Job Application Guide

Part 1: How to Write a Resume That Gets Noticed

When it comes to job hunting, your resume is your first impression—and in most
cases, your only shot at getting a recruiter’s attention. But the biggest mistake many
job seekers make? Writing a resume that focuses on everything they want to say
instead of what the employer wants to see.

If you want your resume to stand out, you need to shift your mindset. It’s not just
about listing your experiences—it’s about positioning yourself as the right fit for the
job.

1. Understand What the Employer Wants

A strong resume isn’t about showcasing every skill and experience you have; it’s about
aligning your qualifications with what the company is looking for.

Hiring managers aren’t just scanning for impressive backgrounds—they’re looking for
someone who can solve their business problems. If your resume doesn’t highlight how
you fit their needs, it won’t make the cut.

Before applying for any job, ask yourself:

➢ What specific skills, experience, and qualities are they looking for? ➢
How does my background align with at least 80% of their requirements? ➢
How can I present myself as someone who will bring value to their team?

Once you understand the recruiter’s perspective, crafting a targeted resume becomes
much easier.

2. Make It Clear What You Have to Offer

A good resume gets straight to the point. Instead of listing everything you’ve ever done,
focus on the key skills and experiences that match the job.
Why does this matter?
Because hiring managers work with job profiles—a specific set of requirements they
use to evaluate candidates. The closer your resume matches those criteria, the better
your chances.

A common mistake job seekers make is trying to be a jack-of-all-trades. If your resume

makes you look like you’re good at everything but great at nothing, it won’t make a
lasting impression. Instead, zoom in on what makes you the best candidate for this
specific role.

Recruiters often scan resumes in just six seconds—so make sure yours clearly
highlights your strengths, relevant experience, and accomplishments right away.

3. Your Resume Is a Marketing Tool, Not Just a Document

Think of your resume as a marketing pitch—except instead of selling a product, you’re
selling yourself as the ideal candidate.

It should be:
✅ Well-structured and easy to read
✅ Tailored to the specific role
✅ Focused on how you can add value to the company
Your resume isn’t for you—it’s for the hiring manager. It should answer their key
questions, address their concerns, and position you as the solution to their hiring
needs.

A winning resume follows this simple formula:

➡ Clean design – Make it easy to skim and read.

➡ Clear target – Highlight only what’s relevant.
➡ Consider the reader – Think about what the recruiter actually wants to see.

The more tailored and compelling your resume is, the more likely you are to land an
interview.

4. What All Employers Are Really Looking For

If you Google "what do employers want?" you’ll find long lists of desirable skills
and qualities. But here’s the truth:
Every employer is looking for one thing—VALUE.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about your skills or experience. It’s about whether you
can help the company achieve its goals.

Value can mean different things depending on the role, but it usually comes down
to: �� Increasing revenue or profits
�� Improving processes and efficiency
�� Solving problems that cost the company time or money

Even in non-profit organizations, value matters. Whether it’s fundraising, marketing,

or community outreach, the most successful employees are the ones who make a
measurable impact.

So, instead of just listing job responsibilities, use your resume to show how you made a
difference in previous roles.

5. How to Write a Targeted Resume

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. These
systems scan for specific keywords from the job description. If your resume doesn’t
contain those keywords, it might never even be seen by a human recruiter.

Here’s the key to getting past ATS filters and catching a hiring manager’s eye:

Read the job posting carefully. It literally tells you what the employer is looking
for. Highlight important keywords related to skills, experience, and qualifications.
Incorporate those keywords naturally into your resume.

And no, this doesn’t mean rewriting your resume for every single job application.
Instead, create different versions of your resume for different types of roles.

For example, if you’re applying for jobs in customer service and sales, you can have:

�� A "Customer Service Resume" tailored for support roles

�� A "Sales Resume" optimized for sales positions
If you notice certain job postings include new, relevant keywords, update your
resume accordingly to improve your chances.
This extra effort can make the difference between getting an interview and getting
ignored.

6. How to Show Your Value on a Resume

The best resumes don’t just list job duties—they highlight the impact you made at
previous jobs. Here’s how you can showcase your value:

1. Show How You Increased Revenue or Sales

✔ If you worked in sales, highlight how much revenue you generated. ✔ If you
worked in marketing, mention successful campaigns or lead conversions. ✔ If you
worked in customer service, share how you helped upsell products or retain
customers.

