How to Make Your Resume Stand Out

When looking to make the ideal resume, it's vital to ensure you make a good impression on employers. Presenting your qualifications properly while also making sure you know you are standing out from the rest is key to landing that position you are seeking. 

How Do You Start?

When looking at how to begin a resume, it could seem scary to officially start. A useful tool when typing up your resume is to start with a template. Some templates you can use can be found with just a google search! Some examples of websites that can be used include:

• resumetemplates.com

• careerservices.fas.harvard.edu 

• resumeworded.com

So now you have your base template! Now what?

There are plenty of ways to get started on your resume, including going to a resume workshop, which are often provided at universities, local libraries, and community centers. As well as that, online classes are readily available through Linkedin Learning, Coursera, and Ed2go. 

Some Dos and some Don’ts

It is easy when writing your resume to make some common mistakes, the top mistakes including:

• Spelling and Grammar Mistakes

• Too long

• Passive Language (Variations of phrase “to be” such as “is” or “are”)

When writing your resume it is key to be consistent with format and the content as well as using consistent underlying, italics, bold, and capitalization to highlight key aspects about you and your qualifications. 

As well as that, avoid information gaps and ensure you have clarity throughout your work experience and dates of employment. Ensuring that those little details are correct show the time and effort put into your resume.

Resume language ideally is specific, active, and written to express not to impress.

Some Extra Advice

Submit a Cover Letter: Many employers ask to submit a cover letter, but even if they don’t ask, sending one is a great way to stand out!

Make it Visually Aesthetic: Use a nice font and your organized template that is consistent and appealing to the eye. 

Tailor to Specific Job you are Applying to: It is ok to switch up your resume to prioritize the company you want to work for! When looking at specific jobs, it is key to highlight the exact skills they want that you offer. 

PROOFREAD!: Make sure you have no grammar or spelling mistakes before submitting it! A resume remaining free of errors shows your ability to be professional and detailed. 

Starting your resume may seem like a tedious and intimidating task, but with the correct guidance and tricks, you can have the ability to make a long lasting impression on what could be your future career!