- What This Article Covers
- Highlight Your Achievements with Quantifiable Metrics
- Tailor
Your Resume to Each Job Application - Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
- Craft a Compelling Professional Summary
- Showcase Relevant Skills and Certifications
- Know How ATS Software Works
- Apply for Scholarships
- Be Careful with Personal Info
- Don't Go Too Far Back in Time
- Don't Include References
- Omit Objectives and Use Plain English
- Final Words
- Next Steps
We may earn a commission if you click on a product link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.
Last updated: July 21, 2025
Are you tired of using a sub-standard resume when searching for jobs? Even if you’re between high school and college or are an adult thinking about returning to school for a degree, it’s imperative to have a top-notch resume in the competitive, digital job market. There are a couple of reasons for the urgency. First, most corporations and smaller companies use something called ATS, or an applicant tracking system. ATS software relieves hiring managers of having to read resumes—instead, the app scans for keywords that tell managers whether applicants meet bare-minimum criteria.
If your document is not optimized for ATS scanners, you could lose the employment race before you start. Second, competition for better entry-level jobs in today’s economy is fierce. Not only do applicants need to deal with ATS, but they also have to avoid using too much personal information, know how to leverage the power of scholarships, and not list long-ago minimum wage or part-time jobs. Here are some ways to maximize your chances by creating a picture-perfect resume.
What This Article Covers
- Boost
Your Resume with Metrics: Learn how to showcase your achievements with quantifiable data to makeyour resume stand out in a competitive job market. - Tailor
Your Resume for Each Job: Discover why customizing your resume for each application increases your chances of passing ATS and landing an interview. - Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems: Learn how to structure your resume with keywords, formatting, and submission tips to ensure it is seen by hiring managers.
- Create a Strong Professional Summary: Learn how to craft a compelling opening statement highlighting your top skills and experience in just a few sentences.
- Highlight Key Skills and Certifications: Understand the importance of showcasing job-specific skills, technical proficiencies, and industry-recognized certifications.
- Avoid Common Resume Mistakes: Get expert advice on what to leave out, from outdated job history to unnecessary personal details, ensuring a polished and professional resume.
Give yourself a real advantage in your job search with Resume.io — the best online resume maker: created by experts, improved by data, and trusted by millions of professionals. Easy to use and complete within minutes. Try it now for free!
Highlight Your Achievements with Quantifiable Metrics
Employers are keen to see tangible evidence of your accomplishments. You provide concrete proof of your capabilities by incorporating specific numbers and metrics. For instance, instead of stating you “improved sales,” specify that you “boosted sales by 15% over six months.” This level of detail showcases your impact and helps
Tailor Your Resume to Each Job Application
Customizing your resume for each position is crucial in demonstrating your suitability for the role. Analyze the job description to identify key skills and experiences the employer values and reflect those in
Expert Resume Writers. Affordable prices up front. Try us today and get the job you want! A professionally written resume can get you hired faster and at a higher salary.
Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Many companies utilize ATS to streamline their hiring process. To ensure
- Use Standard Fonts: Stick to fonts like Arial or Times New Roman to ensure readability.
- Avoid Complex Formatting: Do not use tables, graphics, or unusual layouts that ATS may not process correctly.
- Incorporate Relevant Keywords: Include job description terms matching your skills and experiences.
- Submit in the Right Format: PDFs are generally safe, but some ATS prefer Word documents; check the job posting for specifics.
By optimizing
Craft a Compelling Professional Summary
Your professional summary is the first section employers read, so it must be impactful. In 2-3 concise sentences, highlight your most relevant experiences, skills, and career objectives. For example: “Dynamic marketing professional with over five years of experience in digital campaigns, adept at increasing online engagement by 30%. Seeking to leverage expertise in content creation to drive brand growth at XYZ Corp.” A strong summary sets the tone for
Get 10X more Job Interviews with JobCopilot. 87% of JobCopilot users report more interview invitations within 2 weeks. Automatically apply to jobs from 50,000+ companies worldwide
Showcase Relevant Skills and Certifications
Highlighting pertinent skills and certifications can set you apart from other candidates. Consider the following tips:
- Prioritize Job-Specific Skills: Focus on abilities directly related to the position you’re applying for.
- Include Technical Proficiencies: Mention software or tools relevant to the job and industry.
- List Recognized Certifications: Add any industry-recognized certifications that enhance your credibility.
