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Palo Alto, California
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How do I make my resume stand out from the pile of resumes the hiring manager is looking at?
This is part of our professionals series, where we ask professionals what they think students should know
12 answers
Dexter Arver
Senior Manager, Web Applications
234
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hello!
I've looked at literally thousands of resumes and have conducted hundreds of phone interviews, but please do not take my advice as the sole one, as I think every hiring manager is different in their own way. And I've only hired in the IT and Engineering space, so the following advice might not be best for other fields.
For some, making their resume stand out is one that they achieve with beautiful formatting of the resume—they use bold colors and tasteful designs. For some it's about exaggerating the qualities that they believe that the hiring manager (and recruiter) is looking for—they think everyone stretches the truth on the resume, so they have to do it too. For some, it's a flair for the dramatic and action verbs that make their writing seem powerful—if their writing is powerful, that's how they'll be seen. I'm sure all these of these strategies work on some hiring managers to a degree, but to an experienced manager, you can come off as insecure or worse, someone who has trouble telling the truth. I mean, even when I was hiring for a designer, I didn't look at the design of the resume to tell me if the candidate was a good designer or not (that's what the portfolio is for).
Ok, so I just wrote about three things not to do (or at least isn't very helpful). What would I do to make my own resume stand out?
I would make a "primary" resume that lists out your summary (why you're perfect for the role), key skills (the skills you have that fit the skills the job requires), relevant experience (previous jobs or roles that are somehow relevant to the job you're applying for), and education (your college-level or high school education or relevant certifications). From there, whenever I'm applying for a role, I would make a copy from my "primary" resume, then customize it specific to the job posting. The reason for this is that most people tend to submit resumes in a shot-gun fashion with a single resume. They post to dozens of job posts that fit the keyword that they're searching for. This is relatively easy for the job poster. What it looks like from the manager's perspective though, is that even though the recruiter has filtered out the resumes that fit the least, the manager still needs to wade though dozens of resumes that don't fit the job description. To me, the resumes that standout are the ones where the resume seems to fit the job posting, and that only really happens if you customize the resume to fit the job posting.
What does customizing a resume to a job posting look like? Lets say the job posting states that they're looking for someone with 2 years of experience; lets say that job posting lists a series of skills that are required; lets say that the job posting also lists computer programs that will be used in the role. Here's what I would do for the four major categories listed in the previous paragraph:
* Summary—In the summary, state the posted job title as the job that you want. If anything jumped out about the job posting and/or the company listed as the employer, I would add something in here about why it jumped out to you.
* Key Skills—Look at the list of skills that the job posting had, and the list of skills from your "primary" resume, and keep only the ones that intersect. Also look at the list of computer programs in the job posting and add to your resume the ones that you have proficiency with. I personally like resumes where the candidate lists out their level of proficiency with skills/software, but isn't necessary. Also, there's almost no job I know where communication isn't important—write about how you excel at communication (be specific if you have to).
* Relevant Experience—Look over your "primary" resume, and copy over the experiences that are appropriate for the job posting. By experience, it can be previous jobs, volunteering experience, contributions to open source software, and/or personal work. Under each experience, it's nice to list out a few (to half-dozen) key highlights from those experiences that fit the job description. Please make sure that those highlights are relevant to the job that you're applying for.
* Education—Place your college education here. Also list any relevant certifications. This is the only field that might be copied from the "primary" resume without any customization. If you're not in your early 20s yet, this field might contain your high school education.
Oh and lastly, about formatting, I prefer a clear and concise resume. A single page resume with a single font (in black) used throughout the whole document. It might be boring, but it's usually really easy to read—if it's easy for the manager, they'll read more of it as they're going through dozens of resumes.
I hope this was helpful!
--
Dexter
I've looked at literally thousands of resumes and have conducted hundreds of phone interviews, but please do not take my advice as the sole one, as I think every hiring manager is different in their own way. And I've only hired in the IT and Engineering space, so the following advice might not be best for other fields.
