Top Effective Tips for How to Make Your Resume Stand Out

AfriCareers

13 August 2024

8 min read

A resume is more than just a list of facts. It is a marketing tool that showcases your value and potential to employers as it’s usually the first thing a hiring manager looks at . It’s important to make a good impression by presenting a clean and concise resume that details your qualifications for the open role. In this article, we define what a resume is and provide tips for creating one that will leave a lasting impression.

Top Effective Tips for How to Make Your Resume Stand Out

What is a resume?

A resume is a document that summarizes your education, work experience, skills and achievements. It is used to apply for jobs and showcase your qualifications to potential employers. A resume should be concise, clear and relevant to the position you are seeking.Having a polished resume is a great way to set yourself apart from other candidates applying for the same job.

How to make your resume stand out

Understand what the hiring manager is looking for

Before you begin creating your resume, review the job posting and the company’s website. Take careful consideration when determining what you plan to include. Focus on the company’s culture, keywords you want to include and what’s expected of you in this role.

Tailor it to your industry and the job you’re applying for

Be sure to prioritize employment experience that showcases applicable qualifications. If you’re applying for a job as a newspaper reporter, the hiring manager would benefit more from knowing about your skills as a college reporter than as a babysitter. Include only relevant positions that let your future employer know you understand what they’re looking for in an employee.

Add pertinent skills

Just like with your previous positions, only include skills that would be valuable to the position you’re applying for. Check the job posting for skills or requirements that the hiring manager is looking for. For example, listing your knowledge of design software and programs would be valuable skills to include when applying for a graphic design position.

Include a header and summary or objective

Recruiters review a large volume of resumes each day. Including a header and summary or objective can help hiring managers notice your resume among others. When adding a header, make sure your name is at the very top. If you have space, make the font size slightly larger. Include your address (or just city and state), phone number and email address. Include contact information where the hiring manager is most likely to reach you.
Right below your header, write a summary or objective. A summary is no longer than three sentences and reviews your relevant experience and skills. An objective explains your career goal and what skills you can bring to the company. It’s no more than two sentences. Including one of these statements summarizes your resume at the top so hiring managers can review it and learn more about you quickly.

Highlight your unique value proposition.

What makes you different from other candidates? What can you offer that others can't? Showcase your unique skills, talents, or achievements that set you apart from the competition. For example, you can mention any awards, certifications, publications, or volunteer work that demonstrate your expertise or passion.

Keep it concise

While a resume can be two pages, most should be just one. This is often the case for entry-level candidates with minimal experience. As you draft your resume, make sure you’re only including information that could help you stand out against the competition. Avoid redundancy and fluff.

Make it visually appealing

While recruiters will appreciate a well-designed resume, make sure your creativity is professional. Here are a few things to consider when designing a modern resume:
Font style: Make sure the font you use is legible. Use a professional font like Georgia, Times New Roman, Calibri or Helvetica.
Font size: Choosing an appropriately-sized font will ensure a recruiter’s ability to read the content of your resume. Size 12 font should suffice.
Template: Keep your designs minimal and aesthetically appealing. If you’re using a template, make sure the visual elements don’t distract from the content of your resume.
Color choices: Use an attractive color scheme when designing your resume. Opt for black, white and a third color like blue or green. White is a great background color, black is best for text and your third color can highlight important details on your resume.

Submit a cover letter

When employers have you submit a resume online, they might ask you for a cover letter as well. Even if it’s not required, sending a cover letter is a great way to stand out as a candidate. If you do, make sure the design and color scheme of your cover letter matches that of your resume for a more cohesive look.

Proofread and edit your resume.

Before sending your resume, make sure to check it for any spelling, grammar, or formatting errors. Use a tool like Grammarly or Hemingway to help you catch any mistakes. You can also ask a friend, mentor, or professional to review your resume and give you feedback.