November is National Career Development Month, so it’s the perfect time to focus on yourself and your career. Whether you’re a recent graduate entering the workforce or a seasoned pro looking to switch careers, you need a CV that grabs attention.
Your resume is often your first impression, so you must stand out. How to make resume stand out? Here are 5 ways to create a resume that shows off your career achievements, skills, and personal qualities to help you succeed in any job search.
Guide on How To Make Resume Stand Out
1. Show Your Career Journey and Personal Development
A resume isn’t just a list of your previous jobs and qualifications; it’s a snapshot of your career journey and personal and professional growth. Employers want to see how you’ve grown, your skills, and the career-related activities you’ve done along the way.
Focus on how each role, project, or training has contributed to your personal and professional development, especially if it ties in with your career goals.
Include career achievements, and how you overcame obstacles and gained soft skills. For example, if you led a project at a previous company, mention the successes and skills developed during that time. Including these will give hiring managers a deeper understanding of your professional growth.
Pro Tip: Highlight Career Development
During Career Development Month review your career path and identify where you’ve shown growth. National Career Development Month emphasizes personal and professional growth, promoting lifelong learning and skill development through various initiatives. Add those to your resume to show you’re committed to lifelong learning and career planning. Including career exploration, training sessions, or leadership roles will make you a more attractive candidate.
2. Customize Your Resume for Every Job
Each job and industry will have different requirements so customize your resume for the job you’re applying for. This customization will show employers you’ve taken the time to understand the job and can align your background to their needs.
- Read the job description.
- Identify the skills and qualifications the employer seeks
- Highlight these skills and qualifications in your resume.
- Use keywords from the job listing in your resume.
For example, if a company seeks strong leadership skills, mention any experience supervising teams or coordinating projects. This focus is significant if you’re applying through online job boards or company websites where applicant tracking systems (ATS) often filter resumes. Including targeted keywords will increase your chances of getting past the initial screening.
Pro Tip: Show You’re Adaptable for Career Changes
If you want to switch industries, make your transferable skills—problem-solving, communication, and leadership—stand out. Use relevant keywords but focus on experiences showing how you will apply your skills in a new industry.
3. Show Accomplishments with Metrics and Results
Hiring managers love candidates who focus on achievements, not just job responsibilities. Using metrics to measure your success shows the value you can bring to the company. For example, instead of saying “Responsible for increasing sales,” write “Increased sales by 30% in Q1 through targeted email campaigns and personalized customer outreach.”
Quantifying your accomplishments will grab attention and make your career history more impactful and memorable. You can use percentages or descriptive language to convey impact if you don’t have exact numbers.
Pro Tip: Include Achievements from Different Types of Experiences
Remember your achievements don’t have to come from paid work. They can be from internships, volunteer positions, or even college projects that involve relevant skills or leadership. During Career Development Month many educational institutions offer resources to help students and professionals reflect on their achievements and identify ways to showcase them in their resumes.
4. Show Continuous Learning and Professional Development
Employers like candidates who take the initiative to upskill and stay informed. Listing career-related activities like certifications, online courses or industry workshops will make you stand out and show your commitment to professional growth.
For example, suppose you’re looking for a job in digital marketing. In that case, a recent course in social media analytics or SEO strategy will add to your qualifications and show you’re ready to make an excellent impression. Including these types of career development initiatives will also show a proactive attitude that hiring managers highly value.
Pro Tip: Use Resources to Upskill
November’s career planning month is the perfect opportunity to look into new training programs, certifications, or mentorships to add to your CV.
Many companies and educational institutions promote skills-building resources during Career Development Month, so take advantage of these to review and update your skills.
5. Make a Well Structured and Visually Attractive Resume
The format and presentation of your resume are as crucial as the content.
A well-laid-out CV that is easy to read and visually appealing will make a lasting first impression on potential employers. For entry-level positions, aim for one-page resume, and no more than two pages for experienced professionals.
Divide the document by labeling each section accordingly for:
- Skills
- Education
- Career history
- Achievements
Use bullet points to make your CV scannable and keep the font clean and professional.
Don’t overload the page with too much text—ensure there’s enough white space so your resume doesn’t look cluttered. This resume content structure will make it easy for hiring managers to quickly see your relevant qualifications and spot the experiences that make you stand out.
Pro Tip: Match Your Resume Design to Your Industry
Different industries have different resume styles. Creative fields like design or marketing will appreciate visually dynamic resumes, while a more conservative approach is best for corporate or technical fields.
Find a balance between a clean design and a layout that reflects your professional world.
Creating a Career Development Plan
Creating a career development plan is a crucial step in achieving career success. A well-thought-out plan outlines specific, achievable career goals and strategies. It helps you stay motivated and inspired and strengthens relationships with mentors and supervisors.
Here’s how to create an effective career development plan:
Steps to Create a Career Development Plan
- Identify Your Career Goals and Aspirations: Determine what you want to achieve in your short-term and long-term career.
- Assess Your Current Skills and Strengths: Take stock of your existing skills and identify your strengths.
- Identify Areas for Improvement and Development: Recognize the skills and knowledge you need to develop to reach your goals.
- Research and Explore New Career Opportunities: Look into different career paths and opportunities that align with your goals.
- Set Specific, Achievable Goals and Objectives: Break down your career goals into smaller, manageable objectives.
- Develop a Plan of Action and Timeline: Create a detailed plan with actionable steps and a timeline to achieve your goals.
- Seek Feedback and Guidance from Mentors and Supervisors: Regularly consult with mentors and supervisors for their input and support.
By following these steps, you can create a clear roadmap for your career development and stay focused on achieving your professional goals.
National Career Development Month Tips:
- Focus on Soft Skills: Employers highly value soft skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and communication. Include examples of these skills in your resume, mainly if they’ve contributed to your career success.
- Include Relevant Extracurricular Activities: For students and recent graduates, activities outside the classroom—such as club membership, internships, or volunteer work—can add to your resume. Mention career-related activities like these to show your interest and commitment to learning.
- Don’t Forget the Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to connect more personally with the hiring manager. Use it to elaborate on your qualifications, share your passion for the industry, and explain how you fit the company’s values.
- Career Exploration: If you’re unsure what’s next for you, use this month to explore. Use job boards, career websites, and workshops companies or educational institutions offer to find new avenues.
- Celebrate: Career development is a journey. Celebrate your achievements along the way and be proud of your progress. Remember that each new job or training opportunity adds to your resume and professional growth as you continue to upskill and expand your knowledge.
- Emphasize Personal and Professional Growth: National Career Development Month is an excellent time to focus on personal and professional growth. Engage in lifelong learning and skill development through various initiatives, programs, and events to support your career exploration and planning activities.
Make Your Resume Shine During National Career Development Month
With these 5 Tips to make resume stand out, you’re ready to create a resume that gets noticed in the job market. National Career Development Month is the perfect time to review your career path, reassess your goals, and upskill your professional development. By focusing on your career journey, matching your resume to industry standards, and building on your skills, you’ll be well-positioned to impress and take the next step toward career success.
Book a 10-minute intro call today for expert advice and guidance on your resume and IT career path!