For some, making their resume stand out is one that they achieve with beautiful formatting of the resume—they use bold colors and tasteful designs. For some it's about exaggerating the qualities that they believe that the hiring manager (and recruiter) is looking for—they think everyone stretches the truth on the resume, so they have to do it too. For some, it's a flair for the dramatic and action verbs that make their writing seem powerful—if their writing is powerful, that's how they'll be seen. I'm sure all these of these strategies work on some hiring managers to a degree, but to an experienced manager, you can come off as insecure or worse, someone who has trouble telling the truth. I mean, even when I was hiring for a designer, I didn't look at the design of the resume to tell me if the candidate was a good designer or not (that's what the portfolio is for).
Ok, so I just wrote about three things not to do (or at least isn't very helpful). What would I do to make my own resume stand out?
I would make a "primary" resume that lists out your summary (why you're perfect for the role), key skills (the skills you have that fit the skills the job requires), relevant experience (previous jobs or roles that are somehow relevant to the job you're applying for), and education (your college-level or high school education or relevant certifications). From there, whenever I'm applying for a role, I would make a copy from my "primary" resume, then customize it specific to the job posting. The reason for this is that most people tend to submit resumes in a shot-gun fashion with a single resume. They post to dozens of job posts that fit the keyword that they're searching for. This is relatively easy for the job poster. What it looks like from the manager's perspective though, is that even though the recruiter has filtered out the resumes that fit the least, the manager still needs to wade though dozens of resumes that don't fit the job description. To me, the resumes that standout are the ones where the resume seems to fit the job posting, and that only really happens if you customize the resume to fit the job posting.
What does customizing a resume to a job posting look like? Lets say the job posting states that they're looking for someone with 2 years of experience; lets say that job posting lists a series of skills that are required; lets say that the job posting also lists computer programs that will be used in the role. Here's what I would do for the four major categories listed in the previous paragraph:
* Summary—In the summary, state the posted job title as the job that you want. If anything jumped out about the job posting and/or the company listed as the employer, I would add something in here about why it jumped out to you.
* Key Skills—Look at the list of skills that the job posting had, and the list of skills from your "primary" resume, and keep only the ones that intersect. Also look at the list of computer programs in the job posting and add to your resume the ones that you have proficiency with. I personally like resumes where the candidate lists out their level of proficiency with skills/software, but isn't necessary. Also, there's almost no job I know where communication isn't important—write about how you excel at communication (be specific if you have to).
* Relevant Experience—Look over your "primary" resume, and copy over the experiences that are appropriate for the job posting. By experience, it can be previous jobs, volunteering experience, contributions to open source software, and/or personal work. Under each experience, it's nice to list out a few (to half-dozen) key highlights from those experiences that fit the job description. Please make sure that those highlights are relevant to the job that you're applying for.
* Education—Place your college education here. Also list any relevant certifications. This is the only field that might be copied from the "primary" resume without any customization. If you're not in your early 20s yet, this field might contain your high school education.
Oh and lastly, about formatting, I prefer a clear and concise resume. A single page resume with a single font (in black) used throughout the whole document. It might be boring, but it's usually really easy to read—if it's easy for the manager, they'll read more of it as they're going through dozens of resumes.
I hope this was helpful!
--
Dexter
ShaRon Bynum
Program Manager
31
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
ShaRon’s Answer
The best thing you can do when preparing your resume for submission is to make sure it is ERROR FREE and FACTUAL! After that consider the following:
Tailor the resume to the skills the job description is looking for.
Use action words and the proper verb tense. If you are no longer working for a company the verb should be past tense.
Limit the resume to one page.
Do not list every single task you performed. The resume is a tool that is designed to make the reader WANT TO interview you, to learn more about you. A brief summary of key accomplishments that added value to your employer is sufficient.
Your objective is to highlight your skills and leave the potential employer wanting more.
Good Luck
Tailor the resume to the skills the job description is looking for.
Use action words and the proper verb tense. If you are no longer working for a company the verb should be past tense.
Limit the resume to one page.
Do not list every single task you performed. The resume is a tool that is designed to make the reader WANT TO interview you, to learn more about you. A brief summary of key accomplishments that added value to your employer is sufficient.
