive data-informed decisions.”
39. Add volunteer work or freelance projects
If you engaged in volunteer work, freelance projects, or side gigs during your employment gap, list these experiences under a ‘Relevant Experience’ or ‘Volunteer Work’ section.
Emphasize skills gained or achievements made in these roles to fill gaps and demonstrate your proactive engagement, even if it wasn’t traditional employment.
40. Highlight any relevant training, certifications, or courses
If you’ve taken courses or earned certifications during your career break or to prepare for a new field, list them prominently on your resume. Adding an ‘Education’ or ‘Professional Development’ section allows you to show your commitment to staying up-to-date and gaining skills relevant to your new field.
Summarize this article for me pleaseUsing a Tool for Resume Building and Job Search
With your resume ready to impress, it’s time to simplify your job search and maximize your chances of landing your dream role. That’s where ClickUp comes into play and becomes your resume-writing partner.
ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity tool that can take your job search to the next level. Let’s see how you can use ClickUp to make your application process seamless and organized.
Use ClickUp Docs to draft resumes
ClickUp Docs offers a dynamic, user-friendly platform that makes resume-building more organized and efficient. With Docs, you can create, format, and refine your resume within a single workspace, eliminating the need for multiple files and external tools.
ClickUp Docs helps you:
- Structure your resume in a professional, clean layout
- Easily adjust headers, bullet points, and font styles to ensure your resume is visually appealing
- Invite others to review your resume, making it easy to gather feedback and make adjustments in real-time
- Store multiple versions of your resume in a single, organized workspace
- Create custom folders or tags for each job application, saving a tailored resume version for each role
- Edit sections, update skills, or add new achievements as they happen, ensuring your resume is always current and ready for new opportunities
Read More: 10 Free Resume Templates for Microsoft Word
Enhance your resume with AI
ClickUp Brain, ClickUp’s AI assistant, is an AI writing-tool that can help you create a compelling resume based on your experience, skills, and the job description.
Here’s how you can use ClickUp Brain to create a resume:
- Suggest relevant skills: When you describe your passions or experiences ClickUp Brain can suggest transferable skills that align with your job search
- Capture key achievements: It helps record accomplishments, projects, and skills in real time to build a comprehensive history for your resume
- Correct grammar: ClickUp Brain functions as an effective grammar checker and helps eliminate errors, making your resume look refined and credible
- Check readability: This AI assistant analyzes your writing for clarity and readability. By simplifying complex language or restructuring sentences, ClickUp Brain helps you communicate your qualifications effectively to hiring managers
- Learn keywords: It provides a list of industry-specific keywords and phrases to optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
- Reference notes for summary: Collect reflections on your career journey and strengths to help craft a compelling resume summary
Streamline job search with ClickUp
That’s not all! The ClickUp Job Search Template helps you organize your job search and target the right opportunities. You can log all your job applications in one place, including company names, positions, application dates, and interview notes to stay organized with this template.
Create a list of interesting job openings you find, which can guide you in tailoring your resume for specific applications. Add ratings for companies you research to prioritize applications and focus on those that align with your preferred work culture.
ClickUp Tasks management features help you automate reminders for critical dates, such as application deadlines and interview follow-ups. Set up tasks for each job application, assign deadlines, and even add custom fields to document the role’s details, ensuring you stay organized and never miss a key deadline.
You can also set up recurring reminders for critical steps like submitting applications, sending follow-ups, and tracking interview schedules with ClickUp Automation features.
Summarize this article for me please🚀Level Up Your Resume with ClickUp
Your resume is your first impression, and a well-crafted one can open doors to exciting career opportunities. By following these tips and leveraging the power of ClickUp, you can create a resume that gets noticed.
ClickUp is your strategic partner in the job search journey. From crafting compelling resumes to tracking applications and setting reminders, ClickUp automates tasks, simplifies processes, and ultimately helps job seekers land their dream jobs.
So, are you ready to take your resume to the next level? Sign up for ClickUp for free today and experience the difference.
Everything you need to stay organized and get work done.
