Resume Resolution: Get Noticed More in 2020

New year, new you, same resume? Not this time. Taking your resume from dull to dazzling can be the key to landing your dream job. An organized, well-designed resume that highlights relevant work experience and is full of action verbs can help you stand out from dozens of other potential job candidates. Here’s how to make your resume shine this new year.

Why updating your resume matters

A resume is crucial when applying for jobs and serves as a tool to market your skills. If your resume is a little dusty, brush it off and start giving it some attention. An outdated resume that doesn’t feature your most recent work or highlight your accomplishments is working against you. An updated resume makes all the difference, especially when it comes to being a potential job candidate or not.

Tips to get your resume noticed

You found the job you want, now it’s time to make sure your resume stands out. You want to impress hiring managers and you have a limited window to do so. With a well-designed, updated resume, you’ll be off to a good start. Here are some tips to get your resume noticed.

• Make it appealing, but keep it simple. Design matters when it comes to your resume. If you’re not applying for a design job, you should forgo fancy fonts and colors. While it’s fine to add some flair, don’t overdo it. You want something that stands out, but also makes you look professional. Scroll through Pinterest or Google Docs for some resume template ideas to get you started.
• Keep your resume to one page. While your accomplishments and education may go well-beyond one page, hiring managers only have so much time to review dozens of applications. Focus on what’s important and showcase that first.
• Customize your resume. It may be easy to send the same resume to every job you apply for, but that doesn’t mean you should. By customizing your resume for the job you’re applying for, you’ll focus on the qualifications and skills the hiring manager is seeking. This can impress the employer and will certainly make you stand out. For example, think about your current job description. If you want to apply for a customer service role, highlight tasks you do in your position that you’ll excel at in the job you’re applying for.
• Highlight work experience and show your worth. You don’t need to list out every job you’ve ever had. When tailoring your resume for the job you’re applying for, list the jobs that are relevant. By focusing on how your skillset can help the company you’ll show that you’re the ideal candidate. When possible, show off your skills with numbers. You can boost results by adding percentages to your resume where it makes sense.
• Swap out words. If your resume is lacking serious wow-factor, switch out boring verbs with some fresh new ones. Use strong language to showcase your expertise—but don’t use words you’re not sure of.

Lean on others

Use your friends or professional acquaintances to help you make sure your resume is up to par. If it’s too long, ask someone what information they’d cut out to make it one page. Or, ask for tips and find inspiration from others. You can also surf LinkedIn and view the resumes of those who hold jobs you’re interested in. This will help you focus on how you can make your resume better.

Use the resources available to you

Ashworth has resources available to help you even after you graduate. Alumni receive career services, like resume building, with Ashworth College Central Network. This toolkit has templates you can use as you job hunt and also has mock applications.

If your resume still needs a boost, furthering your education can help. Staying up to date on industry standards can help give you the competitive edge you need. Whether you’re considering earning a degree, certificate, or career diploma, Ashworth’s flexible, affordable learning model can help you. If upskilling yourself was at the top of your resolutions, talk with an Admissions Advisor at or enroll online.