Polishing Your Resume: Tips From an Experienced Recruiter

As an experienced recruiter, I’ve reviewed countless resumes — from seven-page narratives to concise half-pagers. Many professionals approach us for resume advice, and while we’re not professional resume writers, we understand what works, what doesn’t, and what our clients are looking for. Most importantly, we know what can make you stand out.

Even if you’re not actively seeking a career change, keeping your resume fresh and up to date has significant advantages. Below are some practical tips for candidates in our niche to refine their resumes:

1. Short, Sweet, and to the point.

Aim to keep your resume to one page, or two if absolutely necessary. To help shorten your resume, summarize positions you held 10+ years ago in an “Earlier Experience” section at the bottom. Simply list the company name, title, and dates. This helps hiring managers see the breadth of your experience without overwhelming them.  You can also adjust spacing to fit more content onto the page without sacrificing important information.

2. Avoid full sentences.

Use bullet points instead of full sentences for a clean and easy-to-skim format.

3. Highlight achievements, not tasks.

Rather than detailing day-to-day responsibilities, focus on measurable accomplishments:

• Sales roles: Showcase year-over-year sales growth, markets served, sales volume, and the number of new accounts secured.
• Account management: Highlight client industries, project size/scope, growth of accounts under your leadership, and key responsibilities at a high level.
• Project management: Emphasize major responsibilities, project size and scope, and examples of key projects managed.
• Design roles: Mention notable projects, software proficiency, and specific design achievements. Always have a portfolio available to accompany your resume.

4. Keep it clean and organized.

Your resume reflects your professionalism. Ensure it is concise, well-structured, and visually appealing.

5. Proofread thoroughly.

Double- and triple-check for spelling and grammar errors. Silly mistakes can leave a poor impression.

6. Include essential contact information.

At the top of your resume, clearly display your name, location (city and state), phone number, and email address. This is where you can also add a direct link to your LinkedIn profile.

7. List recent experience first.

Start with your most recent role, then list earlier roles in reverse chronological order.

8. Write a strong intro summary.

Include a quick summary of your experience (3–4 sentences) under your contact information. This provides hiring managers with a quick overview of your career.

Example: Results-driven sales professional with 12 years of experience in exceeding revenue targets, building lasting client relationships, and driving market expansion within experiential marketing. Expertise in consultative selling, negotiating high-value contracts, and managing complex sales cycles to achieve measurable growth. Proven track record in creating impactful brand experiences, developing custom trade show solutions, and delivering ROI for clients. Committed to providing exceptional client value and aligning solutions with organizational goals.

9. List core skills.

Follow your summary with a “Core Skills” section. Include key competencies of your role and relevant software proficiencies that align with the position you are applying for. To save space, you can split this section into two columns.

10. Include education and certifications.

At the bottom of your resume, list your education, degrees, certifications, volunteer work, and other relevant information.  I’d refrain from listing personal hobbies.

11. Skip the photo (unless you’re a designer).

Unless you’re in a creative field where visuals matter, avoid adding a photo to your resume.

12. Cover letters can make a difference.

While not always required, a thoughtful cover letter can personalize your application and help you stand out. Use it to expand on your experience and accomplishments while adding a human touch.

13. Showcase your successes.

Your resume should highlight your accomplishments in a way that captures attention. Share enough to create interest but leave hiring managers eager to learn more during an interview.

One final tip: Always ensure that the information in your resume, including dates, aligns with your LinkedIn profile.

By following these tips, you’ll craft a resume that not only stands out, but also increases your chances of landing that coveted interview.

By: Amanda Krupinski – National Recruiter and Director of Visual Communications and Branded Environments.