Quick Fixes You Can Do Today to Make Your Resume Stand Out

If your resume has not changed in a few years, it might not reflect what employers want today. Small tweaks can make a big difference for both ATS systems and hiring managers. At Next Step Resumes, we help job seekers update their resumes quickly and effectively.

1. Clean up your format
Use a simple .docx and a well-formatted PDF. Avoid hidden text boxes, columns, and overly fancy templates that confuse ATS systems.

2. Tailor it to the jobs you want
Pick 2 to 3 open jobs and identify 5 to 7 common keywords. Update your bullets to naturally include them. This helps your resume get seen.

3. Show impact, not just responsibility
Ask yourself if each bullet shows results. Rewrite duties to highlight achievements. Example: "Led a team of five to increase quarterly sales by 20 percent."

4. Highlight remote and hybrid skills
If relevant, add a bullet like: "Led virtual cross-functional team of eight across three time zones using Teams and Slack." This shows you can thrive in today’s flexible work environments.

5. Refresh your professional summary
Keep it short, compelling, and tailored to today’s market. Focus on agility, digital skills, and results-focused contributions.

6. Cut what is irrelevant
Remove very old or unrelated roles to make room for your most relevant experience.

Even small changes like these can make your resume more effective and help you stand out. If you want your resume to impress both ATS systems and hiring managers, Next Step Resumes can fine-tune it for your goals.