2. Show How You Helped Save Money or Resources

✔ Did you find a way to cut costs or improve efficiency?

✔ Did you negotiate better deals with suppliers or vendors?
✔ Did you streamline processes to reduce wasted resources?

3. Show How You Improved Productivity or Efficiency

✔ Did you introduce automation or new tools to speed up

tasks? ✔ Did you improve your workflow to save time?
✔ Did you train employees in a way that boosted performance?

4. Show How You Solved Problems

✔ Did you identify an issue and take the initiative to fix it?
✔ Did you implement a new system that prevented recurring
errors? ✔ Did you improve customer satisfaction by addressing pain
points?

A resume that focuses on real contributions and results will always stand out over one
that simply lists job duties.
Part 2: Powerful Action Verbs to Make Your Resume Stand
Out
Action verbs are the secret weapon of a strong resume. They bring your experiences to
life, highlight your contributions, and showcase your confidence in the workplace.

The best way to start a bullet point? With a strong action verb.

Too many job seekers rely on weak, passive phrases like "responsible for", which make
it sound like you simply followed instructions. Compare these two statements:

❌ "Responsible for leading the company's marketing team of ten members."

✅ "Directed a ten-member marketing team to execute high-impact campaigns."
See the difference? The second version presents you as proactive, results-driven, and
capable.

Now, let’s take it a step further. Not all action verbs carry the same weight. Below is
a categorized list of impactful action verbs you can swap into your resume to
improve clarity, grab attention, and leave a lasting impression.

1. You Brought in Value (Revenue, Customers, Partners, etc.)

Use these verbs when describing how you generated business, acquired new clients,
or built partnerships:

✅ Acquired | Appointed | Contracted | Enlisted | Forged | Gained ✅

Negotiated | Obtained | Partnered | Referred | Secured | Supplied

2. You Saved Resources or Reduced Costs

If you helped cut costs, improve efficiency, or streamline processes, these verbs show it:

✅ Concentrated | Conserved | Consolidated | Decreased | Deducted

✅ Diminished | Eliminated | Lowered | Lessened | Minimized
✅ Preserved | Reconciled | Reduced | Saved | Trimmed | Yielded
3. You Improved or Optimized Something
When you've enhanced productivity, performance, or operations, these verbs highlight
your impact:
✅
✅ Accelerated
Centralized | Clarified | Converted | Customized | Developed ✅
| Achieved | Advanced | Amplified | Boosted | Capitalized

Enhanced | Expanded | Expedited | Furthered | Gained | Generated ✅

Improved | Increased | Influenced | Integrated | Maximized | Merged ✅
Modernized | Modified | Propelled | Overhauled | Redesigned ✅
Refined | Remodeled | Reorganized | Replaced | Restructured ✅
Simplified | Standardized | Strengthened | Updated | Upgraded

4. You Led People & Managed Projects

If you’ve been in a leadership role, use these verbs to showcase your ability to
manage, guide, and inspire teams:

✅ Administered | Assured | Authorized | Chaired | Controlled | Conducted

✅ Coordinated | Commanded | Communicated | Cultivated | Delegated ✅
Directed | Guided | Educated | Enforced | Ensured | Enabled ✅
Encouraged | Engaged | Executed | Inspected | Facilitated | Fostered ✅
Headed | Hired | Inspired | Instructed | Managed | Mentored ✅ Mobilized
| Monitored | Motivated | Operated | Organized | Oversaw ✅ Pioneered |
Planned | Produced | Programmed | Recruited | Regulated ✅ Screened |
Secured | Spearheaded | Steered | Supervised | Taught ✅ Trained |
Unified | Validated | Verified

5. You Provided Customer or Client Support

If your role involved assisting customers, resolving issues, or providing guidance,
use these verbs:

✅ Advised | Advocated | Arbitrated | Assisted | Coached

✅ Consulted | Counseled | Educated | Encouraged | Fielded
✅ Guided | Informed | Instructed | Provided | Resolved | Trained
6. You Created or Built Something
For roles that involved developing new products, processes, or strategies, these
verbs highlight your creativity:

