5 Ways to Make Your Resume Stand Out

Wondering how to make your resume stand out from the rest? When hiring managers are bombarded with resumes from potential candidates, the last thing you want is for yours to be lost in the pile. With this in mind, here are 5 helpful ways to make your resume stand out so you can land your dream job!

Create a Professional Summary Statement

A professional summary statement is meant to grab the attention of hiring managers and show them what you can bring to their organization. When it comes to a resume, you have a short window of time to show how you are a great fit for the position. Therefore, it is important to gain the attention of the hiring manager right away so they want to keep reading!

When creating your professional summary statement, consider what the reader wants to know about you. By highlighting what you can do for them, they will be more likely to reach out to you for an interview. Also, be sure to use descriptive words that add to your value. Instead of sticking with commonly used phrases, try to think outside the box and include words that will spark their interest.

Incorporate Industry Keywords

When putting together your resume, a great tip is to incorporate information from the job description itself. For example, if the job description says, “Looking for a creative individual who has experience with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom,” you can easily incorporate this into your resume by stating you are a creative individual who has experience with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. As simple as this may sound, it can go a long way!

Use CAR Statements

Another great way to make your resume stand out is to include accomplishment statements, which state not only what you did in your previous position, but also the way in which you carried out your tasks. Accomplishment statements can also be referred to as CAR statements, which is an acronym for challenge, action and result. In the workplace, the past is a great indicator of the future. So, by listing the challenges you have faced in the past, the action you took and the positive result that came of it, hiring managers can get an idea of what kind of a worker you are.

Always Include a Cover Letter

Even when it is not required, it’s always a great idea to include a cover letter in your application. Cover letters give you the opportunity to introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. While you may submit the same resume for different positions, cover letters are meant to be tailored to the position and organization you are applying to. In addition to expressing your interest, cover letters should also spark the interest of hiring managers, encourage them to look at your resume and ultimately contact you!

Use a Professional Resume Template

The visual appearance of your cover letter does matter! While the content of your resume is the most important, hiring managers can easily be turned off by a disorganized and unprofessional-looking document. Today, there are so many great resources when it comes to putting together your resume. Just by browsing the web, you can find resume templates that have already done the work for you when it comes to formatting and design. So, be sure to do some research and look into the resources that may be available to you!

Grand Canyon University’s Career IMPACT Center provides you with resources, professional knowledge and support to help you successfully transition from academics into a purposeful career. To learn more, visit our website or request more information using the button at the top of the page.