10 Proven Strategies for Writing an Outstanding Resume

In today’s competitive job market, crafting an outstanding resume is more than a necessity—it’s an art. As a leading staffing agency, we at 80Twenty understand the pivotal role a well-structured and thoughtfully written resume plays in landing your dream job. It’s not just a summary of your experience, it’s also your personal marketing tool, your ticket to grabbing the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. In this article, we’re going to share 10 proven strategies that will help you elevate your resume from good to great, ensuring it stands out in the bustling world of job applications.

Customizing your resume for each job you apply to is crucial. Use keywords and phrases from the job description. This shows you have the specific skills and experience the employer is looking for. It also helps your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that many companies use.

Your professional summary is your first chance to grab the employer’s attention. In a few sentences, summarize your most relevant qualifications, experience, and skills. Make it compelling and specific to your career goals, and try to avoid generic phrases.

Elevate your resume by starting bullet points with dynamic action verbs like ‘managed,’ ‘developed,’ or ‘increased.’ Go a step further by quantifying your achievements with numbers and percentages. This approach not only showcases your responsibilities but also concretely demonstrates the impact you’ve had in your roles. For instance, instead of saying “Led a team to improve sales,”specify “Managed a team of 10, increasing sales by 25% over six months.” By showing such details offer clear evidence of your effectiveness and the tangible value you bring to a role.

Prioritize information relevant to the specific job and industry. If you have extensive work history, highlight the most recent and relevant experiences. Older or unrelated roles can be shortened or omitted to keep the resume focused.

Ideally, a resume should be one page long, try to be concise in your wording. Use bullet points to break down information into digestible pieces, making it easier for hiring managers to scan.

Choose a clean, professional font like Arial or Times New Roman. Stick to a font size between 10 and 12 points. Use white space effectively to prevent your resume from looking cluttered. Organize your content with clear headings and make the resume easy to read.

Many employers use ATS systems to filter resumes. These systems scan for specific keywords related to the job. Include relevant keywords and industry terms to increase your chances of passing these automated screenings.

Typos and grammatical errors can negatively impact the impression your resume makes on potential employers. It’s essential to meticulously proofread your resume multiple times. Getting a second opinion from a friend or a professional can be invaluable and they can help identify mistakes and ensure your resume is both polished and effectively presents your skills and experience.

Stick to a professional and clean design. Avoid overly intricate designs or graphics, especially in non-creative fields. Make sure your resume format is compatible with different software and devices.

Regularly update your resume. Add any new skills, certifications, or experiences as you acquire them. Keeping your resume current ensures you’re always ready for new opportunities.

In mastering the art of resume writing, we bring insights from the heart of the industry to help you craft a resume that stands out. Remember, an exceptional resume is your ticket to career advancement, and with 80Twenty’s guidance, you’re well-equipped to create a compelling narrative of your professional journey. Let us help you open the doors to new opportunities with a resume that truly reflects your potential.