Crafting Your Resume – Hitting the Highlights & Polishing for Perfection

Highlighting Your Achievements and Skills
Your achievements and skills are the heart of your resume. Rather than just listing job duties, emphasize how you made an impact in previous roles. Employers want to see results, so focus on accomplishments that showcase your value.
Start by quantifying your achievements wherever possible. Numbers make your contributions more tangible. For example, instead of saying, “Managed a team,” write, “Led a team of 10 to deliver a $500,000 project three weeks ahead of schedule.” Specificity demonstrates your ability to achieve measurable outcomes.
For skills, include both hard and soft skills that align with the job description. Hard skills—like proficiency in software tools, data analysis, or foreign languages—are often required for specific roles. Soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, or leadership, show how you succeed in team and organizational settings.
Incorporate your skills into the Professional Summary, Experience, and Skills sections. Instead of isolating them in a list, provide context by weaving them into your achievements. For instance, mention that you used your data analysis skills to identify cost-saving opportunities or employed leadership abilities to resolve team conflicts.
Highlight recent, relevant achievements first. Include older experiences only if they’re significant or applicable to the role.
Polishing and Proofreading for Perfection
The final step in creating an outstanding resume is ensuring it’s polished and error-free. Even minor mistakes can leave a negative impression on potential employers. Follow these steps to perfect your resume:
- Check for Typos and Grammar Errors
Mistakes can make your resume look rushed or unprofessional. Use spell-check tools and proofreading software like Grammarly, but don’t rely solely on them. Carefully read your resume multiple times and ask a trusted friend or mentor to review it for errors you might miss. - Ensure Consistent Formatting
Uniformity in font sizes, bullet points, and spacing enhances readability. Double-check that headings are styled the same way and that there’s consistent spacing between sections. - Keep It Concise
Aim for one page if you have less than 10 years of experience or two pages for more extensive work histories. Remove outdated or irrelevant information to keep the focus on what’s most applicable to the role. - Verify Contact Information
Ensure your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if included) are current. Even one digit off can cost you an interview opportunity. - Tailor and Proof One Last Time
Revisit the job description and confirm that your resume reflects the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. A final proofread ensures that both ATS and human reviewers will view your resume favourably.
With these finishing touches, your resume will be polished, professional, and ready to help you stand out.