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Vocational Rehabilitation Blog

Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out

Mar 31, 2023, 08:50 by Chelsie Brann, Vocational Rehabilitation Program Director

Let's be honest; writing a resume can be HARD! It can be confusing and overwhelming to know how to properly summarize all of the responsibilities you had in previous positions. And these days, many employers have A.I. systems that screen resumes before a Human Resources manager ever sets eyes on them.

Here are a few recommendations to spruce up your resume:

  • Look at the job description for the position you are applying for. Highlight the job duties you have experience with and add these to your resume. 
  • Use resume power phrases. Here is a link to some examples: POWER PHRASES TO BUILD YOUR RESUME (ius.edu)
  • Instead of an "objective," have a section at the top of your resume that highlights your skills relevant to the position. This should include a balance of "hard skills" and "soft skills." Some examples of "hard skills" include Microsoft Office proficiency, budgeting, and Search-Engine Optimization. Here is a link to more examples of "hard skills": 82 Examples of Hard Skills To Boost Your Resume (Plus Tips) | Indeed.com Some examples of "soft skills" include communication, teamwork, and flexibility. Here is a link to more examples of "soft skills": 10 Best Skills To Put On Your Resume (With Examples and FAQ) | Indeed.com
  • Use bullet points. Our brains process short-form content better than long-form content.
  • Spend some time thinking about your most significant and relevant accomplishments at the relevant positions you held in the past. Did you increase sales in your department? Did you streamline a process that helped save time? Were you awarded Employee of the Month for excellent customer service? You should include these accomplishments on your resume to show why you are the best choice for this position. Here is an example: "During my time at XYZ Company, I proposed bundling two similar products together and offering a 5% discount for the bundle. This resulted in increased sales of both products by 25% over the course of six months."
  • Have at least two people look over your resume to give feedback and identify any typos or other opportunities for improvement.

Your Samish Vocational Rehabilitation team is here to support you with designing your resume. Give us a call to set up an appointment.