How To Make Your Resume Stand Out (With Examples)

How to Make Your Resume Stand Out in 2026 (With Examples)

In the competitive job market of 2026, resumes are more than just lists of qualifications; they are a representation of your professional identity and personal brand. The keywords you choose to emphasize your accomplishments and qualifications are crucial for navigating Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catching the attention of hiring managers. How you present these keywords stylistically and structurally will set your resume apart from the competition.

Continue reading for ten essential tips on how to elevate your resume in 2026.

Key Takeaways:

Customize your resume for each job application.
Incorporate industry-specific keywords and buzzwords in your writing.
Ensure your resume is organized and easy to read.
Have someone review your resume to identify any mistakes you might have overlooked.

How to Make Your Resume Stand Out (With Examples)

In This Article

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10 Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out
Why It’s Important for Your Resume to Stand Out
Final Thoughts
Expert Opinions
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10 Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out

Remember, you don’t need to implement every tip to create a standout resume. Choose the strategies that resonate with you and add your unique flair.

Your resume should authentically reflect who you are, not just pass through a computer system. Here are ten tips to enhance both the style and structure of your resume:

Incorporate Resume Buzzwords. The primary challenge in resume writing is to ensure it passes through ATS systems while demonstrating that you possess the qualifications necessary for the job.

Utilizing industry-specific keywords and buzzwords will help achieve this goal. If you’re uncertain about which buzzwords to include, refer to this article on resume buzzwords.
Organize Your Resume Effectively. After brainstorming buzzwords, ensure they are laid out in a clear and organized format tailored to your background.

Are you a recent graduate, a seasoned professional re-entering the job market, or a Veteran seeking a government position? Each scenario demands a specific resume structure.

We provide detailed information on various formats for general resumes, Veterans, and federal resumes.
Provide Evidence of Your Skills. As you fill in each section, ensure you substantiate your skills and accomplishments with specific evidence.

Quantify your achievements whenever possible. For instance, if you led a team, specify the number of members; if you enhanced site traffic, state the percentage of improvement.
Keep It Concise. Ideally, your resume should be one page long. If necessary, a second page is acceptable, but aim to keep it succinct. Focus only on information that distinguishes you from other candidates.
Craft a Compelling Narrative. Think of your resume as a formal story of your work experience. Review it through that lens to ensure it flows logically.

Are there significant gaps in your employment history? Does each section connect cohesively?

If you have gaps or are changing careers, don’t panic; we offer guidance on resume summaries tailored for career transitions.
Include a Cover Letter. If a resume summary doesn’t fully convey your transitions or qualifications, consider crafting a cover letter.

A cover letter enhances your dedication to the application process and adds a personal touch to your resume.

Note: Always check the job application guidelines; some may request no cover letters due to high application volumes.
Customize for Each Job. Tailor your resume for each job application to avoid a generic presentation that hiring managers easily overlook.

Taking the time to personalize your resume with specific details for the job can significantly increase your chances of being noticed.
Ensure Visual Appeal. A cramped and difficult-to-read resume can be easily dismissed. To enhance readability, avoid:
- Small fonts
- Excessive colors
- Overuse of different fonts
- Eliminating margins
Recognize that not all resume readers have 20/20 vision; they may discard resumes that are hard to read. Consider incorporating graphics judiciously to improve organization.
Use Graphics Wisely. When incorporating graphics, especially if you’re not applying for a design role, be cautious as excessive visuals can hinder ATS readability.

Ensure your keywords and buzzwords are presented in text rather than graphics.
Proofread Thoroughly. After finishing your resume, review it carefully. Having someone else critique it can also be beneficial. Use tools like Grammarly to eliminate errors.

Why It’s Important for Your Resume to Stand Out

Crafting a resume is a nuanced task — you want to include the right keywords for ATS while ensuring it stands out to hiring managers.

Your resume should effectively showcase your qualifications, including education, experience, skills, and noteworthy achievements.

A standout resume will prompt hiring managers to take a closer look and recognize what sets you apart from other candidates. A visually unappealing resume riddled with mistakes can mean the difference between being considered or overlooked for a job.

Final Thoughts

Creating a distinctive resume can be challenging, especially in a competitive job market or a saturated industry. However, the strategies outlined in this guide can help you stand out.

Ultimately, you know yourself best. Use that insight along with the tips provided to craft an exceptional resume that highlights your unique strengths.

Expert Opinions

How do you get your resume noticed?

Murray Schulman
Independent Business Owner

Recruiters receive stacks of online resumes. My advice is to keep your resume concise and impactful. Grab the recruiter’s attention with your opening lines. Don’t let your resume get overlooked.

How do you make a resume stand out?

Kolby Goodman
Career Coach
The Job Huntr

When crafting your resume, always consider your audience: your future manager. Many resumes focus too much on what the candidate can do rather than how they can benefit the company.

Present yourself as an asset to your prospective employer. Companies evaluate potential assets based on their capability to generate revenue, save costs, save time, or mitigate risks. Aligning your experience with these metrics can give you a competitive edge.

If you’re hesitant to acknowledge your achievements, proactively seek feedback from colleagues, supervisors, or clients by asking, “How have I contributed positively to your work?” This will provide valuable insights into your impact.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Expert

Don Pippin, MHRM, CPRW, CDCS

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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