How to Create a Resume That Actually Gets Read by Hiring Managers

In a world where job applications are just a click away, having a resume that stands out is more crucial than ever. A well-crafted resume can be the difference between landing an interview or getting lost in a sea of applicants. But how do you create a resume that actually gets read by hiring managers?

Let’s break it down with actionable tips that can help you create a resume that not only grabs attention but keeps it.

1. Clean, Simple, and Professional Design

Image suggestion: A screenshot of a minimalist, clean resume design with clear headings and proper formatting.

First impressions matter – and this is especially true when it comes to your resume. Hiring managers have limited time to review each resume, so clarity and ease of reading are paramount.

Use clean, simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.

Avoid using too many colors or flashy graphics that might distract from the content.

Organize the content into clear sections: Contact Info, Objective/Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills.

A professional design allows the reader to focus on your accomplishments without getting lost in a cluttered layout. Keep it visually appealing but straightforward.

2. Craft a Captivating Summary or Objective

Image suggestion: A sample resume with a strong, personalized career objective or summary at the top.

You have only a few seconds to grab the hiring manager's attention. That’s why your resume summary or objective is critical. It should be a concise, punchy statement that reflects who you are and what you can bring to the table.

Think of this as your elevator pitch – a quick way to convey your qualifications and career aspirations.

Example:

Objective: “Motivated graphic designer with 4+ years of experience creating brand visuals for global clients. Seeking to bring creativity and innovation to the design team at [Company Name].”

Tailoring your summary to each role shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.

3. Highlight Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities

Image suggestion: Before-and-after comparison showing a bullet point focusing on a responsibility versus a result-driven achievement.

Hiring managers are looking for results. It’s not enough to list your job duties; you need to show how you contributed to the company’s success. Rather than just saying what you did, focus on how well you did it.

For example:

Instead of: "Managed social media accounts."

Say: "Increased social media engagement by 40% over 6 months by developing targeted content strategies."

Use metrics and outcomes to demonstrate your impact. If you increased sales, led a project, or improved a process, let the numbers do the talking.

4. Use Action Verbs to Show Proactivity

Image suggestion: A bullet-point list with action verbs like “led,” “designed,” “analyzed,” “developed.”

The words you choose can elevate your resume. Use strong action verbs to describe your achievements. These verbs show initiative and action, which is exactly what hiring managers want to see.

Examples of action verbs include:

Led

Designed

Managed

Analyzed

Created

Implemented

These words convey that you’re proactive and results-driven, rather than passive or reactive.

5. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application

Image suggestion: A resume with sections highlighted to match keywords from a job description.

A one-size-fits-all resume won’t cut it. Each job is different, and your resume should reflect that. Hiring managers often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes for keywords before they even see them. To pass the ATS filter, tailor your resume by using relevant keywords from the job description.

For example, if a job description emphasizes "project management," make sure to highlight your experience with project management tools and processes if you have them.

Tailoring your resume also shows that you’re paying attention and have taken the time to customize your application.

6. Showcase Your Skills and Certifications

Image suggestion: A resume with a "Skills" section and icons or logos of certifications like "Google Analytics Certified" or "PMP."

Beyond your work experience, employers want to know what skills you bring to the table. Create a skills section that highlights your technical abilities (e.g., software, tools, languages) and soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership, problem-solving).

Hard skills could include proficiency in software like Adobe Photoshop, Salesforce, or Microsoft Excel.

Soft skills could include project management, team collaboration, or creative thinking.

Don’t forget to list any certifications or courses you’ve completed that are relevant to the job. These can help demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.

7. Keep It Concise

Image suggestion: A one-page resume with only the most relevant information neatly arranged.

While it’s tempting to include every job you’ve had, your resume should be concise and to the point. Most hiring managers prefer a one-page resume for those with less experience (0-5 years) and two pages for more experienced professionals.

Focus on recent roles and experiences that are most relevant to the job you're applying for.

Exclude older jobs or experiences that don’t add value.

A concise resume is easier to scan, and it’s more likely to be read in its entirety.

8. Proofread, Edit, and Get Feedback

Image suggestion: A person proofreading a resume on a laptop with a highlighted section.

Spelling and grammatical errors can make a hiring manager question your attention to detail. Before you send your resume, take time to proofread it carefully. Use online tools like Grammarly to catch errors, but also ask a friend or mentor to review it. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes can spot mistakes you might miss.

9. Add a Link to Your Online Portfolio or LinkedIn Profile

Conclusion: Make Your Resume Tell Your Story

At the end of the day, your resume is your personal story – one that reflects your experiences, achievements, and potential. To ensure your resume gets read, focus on clarity, relevance, and impact. By following these tips, you’ll create a document that stands out and gets you one step closer to that interview.

Final Thoughts: Remember, the key to a resume that gets read is customization. Show how you can add value, not just by listing what you’ve done, but by emphasizing what you can achieve for the company. A little extra effort goes a long way!