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How to Make Your Resume Stand Out on a Job Portal

Share expert tips on crafting a compelling resume, including keyword optimization, proper formatting, and highlighting relevant experience. Explain how job seekers can use Voyage’s features to optimize their profiles for better visibility and more job offers.

In today’s competitive job market, your resume is your first impression. With thousands of applicants applying for the same positions, making your resume stand out is crucial. Job portals are flooded with resumes, and only the most optimized and well-structured ones catch the attention of recruiters. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensuring your resume stands out on a job portal like Voyage.

1. Use a Clear and Professional Format

Recruiters spend only a few seconds scanning resumes. A clean and well-structured format improves readability and increases your chances of getting noticed.

• Use a professional font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, size 10-12).

• Keep margins consistent and ensure proper spacing.

• Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs to list experiences and achievements.

2. Optimize Your Resume with Keywords

Most job portals, including Voyage, use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes. If your resume doesn’t contain relevant keywords, it may not reach human recruiters.

• Analyze job descriptions and include relevant keywords in your resume.

• Use industry-specific terms related to your skills, job roles, and expertise.

• Include both abbreviations and full terms, e.g., "SEO (Search Engine Optimization)" to ensure the system picks up all variations.

3. Start with a Strong Summary

The resume summary is a brief introduction that highlights your experience, skills, and what you bring to the table.

• Keep it concise (3-5 sentences).

• Mention your years of experience, key skills, and major achievements.

• Tailor it to match the job you’re applying for.

Example:

Digital Marketing Specialist with 5+ years of experience in SEO, PPC, and content marketing. Successfully increased website traffic by 150% for previous employers. Passionate about driving business growth through data-driven strategies.

4. Highlight Relevant Skills

A dedicated skills section makes it easy for recruiters to scan and assess your qualifications.

• Hard Skills: Programming languages, software proficiency, certifications.

• Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, leadership, adaptability.

Example:

Technical Skills: Python, SQL, Data Analysis, Digital Marketing, Social Media Management
Soft Skills: Leadership, Time Management, Problem-Solving, Negotiation

5. Showcase Achievements with Numbers

Recruiters value measurable achievements over generic job duties.

• Instead of “Managed social media accounts,” write: “Increased social media engagement by 60% within six months by implementing a new content strategy.”

• Use action words like “developed, optimized, led, implemented, achieved” to make your accomplishments stand out.

6. Customize Your Resume for Each Job

A generic resume won’t be as effective as one tailored to the job description.

• Modify your summary and skills to match the job requirements.

• Highlight relevant experiences and achievements.

• Remove any information that doesn’t add value to the specific role you’re applying for.

7. Add a Professional Profile Photo

Some job portals allow profile photos, and having one can make your application more personal.

• Choose a high-quality, professional photo.

• Avoid casual pictures or selfies.

8. Keep Your Resume Updated

Regularly updating your resume ensures it remains relevant.

• Add new skills, certifications, and achievements.

• Remove outdated experiences that no longer add value.

9. Use a Cover Letter (If Possible)

Many job seekers ignore cover letters, but adding one can give you an advantage.

• Tailor it to the company and job role.

• Keep it concise and engaging.

10. Proofread and Avoid Mistakes

Typos and grammatical errors can make a bad impression.

• Use tools like Grammarly or ask a friend to review your resume.

• Double-check formatting to ensure consistency.

Conclusion

Standing out on a job portal like Voyage requires more than just listing your experience. A well-optimized, structured, and keyword-rich resume can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview. Follow these steps, and you’ll increase your visibility to recruiters and get closer to your dream job!

Need more tips on job searching? Visit Voyage for expert advice and job listings tailored to your skills!