Essential Tips for Job Seekers

A well-crafted resume is essential for anyone seeking job opportunities in the competitive US job market. Employers often scan resumes quickly, so making sure a resume grabs attention for the right reasons is crucial.

Standing out can greatly increase the chances of moving forward in the hiring process, even when there are many qualified applicants. By understanding what employers look for, job seekers can tailor their resumes to showcase relevant skills and achievements, helping them make a strong first impression.

1) Tailor your resume for each job application

Adapting a resume for each role helps highlight the most relevant skills and experiences. Employers often scan resumes quickly, so showing a clear match for the job can make a positive impression.

Candidates should review the job description carefully and note the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities. Matching these with their own background allows them to emphasize what matters most for the specific position.

It is helpful to use similar language or keywords from the job posting in their resume, especially for required skills and qualifications. This can help resumes pass through automated applicant tracking systems that screen for certain words.

Updating the summary, work history, and skills sections for every job application increases the chance of getting noticed. Even small adjustments, such as reordering bullet points or emphasizing certain accomplishments, can make a difference.

Tailoring a resume may take extra time, but it signals attention to detail and genuine interest in the role. Many hiring managers expect applicants to submit resumes that closely match the listed requirements.

2) Use strong action verbs like 'achieved' and 'led'

Action verbs help clarify what a candidate accomplished in each role. Words such as “achieved,” “led,” “coordinated,” and “designed” clearly illustrate specific actions taken and responsibilities held.

Using action verbs at the start of bullet points makes experience stand out and strengthens the overall impression. For example, “achieved a 10% increase in sales” is much clearer than “responsible for sales increase.”

Recruiters quickly scan resumes for impact. Strong verbs communicate skills and achievements quickly, without extra explanation. This also avoids vague language that makes accomplishments hard to spot.

Choosing the right verb matters. Words like “managed,” “developed,” “streamlined,” and “executed” show initiative and direct contribution. Repeating the same verb too often can be avoided by using a varied set throughout the resume.

Applicants should focus on verbs that relate to the role they are applying for. Different roles favor different wording, so tailor action verbs to match the job description. Clear, impactful verbs can help each accomplishment get noticed.

3) Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific keywords before a human ever reads them. The best way to meet these requirements is to closely review the job description and identify the most important keywords and phrases.

These keywords often include required skills, qualifications, industry terms, and job titles. Candidates should use these exact terms, when appropriate, in their resume summary, skills, and work experience sections.

By matching their language to the job post, applicants improve the chances of passing through initial automated screening. It also signals to recruiters that the candidate pays attention to detail and understands the specific requirements of the role.

Care should be taken to add keywords naturally, without forced repetition or stuffing. Effective keyword usage is consistent, honest, and contextually accurate for each applicant’s real experience.

4) Quantify accomplishments with specific metrics

Employers value resumes that use concrete numbers to demonstrate results. Including specific metrics adds credibility to a candidate's achievements and gives a clear picture of their impact.

Instead of saying “improved sales,” they should state “increased sales by 20% in six months.” This provides measurable evidence and makes the achievement more compelling.

Candidates can use percentages, monetary amounts, headcounts, or timeframes to quantify their work. For example, “reduced processing time by 30 hours per month” or “managed a budget of $200,000.”

If exact numbers are unavailable, using reasonable ranges or estimates is still beneficial. Stating “trained 10-15 new employees each quarter” still adds clarity.

Focusing on key metrics that relate to the role helps the resume stand out to recruiters. Numbers draw the reader’s attention and make accomplishments more memorable.

Candidates should always double-check figures to ensure accuracy and avoid overstating results. Reliable and relevant metrics give hiring managers confidence in the applicant’s experience and potential.

5) Keep formatting clean and consistent

A clean and consistent format helps employers quickly find important information on a resume. Using a simple layout with uniform margins and spacing ensures that the document appears professional.

Employers often prefer easy-to-read fonts, such as Arial or Calibri, in 10-12 point size. Limiting bolding, underlining, and capitalization to section headings makes the resume look organized.

White space is important because it guides the reader’s eyes and prevents the resume from feeling cluttered. Consistency in bullet points, date formats, and alignment also improves readability.

Headings should stand out but be formatted the same throughout the document. Keeping formatting choices consistent sends a message of attention to detail and professionalism.

6) Use bullet points to organize information

Bullet points help make resumes easier to scan and read. Employers can quickly see relevant achievements and skills without having to sift through long paragraphs.

Each bullet point should be concise and start with an action verb. This draws attention to specific accomplishments and responsibilities.

When using bullet points, it is effective to highlight quantifiable results or details. For example, stating "Increased sales by 20%" is clearer than "Helped improve sales."

Organizing information with bullet points also improves the visual appeal of the resume. Adequate spacing between each point makes the content more accessible.

It is recommended to use a consistent style for bullet points throughout the document. This adds to the professional look and makes key information stand out to hiring managers.

7) Include a professional summary that highlights key skills

A professional summary gives employers a clear snapshot of a candidate’s top qualifications. It is usually placed at the top of the resume, right below the contact information.

This section should be brief, typically two to three sentences. It’s most effective when tailored for the specific job by focusing on relevant skills and experience.

The summary should include a mix of soft and hard skills that match the job requirements. Candidates can also mention notable achievements or certifications to support their value.

Using concise and direct language helps employers quickly understand what the candidate offers. Avoiding vague statements or generic phrases keeps the summary focused and meaningful.

When worded effectively, a professional summary makes it easier for employers to see why a candidate stands out among other applicants.

