Writing a Resume that Gets You Noticed.
How to Write a Resume That Gets You Noticed.
12th December 2025 - Ashney Leitao
In today’s competitive job market, your resume is your first chance to make an impression. LinkedIn research shows recruiters spend only seconds reviewing each application, so your resume must quickly highlight your skills, achievements and value. Expert advice from recruitment leaders and Indeed confirms that a strong resume remains a crucial tool to stand out and secure interviews.
Here are five key principles to keep in mind when writing a resume that gets noticed.
1. Tailor Your Resume to the Job
Generic resumes don’t perform well. Take time to customise your resume for each role by including relevant keywords from the job description. This helps your application pass both Applicant Tracking Systems and human review.
For example, if a listing emphasises “project management” and “stakeholder engagement,” make sure these phrases and achievements are clearly reflected.
2. Use Strong, Action-Driven Language
Resumes that demonstrate impact stand out. Use active verbs like achieved, led, delivered and improved to show initiative. Quantify your achievements, such as “increased revenue by 25% in one quarter,” to provide clear evidence of your capabilities.
3. Highlight Relevant Skills and Achievements
Focus on accomplishments rather than general responsibilities. Include measurable outcomes to show real value. Highlight both hard skills, like software proficiency, and soft skills, like leadership and problem-solving, that are relevant to the job.
4. Keep It Clear and Easy to Read
A clean, structured resume with headings, bullet points and white space helps recruiters scan quickly. Use professional fonts and logical sections. Avoid clutter unless you are in a creative field where a more visual style is expected.
5. Tell Your Professional Story
Include a concise professional summary at the top that captures your experience, strengths and career goals. For early-career professionals, a career objective can signal intent. Experienced candidates benefit from a summary focused on past achievements.
Why Resumes Still Matter?
Even in the age of LinkedIn, resumes are central to hiring. They allow employers to quickly assess skills and experience, compare candidates, and make screening decisions before interviews. A well-written resume opens doors to opportunities and sets the tone for your professional story.
Final Tip
Proofread thoroughly and get feedback from a colleague, mentor, or professional reviewer. A strong resume takes effort, but it significantly increases your chances of landing interviews.
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