Whether you’re fresh out of college or ready for a career change, your resume is often your first introduction to a potential employer. Before they meet you, hear your story, or shake your hand, they see your resume. And in many cases, that first impression can determine whether or not you land an interview.
So, how do you make your resume stand out from the stack? It starts with understanding how hiring managers and recruiters read resumes. Spoiler: they don’t read them like a novel. Instead, they scan for accuracy, clarity and relevance. That means your resume has to be clean, easy to read and tailored for the job you’re aiming for.
As a staffing agency, Morgan Hunter knows businesses and what they are looking for in a resume. Let’s dive into how you can write for applicant tracking systems (ATS), update resumes for today’s job market and create your own resume that opens the door to your future! 
Keep Your Resume Up to Date
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people hit “send” on an outdated resume. Update your resume regularly—especially when you’re actively job hunting. Add recent accomplishments, new certifications, promotions, or new tools and platforms you’ve mastered.
Not only does an updated resume show that you are detail-oriented, but it also ensures that you’re putting your best and most relevant foot forward. Employers want to know what you’re doing now, not what you did five years ago.
Write for ATS: Update Resumes with the Right Keywords
Just like websites use keywords to rank higher on Google, resumes should use relevant keywords to rank higher in applicant tracking systems (ATS). Most companies use ATS software like Workday, Greenhouse and Lever and others to filter resumes based on keywords related to the job posting. That means if your resume doesn’t include the right terms, it might never make it to a human.
Review the job description and look for repeated terms like required software proficiencies, certifications, skills, or job titles. Then, naturally include those keywords throughout your resume. For example, if the job calls for someone with experience in “project management” or “data analysis,” make sure those exact phrases appear in your bullet points or skills section.
Pro tip: Try to use the keyword phrase from role descriptions you’re customizing your resume for a job post. It helps optimize your chances of being seen—especially if that’s what recruiters are searching for! 
Tailor It to the Job
A one-size-fits-all resume won’t cut it. Employers want to see that you’ve taken the time to understand their needs. Tailoring your resume doesn’t mean starting from scratch every time; it means highlighting the most relevant experiences and skills for each job.
Read the job description carefully and ask yourself:
- What skills are they looking for?
- What kind of experience is required?
- What tone and language are they using?
Then, reflect those in your resume. If a job prioritizes leadership, emphasize moments where you led teams or projects. If it’s a creative role, make sure your creativity shines through in your examples.
Showcase Results
Don’t just list tasks. Show how your work made an impact. Instead of saying, “Managed social media accounts,” say, “Increased social media engagement by 40% in six months by launching targeted campaigns.”
Quantifying your achievements helps paint a picture of your effectiveness. Whenever possible, use numbers, percentages, or specific outcomes. This gives recruiters a clear sense of what you bring to the table.
Streamline Your Design
We could shout this from the rooftop: don’t waste your time with overly complicated fonts, bold colors, or fancy graphics to stand out. In fact, overly designed resumes can be difficult for applicant tracking systems to read. Instead, focus on a sleek, professional design that highlights your strengths.
Stick to one font, use bullet points, and make good use of white space. Organize your information with clear headers: Summary, Experience, Education, Skills. A clean, modern format shows you know how to communicate effectively—a skill every employer values.
Lasty, don’t include a cover letter with your resume unless they ask for one! Many programs will assume the cover letter as your resume, and you will miss your opportunity from a logistical issue!
Proofread. Then Proofread Again.
Typos and formatting errors can be an instant dealbreaker. They suggest a lack of attention to detail, which can hurt your credibility. Run your resume through a spell checker, read it out loud and revisit it with fresh eyes.
Proofing your own writing can be challenging. We recommend asking a friend to review your resume to spot any mistakes you might be overlooking. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.
As a staffing agency ourselves, we work with job seekers every day to help perfect their resumes. Part of what our talented recruiters do is meet with you, review your resume, your experience, and discuss the specifics of the roles you are best suited for. Personalization and human touch are important to us, and that extends all the way down to the care we give your resume. 
Final Thought: Your Resume Is Your First Impression
Your resume is more than a summary of your work experience—it’s your personal marketing tool. It tells employers who you are, what you can do and why you’re the right person for the job. When you update resumes with intention, write for ATS and highlight the most relevant information, you’re setting yourself up for success.
If you’re not sure where to start, we can help. At Morgan Hunter, our recruiting experts provide insightful advice so you can craft a resume that reflects your strengths and pairs you with opportunities that align with your goals. Whether you’re a recent grad, looking to shift companies, or take the next leap into a different role, we’re here to help you make a great first impression.
Ready to find your next role? Contact Morgan Hunter today and let us help you take the next step in your career journey