A recruiter is going to be looking for resumes that stand out. How do I write a resume that catches a recruiter’s eye? Where do I start?

Start with the top of the resume by adding a headline and title for your resume. Follow these five tips on how to write a good resume and you will be putting your best foot forward in the application process. If you’ve found that you’ve more or less followed these tips in your old resume and you’re still not getting anywhere it could be due to an issue that you’re unaware of. In this instance, it might be worthwhile looking to a website like www.arcresumes.com and the likes, in order to find a company that will be able to completely rewrite your resume to look more professional. You might find that this could increase the amount of interview offers you receive.

Consider joining forces with a recruiting company that can recommend you to companies that work with them. Working with a recruiting company can help take your career to the next level.

Include a Headline or Summary Statement in Your Resume

You are doing yourself a disservice by not including a headline or summary statement in your resume. Think like a recruiter and imagine how many resumes they are going to have to scan through. Creating a resume that stands out means your resume must have a headline.

Alison Doyle, a job search expert for The Balance Career says, “You need to make sure your resume summary statement concisely demonstrates why you are an ideal candidate for the specific job and company.” Explaining why you are the best candidate at the very top of the page is your best bet at catching the recruiter’s eye. If they look at your resume, they can’t miss it.

Include these things for an eye-catching personal summary statement in your resume.

• How did you impact your current company?
• Outline the points you don’t want the recruiter to miss.
• Prove how you will be an asset to the company.
• Avoid commonly used terms and words and cater the keywords in your headline to the ones used in the job description.

Resumes That Stand Out Contain Keyword Phrases and Stats

The words you carefully choose in your resume should be just that, carefully chosen. If you are creating a resume that stands out you will utilize action words, numbers, statistics, and have lots of related keywords. Numbers organically catch people’s eyes. Data will make you stand out while the recruiter is flipping through their pile of resumes. It might be useful for you to use a Resume Pilots Keyword Metrics Tool to help pick out the best words you’re using. Just make sure you don’t rush it, it needs to be perfect if you’re applying for a job.

How Do I Include Concrete Numbers and Data in My Resume?

• Think about what you bring to the department you currently work in
  • How you can define that in a number?
• Get creative with the data
  • Use approximations or ranges if needed
  • Use the number of days or hours for tasks
• Have proof to back up your claims
  • A form of proof could be a reference
• Use bolded font
  • Outline things you want the recruiter to see
  • Use bold text to highlight numbers and stats

Cater to ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)

A lot of businesses have turned to ATS to simplify and streamline their hiring process. This system starts with the initial screening and can involve everything up to the paperwork for the new hire.

If you are filling out any kind of online form for a job, assume the business is using ATS and follow these guidelines.

6 Tips on How to Write A Good Resume for ATS

1. Look for other job postings that are similar to what you are applying for. See what words they have in common and include those in your resume.
2. Use precise keywords from the job description.
3. Follow instructions precisely.
4. Look at the company website and see what they are all about.
5. Use some of the company culture keywords in your resume.
6. Use synonyms throughout the resume for the really important keywords.

Personal Development Section

If you do a lot of work on professional or personal development, this is the perfect place to show that. You definitely want to include this section as it shows your initiatives for self-betterment. What recruiter will look at a go-getter and say, “They work too much on themselves?”

Resumes That Stand Out Have These Examples in the Personal Development Section

• Volunteer experience
• Certs
• Any training you have completed
• Online or in-person seminars
• Workshops you have attended
• Any personal growth you have worked on
• Internships

Focus on Your Accomplishments NOT Tasks

A recruiter is not extremely interested in bland job descriptions and responsibilities. Use the accomplishment section to outline the achievements, awards, and recognition you got from others.

Tips for the Accomplishment Section in a Good Resume

• Don’t list tasks!
• Put your accomplishments into numbers where possible.
• How did you make things better for the company or your coworkers?
• How did you make a difference?
• Define how each task you did at work was measured for success.
  • Specifically show how you excelled through concrete evidence.
  • Explain how you did what you did.
    • Example: Made the company $10,000 by discovering and reconciling delinquent accounts that had been neglected for 3 months.

While you are writing, keep in mind that your resume’s purpose is to display your skills and what you have achieved. Don’t be afraid to brag a little. Use your cover letter to display what you can do for the company.

However, there might be times wherein you will stumble, and would require professional intervention. In the case that you are still facing issues in perfecting your resume, you may liaise with a recruitment and consultancy firm similar to Kenny, who might be able to assist you with a curated cv writing service. Having a distinguished presentation of your credentials is still one of the best and most effective methods – whether that presentation is a profile on a networking site, a resume, a CV, or an executive bio.

Now that you have spent all of this time creating a resume that stands out, send it to your references. This will ensure everyone is on the same page and has the most accurate information. If you follow these tips on how to write a good resume, you have set yourself up for success and are sure to catch the recruiter’s eye.