Your objective is to highlight your skills and leave the potential employer wanting more.
Good Luck
Adrian Santos
Marine Security Guard
151
Answers
Lome, Maritime Region, Togo
Updated
Adrian’s Answer
Keep your resume simple yet professional. I have seen many individuals who lack the ability to write professional. This is an important component that not only makes you look competent in working environment but shows a true test of character. An obvious tip is to make sure that your documents are free of errors. Nobody wants to hire someone who cannot spell.
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
270
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Think about adding creativity -- perhaps using a blue instead of black font and perhaps a calligraphy or handwriting font. A small image or quote which aligns with your words might catch the eye. Also choose interesting words so the reader feels they might be reading a really good (short) novel.
When given a job interview, you might ask for feedback on your resume.
With every good wish!
When given a job interview, you might ask for feedback on your resume.
With every good wish!
Bailey Feathers
Technology Consulting
14
Answers
Newnan, Georgia
Updated
Bailey’s Answer
Great question! Here are a few things that I would suggest to help your resume stand out against everyone else.
1. Go through the job description and add any key words or skills (that you also have) to your resume. This will help flag your resume as being a match to the job description.
2. Quantify your responsibilities/accomplishments. This means to add stats to what you did, and example question would be "How much product did you sell" "How many people did you train or manage" "how many customers did you interact with"
3. Send a follow up Email or phone call to thank the interviewers for their time.
4. Call after a week or two to let them know you are still interested if a decision hasn't been made yet. This could potentially make them pull your resume again and speed up the decision.
1. Go through the job description and add any key words or skills (that you also have) to your resume. This will help flag your resume as being a match to the job description.
2. Quantify your responsibilities/accomplishments. This means to add stats to what you did, and example question would be "How much product did you sell" "How many people did you train or manage" "how many customers did you interact with"
3. Send a follow up Email or phone call to thank the interviewers for their time.
4. Call after a week or two to let them know you are still interested if a decision hasn't been made yet. This could potentially make them pull your resume again and speed up the decision.
Terrell Holmes
Compliance Analyst
16
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Terrell’s Answer
How do I make my resume stand out from the pile of resumes the hiring manager is looking at?
I would suggest a couple of things.
1. Based on the job, always highlight key description words on resume from the job description
2. You can also create a power point to show case some of your work and the results based on your actions
I would suggest a couple of things.
1. Based on the job, always highlight key description words on resume from the job description
2. You can also create a power point to show case some of your work and the results based on your actions
Chris Otieno Ochieng
Data Scientist
6
Answers
Kisumu, Kisumu County, Kenya
Updated
Chris Otieno’s Answer
Tailor your resume to the job: Read the job description carefully and tailor your resume to the specific requirements of the job. Highlight your relevant skills and experience that match the job description.
Use strong action verbs: Use strong action verbs such as "managed", "created", "achieved", "implemented", etc. to describe your accomplishments and experience.
Keep it concise and clear: Make sure your resume is easy to read and understand by keeping it concise and clear. Use bullet points to break up long paragraphs and make sure your font is easy to read.
Highlight your achievements: Highlight your achievements and accomplishments, rather than just listing your job duties. Use numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements and show the impact you had in your previous roles.
Include relevant keywords: Include relevant keywords in your resume that match the job description. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for keywords, so make sure your resume includes the keywords that the employer is looking for.
Use a professional format: Use a professional format for your resume, including a clear and concise summary at the top. Use headings and bullet points to organize your information and make it easy to read.
Proofread your resume: Make sure your resume is free of spelling and grammar errors. Have someone else review it for you to catch any mistakes you may have missed.
By following these tips, you can make your resume stand out from the pile of resumes the hiring manager is looking at and increase your chances of getting noticed and landing the job.
Use strong action verbs: Use strong action verbs such as "managed", "created", "achieved", "implemented", etc. to describe your accomplishments and experience.
Keep it concise and clear: Make sure your resume is easy to read and understand by keeping it concise and clear. Use bullet points to break up long paragraphs and make sure your font is easy to read.
