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How to Write a Resume That Stands Out

Written By Editorial Team

Last Modified: 7th February 2026
5 Mins
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TL;DR
  • Keep resume simple, clear, and easy to scan quickly.
  • Use clean headings and structured sections for better readability.
  • Write short bullet points that show real achievements clearly.
  • Avoid heavy design, graphics, and complex resume layouts.
  • Always review and improve your resume using ResuScan before applying.

What Makes a Resume Stand Out to Recruiters in 2026?

The way recruiters examine multiple resumes every single day requires your resume to present information in a straightforward and readable format. The effective resume functions better than an ATS checker which tests the document before any human employee examines the content.


  • Clear Structure: Use simple sections and neat spacing so your ATS score improves and recruiters find details fast.


  • Right Keywords: Add words from the job post so an ATS score checker reads your resume as relevant.


  • Strong Summary: Write a short intro about your skills and show value beyond just a basic resume ATS score.


  • Real Results: Share numbers and clear wins because recruiters trust proof more than long claims checked by an ATS checker.


  • Clean Design: Avoid heavy graphics since they make it hard when learning how to check ATS score of resume using online tools.


A resume stands out when it is clear, honest and easy to scan. Value and readability should guide your design choices instead of using complicated designs to try to impress.

How ATS Systems Scan and Rank Your Resume?

Many companies use simple software to read resumes before a recruiter sees them. An ATS checker scans your resume and gives it a basic ATS score based on words and structure.


  • Keyword Matching: The ATS checker looks for job description keywords that match the role so your ATS score becomes stronger.


  • Section Titles: Clear headings help improve resume ATS score because the system finds details faster.


  • Simple Layout: Use a straightforward design which enables an ATS score checker to assess your resume without encountering difficulties.


  • File Type Choice: Use common formats like PDF or DOCX when learning how to check ATS score of resume online.


  • Content Order: Important skills placed early can help increase ATS score during quick system scans.


Understanding ATS tools enables you to create better resumes. Recruiters prefer resumes that present clear information with relevant terminology.

Smart Formatting Tips That Improve Your ATS Score

Recruiters can read your resume more quickly when it has a simple and clean layout. The system enables an ATS checker to comprehend your material, which enhances ATS performance.


  • Use Simple Fonts: The selection of Arial and Calibri fonts enables an ATS checker to read your resume correctly, which maintains your ATS score accuracy.


  • Add Clear Headings: Use standard titles like Skills and Experience so an ATS score checker finds important sections quickly.


  • Avoid Heavy Design: The use of graphics and icons together with complex tables should be avoided because they create confusion for ATS checkers, which can decrease ATS score.


  • Write Short Bullet Points: The use of brief direct statements enables resume ATS score enhancement while making achievements comprehensible.



Your resume becomes easier to read because of clean formatting, which creates a system that enables quick scanning and comprehension. The neat layout of your document allows recruiters to concentrate on your actual abilities.

Smart Formatting Tips That Improve Your ATS Score

How to Check ATS Score of Resume Before You Apply?

The process starts when you check resume score before submission which enables you to find and correct errors. The process enables you to determine your ATS score which assists you in enhancing your chances to get selected for interviews.


Step 1: Upload Resume To ResuScan

You must upload your resume to ResuScan which functions as an advanced ATS score checker that evaluates your resume through 40 essential evaluation points while showing you the sections which need development.


Step 2: Review Your ATS Score And Report

You must examine your ATS score with complete attention and then follow the provided recommendations before sending applications.


Step 3: Fix Format And Content Issues

The ATS checker feedback must be used to enhance layout and wording and readability because these improvements will make your resume ATS score stronger.


Step 4: Recheck Resume After Changes

You need to upload the updated file again so you can check the new ATS score which confirms your resume is prepared for screening.


The process of using ResuScan allows users to evaluate their resume and make improvements to it through a sequence of steps. Your chances to connect with actual recruiters increase when your resume achieves a strong ATS score.



