What to Include on a Resumé to Stand Out in Your Job Application
Originally published Sep 17, 2024, updated Nov 2, 2024
Creating a professional resumé doesn’t require graphic design skills. Simplicity is key. Avoid elaborate borders, images, or distracting design elements that shift focus away from your skills and achievements. A clean, well-organized resumé will capture the attention of recruiters and help you stand out in a competitive job market.
Thousands of resumé templates are available online, making starting with a polished layout easy. Check out free templates on Google Docs or Microsoft Word, and remember: keeping it simple is often the best approach.
Before we get into the details, it's crucial to customize your resumé for each job application. While hitting "easy apply" is convenient, it rarely lands the right job. Instead, take control of your job search by tailoring your resumé to each opportunity.
Key Elements to Include on Your resumé
1. Resumé Header
The header is the first thing recruiters see, so make it count. Include your:
Full Name
Professional Email Address (avoid casual or outdated email addresses)
Phone Number
Location
Links to Professional Profiles (e.g., LinkedIn)
Double-check your contact information with every version of your resumé. Outdated contact details or unprofessional email addresses can send the wrong message.
2. Professional Summary
Think of your professional summary as your elevator pitch. This brief introduction should sit at the top of your resumé and offer a snapshot of your experience and expertise. Please write in the third person, keeping it concise (three to five sentences) and to the point.
Example: "Results-oriented sales leader with 15+ years of experience driving revenue growth in the technology and advertising sectors, specializing in client acquisition and relationship management."
You aim to draw recruiters in, making them eager to read more about your experience.
3. Work Experience
The work experience section is your chance to showcase relevant roles and accomplishments. Remember to:
List jobs in reverse chronological order (most recent first)
Use the exact phrase "Work Experience" for better ATS compatibility
Include the company name, job title, dates of employment, and location
Describe each role in 3-5 bullet points that highlight:
Key responsibilities (e.g., "Managed client portfolios for SaaS solutions")
Major accomplishments (e.g., "Increased sales by 20% through targeted campaigns")
Relevant skills (e.g., "Proficient in CRM software and lead generation")
If you have short job stints, consider noting the reason briefly in parentheses (e.g., "Role eliminated due to company-wide restructuring").
4. Skills Section
A well-optimized skills section can be the difference between landing an interview and getting filtered out by an ATS (Applicant Tracking System). Customize this section for each application by using keywords directly from the job description. For example, if a job post emphasizes “digital marketing strategy,” use that phrase rather than a synonym.
Include hard skills (e.g., CRM software proficiency, data analysis) and soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership). Remember, the goal is to demonstrate your capabilities to excel in the role.
5. Education
List your educational background, including:
Degree or certification obtained
Institution attended
Graduation year (optional, especially if you've been in the workforce for over ten years)
Focus on education only as it pertains to the job. If your education isn’t directly relevant, consider placing it near the end of your resumé.
Formatting Tips for a Professional resumé
Fonts and Readability
Choose a classic font like Arial, Times New Roman, or Helvetica. Avoid overly creative fonts like Comic Sans or Impact, which can distract from the content. Aim for a font size between 10 and 12 points for easy readability.
Use of White Space
White space helps make your resumé easier to scan. It gives the reader's eyes a break and allows key information to stand out. Don't worry about filling every inch of the page—sometimes, less is more.
Consistency in Formatting
Ensure consistency throughout your resumé. Use the same format for dates, bullet points, and job titles. For example, list your dates consistently as “MM/YYYY” or “Month Year.”
Tailoring Your resumé for ATS
Many companies use ATS software to screen resumé, so optimizing yours for keywords is essential. Here’s how:
Match the Language: Reflect the exact terminology used in the job description. If the post calls for "SEO expertise," use that phrase verbatim rather than "search engine optimization."
Integrate Keywords Naturally: Include skills, job titles, and industry-specific terms that match the role.
Avoid Graphics and Special Characters: Most ATS can’t read images or unusual symbols, so keep your formatting simple.
Additional Sections to Consider
Depending on the job, you may want to add these optional sections:
Certifications: Essential for specialized fields
Projects: Showcase relevant work or side projects
Languages: If bilingual or multilingual, list your proficiency
Volunteer Work: Highlights community involvement and soft skills
Common resumé Mistakes to Avoid
Typos and Errors: Even one typo can ruin a first impression. Use tools like Grammarly to catch errors, and ask a friend or colleague to review it.
Exceeding Two Pages: Aim for one page if possible; two pages are acceptable if you have extensive experience. Remember, brevity is key.
Personal Information: Avoid including unnecessary details like your age, gender, marital status, or political views.
Quick Checklist for a stellar resumé
To wrap up, here’s a simple checklist of what to include on your resumé:
Header with contact info
Professional summary that highlights your top qualifications
Work experience with clear, concise bullet points
Skills section tailored to the job description
Education details
Keywords that align with the job post for ATS compatibility
A well-crafted resumé is your ticket to landing the right job. Remember, it's not about flashy designs but explicit, impactful content that showcases why you're the ideal candidate. At MySalesRecruiter.co, we specialize in helping sales professionals create resumé that catches recruiters' attention. Reach out if you need advice on refining your resume for your dream role.
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Article by Eric Palmer - Chief Recruiter at MySalesRecruiter.co @EricP.Recruiter on YouTube
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As a Sales Recruitment Specialist with nearly a decade of experience, I help Tech, SaaS, and Advertising companies find top-tier sales talent. At MySalesRecruiter.co, my mission is to streamline your hiring process and match you with high-performing salespeople who align with your company's values and goals. I'm dedicated to finding the perfect fit for every client and candidate by leveraging industry expertise, a personal approach, and a deep understanding of the sales landscape.
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