- Demonstrate Soft Skills: Showcase interpersonal skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
Clearly presenting your skills and certifications provides evidence of your qualifications and commitment to professional development.
Know How ATS Software Works
Even if you use a professional writer to help you create a modern and simple resume, it’s helpful to understand the basics of ATS. The programs are designed to identify keywords chosen by hiring managers. The goal is to screen candidates quickly and efficiently. An
LinkedIn Secrets From a Top Executive Recruiter shows how to create a LinkedIn Profile that will get you noticed for your expertise. This book walks you through a step-by-step approach to creating a LinkedIn Profile that recruiters and hiring managers will notice.
Apply for Scholarships
On your all-important document, highlight the word scholarship to inform prospective employers that some or all of your college expenses were paid for by an agency or organization award. Don’t worry whether the amount was large or small or covered all the tuition or textbooks. The key point is that you applied for and won a scholarship of any kind. Getting and paying for a degree are two giant hurdles in anyone’s life.
Fortunately, if you’re headed to or back to college, use an online search service to hunt for scholarship cash that can ease your financial burden and make your application documents sparkle. The beauty of free money for school is that there are opportunities that no one ever claims or applies for. Don’t miss out. Make sure to scour all available resources before beginning coursework.
Be Careful with Personal Info
Be careful not to list personal data that reveals political or religious leanings. Most companies avoid candidates who are too up-front about their politics or faith. It’s considered an amateur mistake to reveal personal affiliations, but there are ways around the dilemma for people who have done volunteer work for churches or political parties. Call them volunteer jobs without disclosing who hired you to do the work.
Small Mistakes, Big Consequences for Interviews is a lighthearted look at the top 20 interviewing mistakes that people make without realizing the potential consequences. Learn how to identify these common character mistakes that can make or break your interview—and hiring prospects.
Don’t Go Too Far Back in Time
Unless you’re a high-level mid-career worker changing jobs, don’t go back more than five years for prior employment listings unless your prior position lasted longer than that. Put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager. They’re interested in your recent work and don’t care about your life history.
Don’t Include References
A common job applicant mistake is to list references on a resume. Please don’t do it unless the company asks you for an interview. Save the details until you need them, and only indicate references available upon request or during the interview in a single line item at the bottom of the document. Human resources people won’t care about references or check them unless you’re close to being hired. It is better to save valuable space on your document for other information, like special training courses or academic awards.
We’re with you until you land your next job — placement support guaranteed. Four expert services. One simple fee. This personal, done-for-you, job placement support service has everything you need to find your next role.
Omit Objectives and Use Plain English
Applicants have listed objectives at the top of every application document for decades. Today, the practice is outmoded and can subtract from an otherwise professional impression. Include the job title you’re applying for and leave it at that. Keep language simple and clear. Avoid flowery words, awkward grammatical constructions, passive voice, and words presently. If you’re lucky enough to land an interview, a poorly-written document will hurt your cause. Hiring a certified writer is the easiest way to beat the ATS software at its own game and get the language just right.
Final Words
Crafting a compelling resume is essential in today’s competitive job market. By quantifying your achievements, tailoring your application to each role, and optimizing for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), you enhance your visibility to potential employers. A well-structured professional summary and a clear presentation of relevant skills further distinguish your profile. Implementing these strategies positions you as a strong candidate, increasing your chances of securing desired opportunities.
Next Steps
- Review and Revise
Your Resume : Regularly updateyour resume to reflect recent achievements and ensure alignment with current job objectives. - Utilize ATS-Friendly Templates: Choose resume formats that are clean and simple, avoiding complex designs that may hinder ATS readability.
- Incorporate Relevant Keywords: Analyze job descriptions to identify and include pertinent keywords that match your skills and experiences.
- Seek Professional Feedback: Consult career advisors or use reputable resume review services to gain insights into areas of improvement.
- Stay Informed on Industry Trends: Keep abreast of the latest
resume writing best practices and hiring trends to maintain a competitive edge.
Improve your chances in job interviews by optimizing your resume. Our partners specialize in resume writing, reviewing, and tailoring to specific job requirements, ensuring job seekers stand out to potential employers.
Joey Trebif is the pen name of Mark Fiebert, a former finance executive who hired and managed dozens of professionals during his 30-plus-year career. He now shares expert job search, resume, and career advice on CareerAlley.com.
