Most people have reasonably good resumes.  They are typo-free and they track the skills, accomplishments, training, and education of the resume holder accurately.  However, to be competitive, a resume needs to be better than good.  What makes a resume stand out?  Two principles deserve attention.

1. Make It Easy
2. Target and Tailor

Recruiters who take the time to review your resume will give it a two-second once-over to see if it reflects key skills and experiences they seek.  Even if a resume is well drafted, if it fails the two-second test you are at risk of being overlooked.  Keep it simple, direct and focused.  Make it easy for them to identify your successes, your core skills, and your education.   Choose a font and format that call attention to these things and makes them clear.  Also, make certain that the style of the resume matches that of others in your vertical.   A marketing resume will look very different to a technology, education, legal or business intelligence resume.  Note the industry preferences and keep your resume aligned with the best of your industry. 

Before circulating your resume, get to know your audience.   You want to market your resume to them.  Develop a general idea of the kinds of companies you would like to join. Let’s say, for example, that you would like to join a start-up, decide whether you want the core business to be technology, social entrepreneurship, real estate investments, retail, sales, education etc.  Also, target specific companies within the group you select.  Research them on the web and within your networks.   Ask around to see what you can learn about their culture and their challenges.  Review the bios and LinkedIn profiles of the key players at those companies.  See how they have shaped their careers and how their skills have developed over time.  Also note what they do for fun, if this information is available, where they attended college and the companies they joined to learn the trade.  See what their position descriptions look like and the qualities they seek to attract.  Use this information to create a resume that reflects who you are AND where you want to be.    

 Map your background to a successful leader in that space.  Analyze where and how you fit the desired profile.  Note the areas where you overlap.  Also, note your areas for growth.  Very specifically, use your resume to address key values, priorities, and needs.   That way, even before being interviewed you will look like someone who “belongs” to the group.  When you are invited in for an interview, you can use your notes as the basis for thoughtful interview questions. 

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Whether you are starting from scratch and need strategic advice, or simply need to polish your resume and cover letters, the search professionals at ExecSearches.com can help. We provide highly individualized service, in a very cost-effective manner.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, email contact@execsearches.com.

Last updated on January 15th, 2026 at 11:12 pm