Highlight your achievements: Highlight your achievements and accomplishments, rather than just listing your job duties. Use numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements and show the impact you had in your previous roles.
Include relevant keywords: Include relevant keywords in your resume that match the job description. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for keywords, so make sure your resume includes the keywords that the employer is looking for.
Use a professional format: Use a professional format for your resume, including a clear and concise summary at the top. Use headings and bullet points to organize your information and make it easy to read.
Proofread your resume: Make sure your resume is free of spelling and grammar errors. Have someone else review it for you to catch any mistakes you may have missed.
By following these tips, you can make your resume stand out from the pile of resumes the hiring manager is looking at and increase your chances of getting noticed and landing the job.
Mark Howard
Billing-related Contract Management
24
Answers
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Updated
Mark’s Answer
There are actually 2 different tracks you have to consider when submitting a resume and each track is ever so slightly different, but critical to nail down.
Track #1: Smaller companies or a decentralized HR often allow for the hiring manager to fully own sorting through resumes and setting up interviews. In these cases, you have to catch the human eye from the get-go.
* This can be done tailoring your resume to highlight skills. training and talents that match what the posting says is needed. This is the single most-important thing you can do; it doesn't matter how many descriptors you match if they do not apply to the skills/abilities needed.
* Use present tense action verbs. Employers don't truly care what you have done (unless it's attainment of degrees/certs); they want to know what you are going to do to get the company to their current and future goals.
* Frame your description of job duties to show how they will transfer to the position you are trying to obtain. it's less showing how you did things and more how your experiences align to the open role. Yes, you want to keep things factual but you also have to capture the reader's notice to give you the opportunity to tell your story (the interview).
Track #2: Larger corporations or businesses a distance away from you often use screening software or services to pare down the bulk of resumes into a targeted list. Then the hiring manager down-selects those interesting resumes for interviews. To make it through the screeners:
* incorporate the words used in the posting into yo-r resume (commonly in your skills and experience section, but it's good to include the most impactful ones into your statement of objectives - this tends to be overlooked as a place to showcase relevancy to the opening).
* Sometimes, people will place synonyms into the screener as well, but it's not a guarantee, so use the listed ones in the resume and have synonyms for the interview to keep your story from being stale and/or rote.
* You still need to use tactics from Track #1 as a human WILL see this eventually and you want it to capture their attention, so include the things a program is going to look for (there are lots of articles online to assist with this), but also weave the outline of your story to grab the human attention.
Track #1: Smaller companies or a decentralized HR often allow for the hiring manager to fully own sorting through resumes and setting up interviews. In these cases, you have to catch the human eye from the get-go.
* This can be done tailoring your resume to highlight skills. training and talents that match what the posting says is needed. This is the single most-important thing you can do; it doesn't matter how many descriptors you match if they do not apply to the skills/abilities needed.
* Use present tense action verbs. Employers don't truly care what you have done (unless it's attainment of degrees/certs); they want to know what you are going to do to get the company to their current and future goals.
* Frame your description of job duties to show how they will transfer to the position you are trying to obtain. it's less showing how you did things and more how your experiences align to the open role. Yes, you want to keep things factual but you also have to capture the reader's notice to give you the opportunity to tell your story (the interview).
Track #2: Larger corporations or businesses a distance away from you often use screening software or services to pare down the bulk of resumes into a targeted list. Then the hiring manager down-selects those interesting resumes for interviews. To make it through the screeners:
* incorporate the words used in the posting into yo-r resume (commonly in your skills and experience section, but it's good to include the most impactful ones into your statement of objectives - this tends to be overlooked as a place to showcase relevancy to the opening).
* Sometimes, people will place synonyms into the screener as well, but it's not a guarantee, so use the listed ones in the resume and have synonyms for the interview to keep your story from being stale and/or rote.
* You still need to use tactics from Track #1 as a human WILL see this eventually and you want it to capture their attention, so include the things a program is going to look for (there are lots of articles online to assist with this), but also weave the outline of your story to grab the human attention.
