How to Make Your Resume Stand Out

I know job searching can feel overwhelming. You pour your heart into perfecting your resume, applying to countless jobs, and then… silence. It’s frustrating, and honestly, it can make you question your own worth. But I want you to know—you are more than a piece of paper. And you will find the right opportunity.

Let’s take a deep breath together. Now, let’s talk about how to give your resume the best chance of being seen and appreciated.

Here’s the truth—if your resume is well-structured and strong, you shouldn’t have to rewrite it every single time. But small adjustments? They can make a big difference.

Here’s a simple way to do it without driving yourself crazy:

1. Look at the first three bullet points in the job description.

2. If they match your experience, make sure those are the first three bullet points under your most recent role.

3. Everything else? Spread it across your previous jobs.

This way, your resume naturally mirrors what they’re looking for, making it easier for recruiters (and hiring systems) to recognize you as a great fit.

Do You Need to Change Your Resume for Every Job?

• What Recruiters Actually Look For

• Want to Work for a Top Company? Here’s the Truth

• Standing Out in a Sea of Applicants

• Small Resume Mistakes That Could Be Holding You Back

• The Little Things That Make a Big Difference

• You Are More Than a Resume

C O N T E N T S

I know it feels like they’re picking apart every little detail, but most recruiters focus on just a few key things:

✔ Your skills and keywords (yes, the right words matter!)
✔ The industries you’ve worked in
✔ Certifications (like AWS or Google Analytics—real, job-relevant ones)
✔ Your education

And here’s something I want you to hear clearly: most recruiters don’t care about employment gaps. Life happens. What matters is the value you bring now.

What Recruiters Actually Look For

If you dream of working at places like Google, Apple, or the UN, here’s what you should know—having a referral matters more than a perfect resume.

It’s not fair, I know. But the reality is, companies prioritize internal connections. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply—it just means networking is just as important as submitting your resume.

Reach out to people, make genuine connections, and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance. People are kinder than you think, and a simple conversation could change everything.

Want to Work for a Top Company? Here’s the Truth.

The job market is competitive. Really competitive.

A job that used to get 150 applicants? Now it’s 300+.
A remote role that used to get 2,000 applications? Now it’s 5,000+.
And only about 10 people will get an interview.

I don’t say this to discourage you—but to remind you that if you don’t hear back, it’s not because you’re not good enough. It’s just a numbers game.

So, how do we give your resume the best shot?

• Keep it clean and simple—fancy designs don’t help, they hurt.

• Use strong, clear words—make sure your impact is obvious.

• Apply smart, but network even smarter.

Standing Out in a Sea of Applicants

There are a few things I gently encourage you to leave out:

1. Career objectives – We all work to support ourselves; no need to state the obvious.

2. Skills graphs – No one really understands what “80% good at Excel” means. Just list your skills.

3. References – Keep them in a separate document. You don’t want people calling them randomly.

4. Passive language – Instead of saying you were “responsible for,” say you led, built, created, designed. Show your impact.

5. Overly designed resumes – ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) struggle with these. Stick to a clean, readable format.

Small Resume Mistakes That Could Be Holding You Back

One of the most meaningful pieces of advice I can give you? Include a personal touch.

I once had a hiring manager spend 15 minutes talking to me about fictional books—just because I mentioned it at the bottom of my resume. It made me memorable.

So if you have something unique—whether it’s a language you speak, a hobby that taught you discipline, or a passion project—add it. It might just be the thing that makes you stand out.

The Little Things That Make a Big Difference

I want you to know that I see you. I know how hard you’re trying. And I know how discouraging this process can feel sometimes.

But please, don’t doubt yourself.

• Your resume does not define your worth.

• Networking can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

• You have value. And the right company will see it.

You are doing better than you think. Keep going. I’m rooting for you.🧡

You Are More Than a Resume

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