How to build a standout resume to support your job search

Searching for work can feel like navigating a maze, especially with rapidly changing hiring trends and technology. A key first step for job seekers is crafting a resume that highlights your unique skills and experience while adhering to current best practices.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a resume that grabs attention and sets you up for success in your job search.

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First Things First: Resume Formatting

Before you start writing, keep these formatting tips in mind:

• Your resume should be a maximum of 1 to 2 pages.

• Use clear and concise language in the first person (e.g., “I” and “my”).

• Choose a clean, easy-to-read font like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri (size 10 to 12).

• Use action words (e.g., managed, generated, designed) to start each line of your job responsibilities and accomplishments.

• If you’ve held multiple roles at the same company, list each position separately with corresponding dates.

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Step 1: Personal Details

Stick to the basics:

• Your first and last name – Consider including the phonetic pronunciation if your name is commonly mispronounced.

• Contact information – Include a phone number and a professional email address. Avoid providing personal details like your home address unless required.

• Languages spoken – If applicable, list the languages you speak, specifying written and verbal fluency.

Pro Tip: Avoid including a photo or overly personal details such as your age, marital status, or hobbies unless they’re directly relevant to the job.

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Step 2: Craft Your Headline

Craft a short headline that tells employers who you are and what you’re looking for. Examples:

• “Experienced Digital Marketer Specializing in Social Media Strategies”

• “Project Manager with Expertise in Agile Methodologies”

This headline goes at the very top of your resume, making it clear and immediate for hiring managers.

Quick Tip: Your headline does not need to include your current/most recent job title.

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Step 3: Write Your Summary

A strong resume summary is your chance to make a first impression. This 2-3 sentence section should highlight your professional experience and key strengths.

Questions to guide your summary:

• What am I naturally good at in my role?

• Why do colleagues and employers value me?

• What am I most proud of in my career?

Template:

“[Your Title/Position] with X years of experience in [Industry/Field], known for [Top Strengths]. Proven success in [Key Accomplishment or Skill] and supported by [Education/Training].”

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Step 4: Highlight Your Key Skills

This section acts as a hiring manager’s “checklist.” Use bullet points to summarize your top technical skills, software proficiencies, or industry expertise.

Pro Tip: Tailor your skills section to each job you apply for by mirroring the keywords listed in the job description. This increases your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS), which scan resumes for keywords.

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Step 5: Outline Your Work Experience

Your work experience is the heart of your resume. Include the following for each role:

• Job title

• Company name

• Dates worked (e.g., "2019–Present")

• 2-3 sentences describing your responsibilities and scope

• Bulleted achievements that quantify your impact (e.g., “Increased revenue by 15%,” “Implemented a new CRM system resulting in 20% efficiency gains”)

Pro Tip: Not sure how to address a gap on your resume? Resume gaps are common, so stay confident. Present your time away from the workplace as a period of personal growth and emphasize your readiness to return. A great way to do this is to highlight how you stayed engaged and gained valuable experience, including any hard or soft skills. For example, you might include:

• “Took classes part-time and cared for a family member.”

• “Took time off to travel, and now fully ready to jump back into work.”

• “Spent 8 months volunteering with [XYZ] and learned [new skill developed]. Excited to apply these skills to a new role.”

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Step 6: List Your Education, Training, and Certifications

List your post-secondary education, relevant training, and certifications. Include:

• Institution name

• Degree/diploma/certification title

• Year earned

Quick Tip: Focus on recent (within the last 5 years) certifications that align with the roles you’re pursuing.

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Step 7: Optional Sections

Consider adding these optional sections if relevant:

• Hobbies/Interests – Include hobbies that showcase transferable skills or spark conversation (e.g., leadership in team sports, volunteering).

• Professional Associations – List memberships or affiliations relevant to your industry.

• Online portfolio – Consider creating an online portfolio and including a link to it on your resume—especially if you work in a creative field like design, photography, or writing—to showcase what you can do.

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FREE Resume Resources

Need help formatting your resume? Try these tools:

• Canva: Creative resume templates.

• Google Docs: Free resume templates in the template gallery.

• Microsoft Office: Libraries often offer free access to Office tools.

• Grammarly: Improve grammar and clarity.

• Jobscan: Optimize your resume for ATS keyword searches.

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AI Tips for Resumes

With more than half of job seekers now using AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Co-pilot, and LazyApply to write their resumes and cover letters, hiring managers are being flooded with applications that all look the same. How can you use AI to stand out from the crowd?

• Use AI to create a DRAFT, ensuring several keywords from the job ad are included (while still being truthful)

• Always adjust the auto-generated content to make it your own and sound more like you

• Avoid all fancy templates, graphics, or interesting fonts—AI can’t read any of this

• And be sure to list any AI skills and experience on your resume!

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And finally, a few best practice reminders from our recruiters:

• DO use a spellcheck program to ensure your resume is free of errors

• DO keep formatting and font sizing consistent throughout

• DO align your resume to your LinkedIn profile—they should match up

• DON’T include Reference available upon request—It is assumed that you can provide 2-3 professional references if and when required, so there is no need to include them on your resume

• DON’T use tables, text boxes, or graphics which can get stuck in an ATS and make it difficult to read your resume

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By following these steps, you’ll create a polished, tailored resume that aligns with current job search trends and helps you stand out to hiring managers.

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