Five Tips for Creating a Standout Resume

Life may be constantly changing, but one thing in the working world has stayed the same: the need for a strong resume.

Even with platforms like LinkedIn and online portfolios, your resume remains a one-stop shop for employers to quickly see your experience, strengths, and skills. Knowing this is often their first impression of you, it’s normal to wonder: “What should I actually include?”

Don’t worry—we’ve got your back. Here are five essential tips to help you create a standout resume, plus a few bonus tips to give you an edge.

1. Start with the Basics: Contact Info

It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most commonly missed pieces. Make sure to include:

• Your full name

• Phone number

• A professional, frequently-checked email address (not your old school email!)

• City and state—no need to include your full address

• If you’re remote-ready, add “Remote Equipped” next to your location

You want to make it easy for employers to reach you—don’t make them dig.

2. Add a Summary Statement

This short intro (3–4 sentences) is where you give employers a snapshot of who you are, what you’re looking for, and what you bring to the table.

Place it at the top of your resume. A great summary makes your resume feel more personal and focused, rather than just a list of jobs.

3. Include Relevant Education

Whether you’ve completed high school, college, or a trade program, be sure to list:

• Your highest level of education

• The name of the school

• The year you graduated

If you’re a college grad, it’s totally fine to leave off your high school education to save space.

4. Focus on Experience That Matters

Your experience section is where you show employers why you’re the right fit. Include:

• Relevant jobs, internships, or temporary work

• The dates you worked

• A few bullet points about what you accomplished or learned

Pro tip: Don’t include every job you’ve ever had. Only include roles that relate to the job you’re applying for, and list them in reverse chronological order.

5. Highlight Your Skills

This is where you set yourself apart. Include a mix of:

• Hard skills (e.g. Microsoft Office, SEO, QuickBooks, Adobe, bilingual)

• Soft skills (e.g. communication, leadership, problem-solving, attention to detail)

If you’re unsure what to list, ask a former coworker or mentor what strengths they’ve seen in you. And if you’re light on experience, lean hard on those soft skills—employers want to see potential.

Bonus Tips

• Match your resume to the job. Applying for a creative role? Make your resume visually appealing. Going for something like accounting or admin? Keep it clean and structured.

• Watch out for ATS. Some larger companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes. To make it through, keep formatting simple and include keywords from the job description.

• Always tailor your resume to the position—generic resumes don’t stand out.

Quick Resume Do’s & Don’ts

DO:
✔ Check your spelling and grammar (Grammarly is your friend!)
✔ Use clear, strong action verbs like “managed,” “developed,” or “streamlined”
✔ Save your resume as a PDF with a clear file name: FirstName LastName Resume
✔ Keep it to one page, if possible
✔ Include measurable achievements, awards, or goals

DON’T:
✘ Use vague verbs like “responsible for” or “helped”
✘ Link to your LinkedIn unless it’s polished and up-to-date
✘ Cram too much—white space makes it easier to read

Now that you’re ready to build a killer resume…
Head to Of The West to search for open roles, and don’t forget to upload your resume to your free profile so employers can find you in our Resume Database!

Need one-on-one resume help? We offer professional resume creation and consultations. Click here to learn more.