8) Focus on results rather than duties

Employers in the USA are looking for candidates who can demonstrate measurable impact in their previous roles. Rather than listing job duties, it is more effective to emphasize specific accomplishments.

Highlighting results shows how an individual contributed to their team or organization. For example, instead of saying “responsible for managing social media accounts,” it is better to state “increased social media engagement by 30% over six months.”

Using numbers and data when possible helps employers quickly understand the value brought to previous positions. Quantifiable achievements are often clearer and more persuasive than general statements about responsibilities.

It is important to keep descriptions concise and focused. Each achievement should relate directly to the requirements of the job being applied for.

Selecting only the top three or four most important results for each role can help keep the resume focused and relevant. This approach makes it easy for hiring managers to spot strengths and unique contributions.

9) Limit your resume to one or two pages

Most hiring managers prefer resumes that are concise and easy to scan. A resume should typically be no longer than one or two pages, depending on experience and the role.

For entry-level candidates or those with less experience, one page is usually enough. This approach highlights the most relevant achievements without adding unnecessary details.

Professionals with several years of experience, advanced roles, or those in academic or technical fields may need two pages to showcase their background. In these cases, including extra pages is acceptable if all information adds value to the application.

Keeping the resume to this length ensures that key skills and accomplishments are quickly visible. Excessively long resumes can make important information harder to find, reducing the chances of making a strong impression.

Carefully selecting the most impactful positions, responsibilities, and results helps create a resume that is focused and compelling. This also signals strong communication skills and the ability to prioritize effectively.

10) Use a readable font like Calibri or Arial

Choosing a clear, readable font is essential for making a resume easy to scan. Employers often look through many resumes quickly, so clarity should be the top priority.

Fonts such as Calibri and Arial are widely recommended because they are clean and simple. These sans-serif options ensure that text is clear both on screens and in print.

Readability helps applicant tracking systems (ATS) process your resume accurately. Calibri, Arial, and similar fonts are recognized by ATS software, reducing the risk of lost or misread information.

Avoid decorative or cursive fonts, as they can make a resume appear cluttered or unprofessional. Sticking to professional fonts keeps the focus on your experience and skills.

It's also important to use a standard font size between 10 and 12 points. This ensures hiring managers can read your resume without straining their eyes.

Understanding Recruiter Expectations

Recruiters in the United States evaluate resumes based on specific criteria, aiming to quickly identify the best candidates for each role. Subtle details and common pitfalls can have a significant impact on whether a resume is selected for further review.

What U.S. Employers Look for in Resumes

U.S. employers expect resumes to be clear, concise, and tailored to the position. They prioritize recent and relevant work experience, industry-specific skills, and measurable achievements. Employers often scan for keywords from the job description, making it important for applicants to customize their resumes for each application.

Professional formatting is also critical. Resumes should use easy-to-read fonts (like Arial or Calibri), consistent headings, and clear section breaks. A compelling summary at the top can quickly communicate the candidate’s core strengths. Resumes are typically one to two pages and should avoid including personal details, photographs, or unrelated experiences.

Employers also pay close attention to spelling, grammar, and the logical flow of information. Quantifying achievements with data—for example, “increased sales by 15%”—is more effective than vague statements.

Common Mistakes That Undermine Your Application

Several recurring mistakes can weaken a resume’s impact. Typos, grammar errors, and inconsistent formatting give the impression of carelessness. Including outdated or irrelevant roles, such as short-term jobs unrelated to the field, distracts from key qualifications.

Many applicants use generic language, such as “responsible for,” instead of focusing on accomplishments. Long paragraphs or crowded layouts make it difficult for recruiters to skim. Including personal information like age, marital status, or photos is discouraged and may raise legal concerns.

Neglecting to use action verbs, excluding measurable results, or sending the same resume to every job without customization can put an application at a disadvantage. A resume that fails to highlight recent skills or training can be seen as outdated or uncompetitive.

Customizing Your Resume for the U.S. Job Market

A targeted resume helps match the candidate’s experience directly with employer expectations. Using recognized formatting and clear language makes it easier for hiring managers to quickly assess qualifications and accomplishments.

Aligning Your Experience With Job Descriptions

Job postings list specific skills, qualifications, and responsibilities. Applicants should read these ads carefully and identify keywords and required experience. By mirroring terminology and priorities from the job listing in their own resume, candidates signal a strong fit for the role.

Customizing work history involves focusing on achievements and duties that are most relevant to the position. For example, if a job emphasizes customer service, they should highlight measurable outcomes in that area, using numbers or brief examples where possible.

Personalizing the summary and skill sections is also effective. Tailoring every section—especially the top third of the resume—raises the chance of passing automated screening systems, known as applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Tip:

Use active verbs (e.g., managed, coordinated, designed) directly linked to the job description’s language.
Leave out unrelated skills or experiences that do not match what the employer needs.

Appropriate Formatting and Language

U.S. resumes typically use a reverse-chronological format, starting with the most recent role. The resume should fit on one or two pages for most professionals. Personal information like age, marital status, or photos should be excluded.

Clarity is prioritized. Bullet points work better than large blocks of text. She should avoid jargon or regional language that may not be understood by U.S. employers. Standard U.S. English spelling and concise sentences are best.

Table: U.S. Resume Formatting Essentials

Element Guidance Length 1–2 pages Contact Info Name, city/state, phone, email Summary/Objective Optional; keep brief and relevant Work History Reverse-chronological order Personal Details Do not include age, photo, etc.

A professional, easy-to-scan design keeps the focus on what matters: skills, achievements, and fit for the job.

10 Ways to Make Your Resume Stand Out in the USA