I’ll admit, resumes aren’t my favorite way to get to know someone. I’d much rather meet face-to-face to talk about their career goals, background, and achievements. But in most cases, a resume is your entry ticket to that meeting. Make sure it represents you in the best way possible. Here are eight tips to help your resume stand out:
- Present Well: I’ve seen many resume formats, from traditional to creative. While every recruiter has preferences, the best resumes are easy to read. Fancy layouts can look appealing but don’t overdo it. Your resume should clearly showcase your skills and fit for the role, allowing a recruiter to get a quick sense of your background without extra effort.
- Be Concise: Avoid lengthy descriptions of past responsibilities. Stick to the key achievements and numbers that highlight your impact. Depending on your experience, 2 to 4 pages is usually ideal.
- Quantify Your Successes: In fundraising resumes, numbers matter. Show your track record at a glance: the amount of money raised, types of gifts (major gifts, planned giving, etc.), and the scale of contributions. Recruiters want specifics on the results you’ve delivered.
- Summarize Highlights: A one-sentence highlight for each role is helpful. State the most significant thing you accomplished in each position. Whenever possible, quantify this to give it context and weight.
- Introduce Yourself: A personal profile section can showcase your professional identity and core skills. If you’re transitioning into a new field, use this section to share your vision and reasons for pursuing this career path.
- Keep It Current: Update your resume regularly, not just with job changes but with recent activities, education, and skills. Include any relevant memberships, board positions, or certifications. Don’t wait until the last minute to add these—stay prepared for any opportunity that arises.
- Aim for Perfection: Proofread thoroughly—typos can undermine an otherwise strong resume. And consistency matters: check punctuation, formatting, font size, and spacing for a polished look. Some recruiters may dismiss a resume over minor errors, so don’t let careless mistakes hold you back.
- Be Honest: Present yourself in the best light, but never stretch the truth. Exaggerations or inaccuracies can come back to haunt you later in the hiring process. Always stay within the bounds of reality. Do not omit short tenures. Even if you’ve only held a position for a brief period, it’s important to include it. Omitting short-term roles can raise red flags for recruiters. Instead, frame them in a way that emphasizes what you learned or achieved during that time.
A resume alone won’t communicate everything you bring to the table, but it’s a powerful first impression. Think of it as your personal marketing document and make it the strongest representation of your abilities and potential.