How to Write a Resume That Actually Gets Noticed

By Heidi Fore – Business Coach

Let’s be honest: most resumes don’t get read—they get scanned for 10 seconds and then moved to either the “maybe” pile or the trash. In today’s competitive job market, a resume isn’t just a list of what you’ve done- it’s a marketing document that needs to quickly and clearly prove one thing:

You’re a high achiever who can get results.

If your resume isn’t landing you interviews, it might be time to clean it up and power it up. Here are 9 resume tips I give my coaching clients to help them stand out from the crowd:

1. Cut the Fluff

You don’t need to list every course, certification, or volunteer experience you’ve ever had. If it’s not directly related to the job—or didn’t lead to a meaningful result—leave it off. Think of your resume like a billboard: only the most relevant, impressive items should make the cut.

2. Use Bullet Points that Start with Verbs

Avoid long paragraphs. Use clean bullet points, and always begin with an action verb like Led, Built, Created, Increased, or Streamlined. Each bullet should tell a mini success story: What did you do—and what was the result for your team or company?

Example:  Improved onboarding process, reducing employee training time by 30%.

3. Be Specific. Use Numbers. Show Results.

Hiring managers love data. Include how many clients you served, how much revenue you helped generate, how many people you managed, or how much time/money you saved. The more specific, the better.

4. Save It Right

Your resume should be saved as a PDF to preserve formatting, and the file name should be professional and clear: JaneDoe_Resume.pdf Avoid generic names like “Resume2023FinalFinal.pdf.”

5. Use AI to Polish It

Before you hit send, run your resume through KickResume.com or another free AI resume checker. It’ll help you fix formatting, flag weak language, and suggest improvements to help you sound more professional and results-driven.

6. Tailor It for the Job You Want

One-size-fits-all resumes get ignored. Your objective (if you include one) and bullet points should speak directly to the job posting. Use keywords from the job description. Highlight relevant accomplishments. Make it feel like you were made for this role.

7. Pass the 10-Second Test

Here’s a powerful trick: Print out your resume and lay it on the table. Walk out of the room. Then walk back in and look at it like a stranger. Can you see the most impressive parts in 10 seconds or less? If not, revise your layout. Use bold headers, clear spacing, and strategic positioning to guide the eye.

8. Follow Up

Sometimes great resumes never reach the right person. Emails land in spam. Attachments get overlooked. Send a polite follow-up 3-5 days after applying to express your interest and make sure your resume was received.

9. Show You're a High Achiever

At the end of the day, your resume should tell a story: This is someone who doesn’t just do the job- they elevate it. Let your numbers, impact, and clarity do the talking.

Final Thoughts

Your resume is the first impression of your professional story. Make sure it's clear, compelling, and customized for the opportunity in front of you. A few extra minutes spent refining your resume today could be the reason you land your dream job tomorrow.

If you want help reviewing your resume or preparing for interviews, I offer one-on-one coaching sessions.