You’ve seen the posts: “5 tips to fix your resume,” “How to stand out in applications,” “Mistakes you might be making.” But most of them miss the recruiter’s lens. As someone who has reviewed thousands of resumes and worked directly with hiring managers, I know what actually gets attention, and what quietly gets passed over.
And let’s clear something up: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) aren’t rejecting you because you didn’t include the “right” keywords. That’s one of the biggest myths in job searching. While companies use ATS to organize and search applications, recruiters still review every resume. What matters is whether your resume is clear, achievement-driven, and aligned with the role you’re applying for.
This guide breaks down resume building and job application strategies with recruiter-backed insights, plus Do/Don’t examples so you know exactly how to apply them. At the end, you’ll also find a link to a free resume template I’ve created for you to download and use.
1. Start With a Resume Summary That Has Purpose
The summary at the top of your resume isn’t required, but when done well, it gives recruiters a snapshot of who you are. Think of it as your professional “elevator pitch.”
Do: Write 2–3 sentences that summarize your experience, strengths, and career direction.
Don’t: Use generic phrases like “hard-working team player” that could apply to anyone.
Example:
- Do: “Marketing professional with 5+ years of experience leading campaigns across digital platforms. Skilled in brand storytelling, social strategy, and driving measurable ROI.”
- Don’t: “Motivated professional seeking an opportunity to grow and learn.”
2. Focus on Achievements, Not Job Duties
Most resumes read like job descriptions — a list of responsibilities. But recruiters already know what the job involved. What they want to see is how you made an impact.
Do: Use action verbs and quantify your results whenever possible.
Don’t: Write vague bullets that describe tasks without outcomes.
Example:
Don’t: “Responsible for creating email campaigns.”
Do: “Designed and launched an email campaign that increased conversions by 35%.”
3. Keep the Format Clean and Easy to Skim
Recruiters skim resumes in seconds before deciding to keep reading. A clean, consistent format will always win over a flashy design.
Do: Stick to one column, standard fonts, and bold for job titles. Leave enough white space.
Don’t: Use sidebars, graphics, or color blocks that distract or break when uploaded.
Example:
- Do: One-page resume with bold job titles and clear bullets.
- Don’t: Canva-style template with icons, photos, and multiple columns.
4. Tailor Your Resume to Each Role
You don’t need a brand new resume for every job, but you do need to adjust emphasis. Think of tailoring as shifting the spotlight.
Do: Highlight projects and skills most relevant to the job description.
Don’t: Copy/paste job posting phrases word for word.
Example:
Don’t: “Strong cross-functional communicator” (directly lifted from a posting).
Do: “Coordinated cross-functional teams to launch a product ahead of schedule.”
5. Balance Hard Skills and Soft Skills
Soft skills are just as important as technical expertise, but they should be shown through results, not adjectives.
Do: Demonstrate soft skills through context in your bullets.
Don’t: Add “teamwork” and “communication” to a skills box with no proof.
Example:
Don’t: “Excellent communicator and team player.”
Do: “Led weekly team meetings to realign project goals, reducing delays by 25%.”
6. Use Tools Wisely
Resume builders and AI tools are helpful, but they’re meant to support — not replace — your voice.
Do: Use tools to generate structure or draft bullets, then refine them to match your style.
Don’t: Copy generic lines word-for-word.
Example:
- Do: “Implemented new scheduling software that cut interview time by 40%.”
- Don’t: “Improved processes and increased efficiency.”
7. Apply With Strategy, Not Volume
Applying everywhere with the same resume isn’t effective. A smaller number of high-quality applications will always outperform scattershot submissions.
Do: Apply to fewer roles but tailor your resume and notes.
Don’t: Submit the same resume to every job you see.
Example:
- Do: Highlight analytics skills when applying for data-focused roles.
- Do: Highlight leadership and collaboration when applying for team-based roles.
- Don’t: Send the exact same version to both.
8. Treat Job Searching Like a Process
Think of your job search like a project: it needs organization and follow-through.
Do: Track applications, interviews, and follow-ups in a spreadsheet or tool like Notion.
Don’t: Rely on memory or apply passively without keeping track.
Consistency keeps you proactive instead of reactive.
9. Connect With Hiring Managers or Employees
Networking is often what gets your resume noticed. A thoughtful LinkedIn message can move your application from the pile to the priority list.
Do: Personalize your message, mention the company’s work, and connect it to your skills. If the person isn’t the hiring manager, politely ask if they can connect you with the right person.
Don’t: Send a copy-paste note asking for a job or referral without context.
Example message if reaching out to a hiring manager:
- Do:
“Hi [Name], I admire the work your team is doing in [area]. I recently applied for the [Job Title] role and would love the chance to bring my background in [skill/project] to your team. If you’re not the right person for this, I’d greatly appreciate if you could connect me with the hiring manager or someone closer to the role.” - Don’t:
“Hi, I applied for this job. Can you get me an interview?”
Example message if reaching out to another employee:
- Do:
“Hi [Name], I noticed your work in [department/project] at [Company]. I recently applied for the [Job Title] role and would love to hear your perspective on what makes someone successful there. If you’re not the right person, would you be open to connecting me with someone on the hiring team?” - Don’t:
“Hi, can you refer me for this job?”
Approaching people with curiosity and respect makes them more likely to help.
10. Follow Up With Intention
Follow-up is your opportunity to show professionalism and enthusiasm. It should feel personal, not scripted.
Do: Send a thank-you note after interviews, mentioning something specific you discussed.
Don’t: Send a one-line “thank you” email with no substance.
Example:
- Do: “I appreciated learning about your team’s expansion into digital strategy. My background in launching multi-channel campaigns would fit directly into that growth.”
- Don’t: “Thanks for your time. Looking forward to hearing back.”
Free Resume Template
To make this easier, I’ve created a free downloadable resume template for you. It’s clean, professional, and formatted exactly the way recruiters prefer — no colors, no distractions, just results-focused structure.
Use it as your base, then tailor it with the strategies outlined in this blog.
Final Thoughts
Forget resume gimmicks. Forget keyword myths. Forget the mass-apply approach.
What actually works is simple:
- Clarity — a clean, achievement-driven resume.
- Relevance — applications that show alignment with the role.
- Impact — networking, messaging, and follow-ups that prove genuine interest.
When your resume shows value and your applications show effort, you don’t just apply — you stand out.