Isabel Avalos
Director of Finance
2
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
Isabel’s Answer
Here are some short tips to help you make your resume stand out:
1) Formatting matters, make sure to use a template that is easy to follow with sections that help focus on the important pieces.
2) Keep it clear and concise, no more than one page.
3) Use bullets and no big paragraphs.
4) Highlight your strenghts and successess, even if you don't have previous job experience you can list special projects, volunteering, etc, always with achievements.
5) Adding a short cover letter will make sure resume stand out! Make sure you tailor this to the company you are applying to.
Advice given by a group of volunteers at HPE
1) Formatting matters, make sure to use a template that is easy to follow with sections that help focus on the important pieces.
2) Keep it clear and concise, no more than one page.
3) Use bullets and no big paragraphs.
4) Highlight your strenghts and successess, even if you don't have previous job experience you can list special projects, volunteering, etc, always with achievements.
5) Adding a short cover letter will make sure resume stand out! Make sure you tailor this to the company you are applying to.
Advice given by a group of volunteers at HPE
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3473
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Student,
Your CV should ideally showcase these aspects:-
1. You possess extensive experience relevant to the job role.
2. Your understanding of the job is comprehensive and complete.
3. You have successfully guided those with less experience.
4. You have earned accolades from your employer for your accomplished tasks.
5. You have collaborated with recognized and talented individuals.
6. You uphold honesty in your interactions.
7. You go above and beyond, providing your employer with more than they've invested in you.
8. You are destined to leave an impressive legacy once you move on from the position.
9. Providing ample information is beneficial if it assists others.
10. You are committed to staying in the job for a considerable period.
Feel free to expand on these points if you wish.
Hope this guidance aids you,
Jim.
Your CV should ideally showcase these aspects:-
1. You possess extensive experience relevant to the job role.
2. Your understanding of the job is comprehensive and complete.
3. You have successfully guided those with less experience.
4. You have earned accolades from your employer for your accomplished tasks.
5. You have collaborated with recognized and talented individuals.
6. You uphold honesty in your interactions.
7. You go above and beyond, providing your employer with more than they've invested in you.
8. You are destined to leave an impressive legacy once you move on from the position.
9. Providing ample information is beneficial if it assists others.
10. You are committed to staying in the job for a considerable period.
Feel free to expand on these points if you wish.
Hope this guidance aids you,
Jim.
Chirayu Rupani
Data Analyst
295
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
There are several things you can do to make your resume stand out from the pile - Make sure your resume is customized to the specific job you are applying for. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job description. Use a simple, professional format that is easy to scan. Use bullet points and short sentences to make your resume easy to read. Instead of just listing your job responsibilities, highlight your achievements and accomplishments in each position. Use specific numbers and metrics to demonstrate your impact. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Make sure you use keywords from the job description to increase your chances of getting past the initial screening. Use numbers and data to quantify your accomplishments, such as the percentage increase in sales you achieved or the number of projects you completed on time and under budget. If you have relevant certifications or training, make sure to include them on your resume. This can demonstrate your expertise and dedication to your field. Have someone else review your resume and provide feedback. This can help you identify areas for improvement and ensure that your resume is clear and effective.
Soumya Bandyopadhyay
Mechanical Engineer
54
Answers
Fremont, California
Updated
Soumya’s Answer
This is a great question; 5 tips and must-haves I learnt from multiple failures are:
1. Objective Statement/Header: Who you are and what your career goals are: should connect to the jobs you are applying for.
2. Work Experience: clear description of roles and impacts you have (quantify)
3. Instead of just writing skills, how your skills connect to the work experience you have
4. Extra-curriculars for entry level people and how they connect to the main role
5. Communicating technical-discipline specific skills to a general audience; shows your cross-functional abilities
1. Objective Statement/Header: Who you are and what your career goals are: should connect to the jobs you are applying for.
2. Work Experience: clear description of roles and impacts you have (quantify)
3. Instead of just writing skills, how your skills connect to the work experience you have
4. Extra-curriculars for entry level people and how they connect to the main role
5. Communicating technical-discipline specific skills to a general audience; shows your cross-functional abilities
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