5 Ways to Make Your Resume Stand Out

When applying for a job, one of the biggest questions applicants have is how to make their resume stand out. This is an important query that should be answered before you hit submit. So how exactly does one get from the job board to the interview room? The answer comes down to more than just your one-pager. We are breaking down the 5 ways to make your resume stand out below with our five C’s of Career Success:

1. Culture:

Get an understanding of the company culture before you apply for the job. Knowing the environment of where you’re applying will help you in sculpting your resume. This is not to say you should add in skills you don’t have, but instead to incorporate related facts. When you apply for the job, you should be able to visualize yourself in the role. What is it about Company A’s values that are similar to your own application and experience? Maybe the company participates in a number of charitable actions and you’re someone who also actively volunteers. Regardless of industry, keeping company culture in mind is a valuable use of your job-hunting time. 

2. Customize:

We’ve shared some must-have items for your resume, but customizing your CV is worth repeating. What job you are applying for DOES matter when creating the ideal resume. And how you customize your career experience comes down to more than just your most recent role. If you are someone who is pursuing a career in design, you’ll of course want a document style that blends artistry with professionalism. On the other hand, if you are someone applying for an IT or accounting position, you are best suited with a simple yet modern aesthetic. Before applying for the job, look at resume examples for people in your industry, and get inspired. Because, whether it’s HR or a recruiter, the head hiring honcho wants to get a sense of who you are. 

3. Concise:

One of the most important and often overlooked aspects of your resume is not just the context, but the content. A crucial way that can lead to you going from the YES to NO pile is by having unnecessary information on your CV. Unless you happen to be applying for a job in the medical field, a resume over one page is still considered a faux pax. Hiring managers do not have the time to read what seems like an autobiography of your experience. Do your best to be concise at sharing information regarding your recent roles and responsibilities. 

4. Cover Letter:

Not all jobs require a cover letter, but that does not mean you should not always have one prepared. Your cover letter is like your opening statement before a debate, or your elevator pitch to be exact. It’s the brief paragraph you have that allows you to stand out from the crowd (professionally speaking). This is your chance to state beyond your objective, what makes you an ideal candidate and why their search for the right pick is over. Do more than the bare minimum of uploading your resume, by creating a statement that truly reflects you. 

5. Connect:

Another great way to make your resume stand out lies within the 21st-century version of Rolodex. Your Linked-In connections, as well as professional contacts, can oftentimes be your ticket to securing an interview. This is the case, whether it’s a fellow sorority sister or a former neighbor. We do not recommend asking for a full recommendation unless you are that closely connected to your contacts. Instead, if you have a contact for a company you are seeking to apply to, ask how they recommend you connect with HR. Oftentimes, when you ask for advice rather than a handout, you’re likely to receive a direct connection or even possibly a resume push. Connecting with your contacts is not just about sending an email or making a call. It’s about actually connecting and showing that you trust their expertise so that they can consider your experience when the opportunity arises.