How to Make Your Resume Stand Out (According to a Recruiter)

Your resume is often the first thing an employer or recruiter sees, and first impressions matter. In a competitive job market, it's not enough to simply list your past roles. A strong resume should tell a clear, confident story about who you are, what you've accomplished, and where you want to go next. 

At Integrated Staffing, our recruiters review hundreds of resumes every week across industries from construction and administration to finance and skilled trades. We know what makes a resume grab attention, and just as importantly, what makes one get overlooked. 

Here's what our recruiters have to say about what makes a resume truly stand out in today's hiring landscape. 

Keep it Clear, Concise, and Easy to Read

Your resume doesn't have to be flashy to make an impact. The best resumes are clean, well-organized, and effortless to read. Hiring managers spend, on average, less than 10 seconds scanning an application before deciding whether to keep reading. 

A few rules to live by: 

• Stick to one or two pages and only include the experience that's relevant and recent.
• Use a simple, professional font like Arial or Times New Roman.
• Keep plenty of white space so the page doesn't feel crowded.
• Save and send your resume as a PDF, to preserve formatting 

Good design should help someone navigate your experience, not distract from it. 

Customize it for Every Job Application

This is one of the most overlooked steps, yet one of the most important. 

Recruiters can instantly spot a generic resume that's been sent to multiple companies. It signals that the applicant hasn't taken the time to understand the specific opportunity. 

Before you submit, take five minutes to tailor your resume for the role: 

• Read the job posting carefully and highlight key skills or requirements.
• Mirror some of that language in your resume. For example, if the employer mentions "project coordination", use that same phrase instead of "team management".
• Move your most relevant experience closer to the top of each section. 

You don't need to rewrite your entire resume each time. Small, smart adjustments can be made in order to speak directly to the position you're applying for.

Focus on Achievements, not Just Responsibilities 

Listing duties is fine, but it doesn't show the impact you made. 

Employers are looking for measurable results that demonstrate you can deliver value. That means shifting your bullet points from "what you did" to "what you achieved". 

For example, instead of saying "responsible for managing client schedules and office supplies", try "coordinated scheduling for 15-person client team, reducing delays by 20% and improving daily productivity".

Wherever possible, use numbers, outcomes, and action verbs. They instantly add credibility and make your experience feel tangible. 

Lead with a Strong Professional Summary 

Think of the top of your resume as prime real estate. A short, professional summary of 2-3 sentences helps a reader understand who you are before diving into the details. 

A good summary should cover your years of experience, key strengths, and what kind of work environment or roles you're targeting. Keep it professional but personal. 

Avoid overused, cliche phrases like team player or hard worker as they're vague and don't add substance. Show your value through unique specifics. 

Include the Right Details (and Skip the Rest) 

You don't need to include everything you've ever done. Focus on information that supports your next move. That might mean cutting older and unrelated jobs, or simplifying entries from early in your career. 

Make sure these essentials are always there: 

• Full name and up-to-date contact information
• City and province (not your full address)
• Phone number and (professional) email address
• Optional: link to your LinkedIn profile 

Avoid including personal details like birthdate, marital status, or headshots as they're unnecessary and can even be a distraction. 

Add a Skills Section that Actually Helps 

A skills section can be useful if it's relevant. Instead of a long, generic list, include six to eight focused skills that apply directly to the position you're applying for. 

For example, for an administrative job, these skills could look like: 

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Data entry and scheduling software
• Customer communication
• Time management and organization

Avoid vague terms like "multitasking" or "leadership". Employers want to see concrete, job-related skills that show how you can hit the ground running. 

Proofread (and then Proofread Again) 

Typos, inconsistent formatting, or missing punctuation can make even the strongest resume look careless. Before submitting, read your resume out loud or use a free grammar checker to catch potential errors. Better yet, have a friend or family member review it. A fresh set of eyes can spot things you'll miss. 

Attention to detail is a soft skill every employer values, and your resume is your first opportunity to demonstrate it. 

Final Thoughts 

Your resume is more than a list of jobs. Your resume is a snapshot of your professional story. when it's clear, personalized, and focused on results, it gives employers a reason to take notice. In a job market where recruiters can be inundated with hundreds of resumes for a single position, your resume is your key to standing out among the crowd. 

If you're not sure where to start, or if your resume could use a second opinion, our team at Integrated Staffing can help. 

Submit your resume or apply for open roles today.