A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting a Resume Recruiters Can’t Overlook

Why Resumes Don’t Have to Be So Complicated

Resumes tend to get a bad rap. We write them begrudgingly, usually during periods of transition, or tumult. We fiddle with phrasing and format, agonizing over how to present our skills and qualifications in the best light possible.

But the truth is, it doesn’t have to be so complicated. A resume is a just tool — much like a cover letter or LinkedIn profile — for grabbing a hiring manager’s attention. It should be simple, professional and laser-focused on what you bring to the table. And while you’ll need to periodically give it a refresh, adding new keywords and relevant accomplishments, brevity is key.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting a Resume Recruiters Can’t Overlook

Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting a resume recruiters can’t overlook — with a free template you can download and customize.

Choose a Smart Format and Font

Let’s be blunt: The job market is brutal. Hiring is down, unemployment is up and wages have stalled, according to a recent report from the Labor Department. To stand out in this ever-crowded field, you may be tempted to jazz up your resume with creative elements like video intros, headshots or infographics. This isn’t a bad strategy if you’re, say, a graphic designer. But for most job seekers, a traditional layout (reverse chronological order; left-aligned) with a clean, no-frills format is still the way to go.

Add a Pop of Color

If you’re applying for an investment banking job, a hot-pink resume probably won’t do you any favors. But subtle pops of color, like the orange used here, will work for just about everyone. “It’s very minimal, and gives a bit of a design element,” Leavy-Detrick says.

Highlight the Right Skills

Lead with the good stuff. The top of your resume should include “critical keywords and a quick snapshot of your core strengths,” Leavy-Detrick says. Hard skills, or tangible attributes that can easily be measured, take precedence here. If you’re in a tech-driven field, software and programming expertise is what employers want to see on your resume.

Quantify Your Impact

To craft a compelling case, zero in on proven results. Statistics that build upon your skills section are most impactful — bonus points if they show a track record of growth, revenue and profitability, Leavy-Detrick says.

Cut Irrelevant Information

Be discerning with the content — don’t list salary requirements, or tick off every job you’ve ever had. The same goes for social media profiles. Unless your Instagram and TikTok feeds are relevant to the job you’re applying for, it’s probably best to leave those off.

Make Your Resume AI Friendly

Don’t make the mistake of answering each job posting with the same generic resume. Instead, take a few extra minutes to mirror it to the keywords and phrases within the job ad. You’ll be much more likely to make it to the next round of hiring if the company is using artificial intelligence or a computer-generated tracking system to weed out candidates.

Know What Recruiters Are Looking For

Workers need to be flexible these days, and so do their resumes. It’s nearly impossible to avoid change — whether it be updates to technology, staffing or workflow. Now more than ever, proving your ability to adapt is the key to finding (and keeping) a job.

Strike the Perfect Balance

Omitting information can make recruiters suspicious, especially if there are large gaps in your employment history. So make sure your resume doesn’t have too much white space, or gaps in time, without providing a bit of context. If you worked outside of your current industry while between jobs, for instance, nod to that in a brief “additional experience” section.
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