Resume Tips

How to Make Your Resume Stand Out: 15 Expert Tips for 2026

Discover proven strategies to make your resume memorable and increase your chances of landing interviews.

JA

Jennifer Adams

HR Consultant

January 21, 20268 min read
Resume Tips

Why Standing Out Matters

Recruiters spend an average of 6-7 seconds on initial resume review. In that time, your resume needs to grab attention and communicate value. Here's how to make that happen.

15 Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out

1. Start with a Powerful Summary

Don't waste your headline on a generic objective. Lead with your most impressive achievements and unique value proposition.

2. Quantify Everything

Numbers jump off the page:

  • ❌ "Increased sales"
  • ✅ "Increased sales by 47% in Q3, generating $1.2M in new revenue"
  • 3. Use Action Verbs

    Start bullets with powerful verbs:

  • Led, Spearheaded, Orchestrated
  • Achieved, Exceeded, Surpassed
  • Transformed, Revolutionized, Pioneered
  • 4. Tailor for Each Job

    Generic resumes get generic responses. Customize keywords, skills, and examples for each application.

    5. Choose the Right Design

    Match your template to your industry—creative for marketing, clean for finance, modern for tech.

    6. Include Keywords Strategically

    Extract keywords from job descriptions and incorporate naturally throughout your resume.

    7. Highlight Unique Experiences

    What makes you different? International experience, side projects, unique combinations of skills.

    8. Show Career Progression

    Demonstrate growth through promotions, expanding responsibilities, and increasing impact.

    9. Add Relevant Certifications

    Industry certifications show commitment to professional development.

    10. Include a Skills Section

    Make key skills scannable with a dedicated section using relevant technologies and competencies.

    11. Feature Notable Projects

    Highlight projects that showcase initiative, impact, and relevant skills.

    12. Use White Space Effectively

    Don't cram everything in. Strategic white space improves readability.

    13. Proofread Meticulously

    Typos are resume killers. Review multiple times and use tools to catch errors.

    14. Optimize for ATS

    Ensure your stunning design can also pass through applicant tracking systems.

    15. Add a Touch of Personality

    A professional interests section or unique accomplishment can make you memorable.

    What Recruiters Notice First

  • Current/recent job title - Shows relevance
  • Company names - Recognizable employers stand out
  • Quick wins/achievements - Visible impact
  • Skills match - Relevant qualifications
  • Education - Required credentials
  • Common Mistakes That Hurt

  • Dense, text-heavy formatting
  • Irrelevant information
  • Generic job descriptions
  • Unexplained gaps
  • Inconsistent formatting
  • The ResumeExpert Advantage

    Our platform helps your resume stand out:

  • AI-powered content optimization
  • Professional, ATS-friendly templates
  • Real-time scoring and feedback
  • Keyword analysis and suggestions
  • Conclusion

    Standing out requires intentional effort—from design choices to content strategy. Use these 15 tips to create a resume that captures attention, demonstrates value, and lands you more interviews.

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