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Writer's pictureMichael Robinson

The Secret Sauce to an Outstanding Resume

Struggling to get noticed in a crowded job market? The answer is simpler than you may think. Skip the fancy formatting and intricate designs. Using simplicity with a touch of creativity can be your secret weapon.


Clarity Is King 

A well-organized resume lets your skills and experience take center stage. Clear language and a clean layout make it easy for busy hiring managers to see your value quickly. Ditch the fancy fonts and confusing layouts – they just get in the way.


Keep It Clean

Highlight your strengths, accomplishments, and relevant experience, but remember to tailor the layout to the industry. Creative fields like marketing or design may benefit from some visual flair, while most industries prefer a straightforward, no-frills look.


Keywords Are the Invisible Code

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for relevant keywords from job descriptions. Strategically place these keywords where they naturally align with your skills and experience. Avoid forcing them and focus on maintaining a natural flow.


Show Professionalism

A well-crafted resume demonstrates professionalism by clearly communicating your information.


Here are a few guidelines to follow no matter your industry:

  • Choose a clean, easy-to-read font with consistent formatting.

  • Use white space to enhance readability.

  • Utilize bullet points and brief statements to emphasize key information.

  • Avoid unnecessary graphics, colors, or distractions.

  • Be concise and eliminate irrelevant details.

 

Results Matter Most

Your resume's design might catch the eye, but the content is what really counts. Focus on showing off your accomplishments with numbers and results.


By following this structure, you'll create bullet points that pack a punch and get noticed:

  • What action did you take? Begin each bullet point with a powerful action verb (e.g., boosted, achieved, implemented, increased, reduced). Focus on achievements, not tasks.

  • How much did you do? Use numbers whenever possible. (10% of sales, 20 new clients, etc.)

  • How did you do it? Briefly say which skill or approach you used. (Upselling, process improvement, etc.)

  • How well did you do it? Highlight quality or efficiency, award, or recognition.

  • Why does it matter? Show the impact of your work. (More money for the company, less stress for the team, etc.)


For instance, instead of saying "worked as a cashier," try "Boosted sales by 10% through effective upselling and cross-selling, achieving a 95% customer satisfaction rating."  That's how you stand out from the crowd!


Key Takeaways

Forget the misconception that a simple resume is boring. It's all about striking a balance: clear information that makes you stand out! And in a resume, as in life, focus on showing your results.


Now that you know the recipe for a clear and impactful resume, put it into action! Tailor your resume to each job. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally throughout your text and add strategic design elements only where they make sense. Don't forget to have a friend proofread for typos – a perfectly polished resume is the end goal!


Want more free advice? Schedule a session with a VSN career coach.


As a Career Coach at Easterseals Veteran Staffing Network VSN), Michael Robinson guides veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members toward fulfilling careers. Michael's experience spans diverse roles from hiring manager to career counselor, giving him unparalleled insight into both employment opportunities and candidate needs. Before joining the VSN, he served as a Department of Labor Transition Assistance Program (DOL TAP) Facilitator, guiding service members and their spouses through the nuances of the military-to-civilian transition

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