Here’s how to use ResuScan:

Step 1: Upload Your Resume in PDF Format

Resume Scan Dashboard Snapshot

Step 2: Add Your Total Years of Experience

Add Total Years of Experience

Step 3: Wait 30 Seconds for Results

Wait for Results

Writing Strong Bullet Points That Highlight Real Impact

The recruiters use bullet points to quickly assess your work experience and accomplishments. Your resume becomes more understandable when you present straightforward information which demonstrates your professional worth.


  • Start With Action Words: The use of strong verbs which include managed and created and improved should be employed to demonstrate your actual responsibilities.


  • Show Numbers: Your work needs clear results which show both percentages and targets and counts.


  • Keep It Short: The use of brief direct statements allows recruiters to quickly comprehend your responsibilities.


  • Focus On Results: You should demonstrate the outcomes of your work by showing what specific changes occurred in your organization.


  • Match Job Role Needs: The use of relevant skills together with specific terminology allows you to demonstrate your suitability for the position based on your prior work experience.


Your resume becomes more effective when you use strong bullet points because they enhance its readability and its ability to show your qualifications. Recruiters and resume shortlisting software can quickly assess your work achievements through writing that uses simple language and focuses on results.

Resume Bullet Points Examples

Weak Bullet Point Strong Bullet Point
Responsible for sales Increased sales by 20% in 6 months
Worked on social media Managed 3 platforms and grew followers by 5K
Helped customers daily Solved 40+ customer issues per day with 95% satisfaction
Did data entry work Entered 200+ records daily with zero errors
Assisted team projects Supported team to complete 10 projects before deadline

Common Resume Mistakes That ATS Checkers Instantly Flag

Tiny mistakes which people can easily fix lead to resume rejections. The missing components lead to decreased resume ATS score which results in decreased resume visibility to recruiters.

Mistake 1: Using Fancy Design

The ATS system struggles to process complex layouts which results in decreased ATS performance.

Do: Use a simple layout that works well with an ATS score checker

Don't: Add graphics, icons, or tables that make it hard when checking resume score.

Mistake 2: Missing Job Keywords

Resume will lose relevance to an ATS checker because of missing or incorrect terms.

Do: Add job-related words to improve resume ATS score.

Don't: Copy random keywords just to please an ATS score checker.

Mistake 3: Writing Long Paragraphs

Both recruiters and ATS checkers face difficulties when they try to examine large sections of text.

Do: Use short bullet points to keep resume clear and readable.

Don't: Write long stories that reduce resume ATS score.

Mistake 4: Wrong Section Headings

The use of creative titles makes it difficult for an ATS system to extract specific information.

Do: Use simple headings that help ATS score checker tools read faster.

Don't: Use fancy names that confuse ATS score checker.

Mistake 5: Sending Without Checking Score

Most people submit their applications without checking their resume for errors.

Do: Use an ATS score checker to review ATS score before applying.

Don't: Skip checking resume ATS score.

Key Takeaways

A clear and simple resume helps both recruiters and ATS checker tools understand your value quickly. 


  • The ATS scoring system requires you to maintain a clean and simple resume design. 


  • The natural use of job keywords throughout your resume will increase its ATS scoring potential. 


  • The ATS score checker must be used to check your resume before you start each application. 


  • The use of short bullet points that show actual results will increase your ATS scoring. 


  • The use of graphics and complex designs should be avoided because they create problems for ATS machines. 


  • The ATS score checker requires section titles to provide clear guidance for reading information. 


  • The ATS score of your resume can be checked through trusted tools such as ResuScan. 


  • The process of reviewing your resume should occur frequently because even minor changes can enhance your ATS score. 


An ATS checker benefits from a simple and clear resume which helps you get noticed by employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write a resume that stands out?

A resume stands out when it is clear, simple, and easy to read. The resume should include clean headings together with short bullet points which display actual results instead of using lengthy paragraphs. The person should include skills together with experience which directly matches the requirements of the job position. The resume needs to maintain a tidy appearance which enables recruiters to assess your worth with swift efficiency.

What is the 30 second rule for resume?

How do I make my resume stand out visually?

What are the 3 C’s of a resume?

What are the top 5 resume mistakes?

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