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What are some simple things that stand out in a resume?
I am beginning to polish my resume, and my teachers have given me small tips, such as avoiding periods or white space. What are some other small details that make a resume stand out?
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3 answers
Ashlee R.
Academic Counselor, Higher Education Program Manager, AI Chat Bot Specialist
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Ashlee’s Answer
Hi Morgan, I hope this response finds you well. I recommend using AI (any free option, like ChatGPT) to help format your resume, not change your language or skills, but to ensure it is readable within the applicant tracking system (ATS) parameters a lot of companies are currently using. This has been a game changer for a lot of job seekers, since AI and ATS have changed how resumes are reviewed.
Other tweaks that are helpful include:
- Avoid photos or graphics, since they can confuse ATS systems.
- Include a concise objective or professional summary at the top of your resume.
- Highlight technology and tools that you're comfortable with, whether broad platforms like Microsoft Teams or industry-specific tools like SaaS or Six Sigma.
These details help your resume stand out while keeping it professional and ATS‑friendly. I hope this is helpful!
Other tweaks that are helpful include:
- Avoid photos or graphics, since they can confuse ATS systems.
- Include a concise objective or professional summary at the top of your resume.
- Highlight technology and tools that you're comfortable with, whether broad platforms like Microsoft Teams or industry-specific tools like SaaS or Six Sigma.
These details help your resume stand out while keeping it professional and ATS‑friendly. I hope this is helpful!
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Morgan. Small details can make a big difference when you are improving your resume. Employers usually skim a resume for only a few seconds, so anything that makes it clearer and easier to read will help you stand out. One of the most important things is consistent formatting. This means using the same font, keeping your dates lined up, and making sure your spacing looks the same in every section. Even if your experience is good, a resume that looks messy can give a bad impression. A clean and neat layout shows that you pay attention to detail.
Another simple but powerful way to improve your resume is to choose strong words. Start your bullet points with action verbs like "led," "helped," "created," or "organized." These words make your work sound more active and confident. Try to avoid long sentences or unclear descriptions. Also, make your bullet points follow the same pattern, for example, all starting with a verb in the same tense. This makes your resume easier to read and more professional.
Visual design is also important. This does not mean adding fancy colors or graphics. Instead, it means using bold text for section titles, keeping your margins even, and avoiding too much clutter. A little white space is actually helpful because it gives the eyes room to rest. Just make sure the spacing is consistent throughout the whole page. These small choices help guide the reader to the most important information. Hope this helps.
Another simple but powerful way to improve your resume is to choose strong words. Start your bullet points with action verbs like "led," "helped," "created," or "organized." These words make your work sound more active and confident. Try to avoid long sentences or unclear descriptions. Also, make your bullet points follow the same pattern, for example, all starting with a verb in the same tense. This makes your resume easier to read and more professional.
Visual design is also important. This does not mean adding fancy colors or graphics. Instead, it means using bold text for section titles, keeping your margins even, and avoiding too much clutter. A little white space is actually helpful because it gives the eyes room to rest. Just make sure the spacing is consistent throughout the whole page. These small choices help guide the reader to the most important information. Hope this helps.
Updated
lauren’s Answer
Hi there,
Great question! Here are some helpful resume tips:
- Keep the format clean and simple.
- Be brief; most people spend just 30 seconds looking at a resume.
- Use bullet points to highlight your achievements and contributions to your team.
- Include any important coursework or special projects you've completed.
- Mention leadership roles or club activities.
- Tailor your resume to match the job you're applying for. If teamwork is important, make sure to highlight your teamwork skills.
- List important technical skills like Microsoft Office, Excel, and any systems you know in the "Skills" section.
I hope this helps! Good luck with your job search!
Great question! Here are some helpful resume tips:
- Keep the format clean and simple.
- Be brief; most people spend just 30 seconds looking at a resume.
- Use bullet points to highlight your achievements and contributions to your team.
- Include any important coursework or special projects you've completed.
- Mention leadership roles or club activities.
- Tailor your resume to match the job you're applying for. If teamwork is important, make sure to highlight your teamwork skills.
- List important technical skills like Microsoft Office, Excel, and any systems you know in the "Skills" section.
I hope this helps! Good luck with your job search!