10 Tips for Writing a Resume that Stands Out

A professional and polished resume is essential for your job search, as it is your primary opportunity to catch a hiring manager’s attention.

A good resume should demonstrate that your experience and qualifications fit the job description, prove your ability to perform the job in question, illustrate your accomplishments, and show your potential to have a positive impact. A bad resume does just the opposite, often times catching a hiring manager’s attention in a negative way. Below are 10 simple guidelines to follow when creating your resume to make sure that it stands out for the right reasons.

• 1. Create a resume that speaks to employers’ needs within the job description.
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• 2. Keep your resume to 2 pages or less; label the second page.
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• 3. Ensure your contact information is up to date and your email address is professional.
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• 4. Show off your military background, but if you were in active combat leave out the details.
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• 5. Always assume the hiring manager knows nothing about the military; avoid military jargon and utilize civilian terminology.
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• 6. Showcase your track record of accomplishments and quantify them when possible.
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• 7. Use power words whenever possible such as: involved with, contributed to, served on, directed.
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• 8. Include relevant education, training, or technical skills that would benefit the job you are applying to.
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• 9. Do not list references on your resume. Instead, create a separate document to send to an employer if asked.
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• 10. Always get feedback on your resume before submitting it anywhere.

You can learn more about how to craft a professional resume in our resume writing workshop PowerPoint or by participating in one of our in-person Warrior Transition Workshops. For an example of polished resume, view our Operations Manager sample.