✅ Built | Constructed | Created | Designed | Developed | Devised

✅ Engineered | Established | Formalized | Formed | Formulated
✅ Founded | Fostered | Generated | Implemented | Incorporated
✅ Initiated | Instituted | Introduced | Launched | Pioneered
✅ Produced | Spearheaded
7. You Wrote, Designed, or Contributed to Intellectual Work
If you’ve created content, reports, designs, or publications, these verbs help frame
your contributions:

✅ Authored | Briefed | Composed | Conceptualized | Conveyed

✅ Created | Designed | Documented | Edited | Illustrated
✅ Produced | Translated
8. You Analyzed, Researched, or Evaluated Data
For roles involving data analysis, research, or quality assessment, these verbs are key:

✅ Analyzed | Assembled | Assessed | Audited | Calculated

✅ Determined | Diagnosed | Discovered | Estimated | Examined
✅ Explored | Forecasted | Identified | Interpreted | Investigated
✅ Mapped | Measured | Predicted | Qualified | Quantified
✅ Ranked | Scored | Sought | Studied | Surveyed | Tested | Tracked
9. You Communicated, Advised, or Consulted
If you’ve worked in public relations, consulting, or leadership roles, these verbs help
illustrate your impact:

✅ Advised | Addressed | Convinced | Conveyed | Corresponded

✅ Counseled | Directed | Discussed | Explained | Evaluated
✅ Illustrated | Networked | Persuaded | Reviewed | Suggested
10. You Achieved Something Significant
Use these verbs when highlighting key successes, awards, or major milestones:

✅ Accomplished | Attained | Awarded | Completed | Demonstrated

✅ Earned | Exceeded | Excelled | Fulfilled | Outperformed
✅ Overcame | Reached | Showcased | Succeeded | Surpassed | Targeted
Part 3: Make Your Resume Stand Out with Quantifiable
Achievements

If you want recruiters to take your resume seriously, numbers are your best friend.
Anyone can claim they’re great at sales, marketing, project management, or customer
service. But recruiters don’t just want to hear what you did—they want proof. They
want to see results, impact, and the value you brought to your previous roles.
A resume packed with specific, quantifiable achievements is far more memorable
than one filled with generic job duties.

Think about it this way:

● Would you rather read: “Managed a sales team and helped increase company
revenue”
● Or: “Led a 10-person sales team to exceed quarterly revenue goals by 25%, securing
$1.5M in new contracts”?

Which one sounds more impressive? The second one. And that’s because it paints a
clear picture of what you actually accomplished.

Why You Should Quantify Your Achievements

�� Numbers instantly make your claims more credible. Recruiters can see your
impact clearly instead of relying on vague statements.

�� It sets you apart from other applicants. Most resumes list responsibilities, but
not everyone backs them up with results. Numbers make you more memorable.

�� It proves you’ll bring value to their company. If you’ve done it before, you can do
it again. That’s exactly what hiring managers want to see.

Not in a Sales Role? You Can Still Use Numbers!

A common misconception is that only sales professionals can use numbers on their
resumes. That’s not true. No matter your industry, you can always find ways to quantify
your impact.

Here’s a mindset shift to adopt:

�� If your team succeeded, you were part of that success. Own it.

For example, instead of saying:

"Assisted the sales team in customer retention efforts."

Try this instead:

"Collaborated with a 20-person sales team to boost customer retention rates by 15%
over five years, leading to contract renewals worth $6M."

See the difference? You weren’t just ‘helping’—you were actively contributing to results.
How to Find Numbers for Your Resume

If you already track your work metrics, great! But if you don’t, start gathering data
now. Here’s how:

✅ Ask your manager, leader, or coworkers for performance records.

✅ Estimate numbers based on past projects—as long as they’re reasonable and you
can explain them.

✅ Look at company reports, sales data, or performance metrics to see how your work
contributed.

How to Include Numbers in Your Resume

Recruiters skim resumes in seconds, so make numbers pop by integrating them into
bullet points.

Here are four ways to incorporate numbers effectively:

1. How Many? (People, Customers, Partners, Suppliers, Team Members, etc.)

✅ "Led a team of 15 car dealers, building relationships with 50+ clients and exceeding
annual revenue targets by 20%."

✅ "Recruited and managed a 6-person data science team, successfully launching a new
data processing platform 1 month ahead of schedule."

✅ "Built a network of 20+ suppliers within 6 months, strengthening the company's

purchasing strategy."

2. How Much? (Sales, Revenue, Cost Savings, Contracts, Fundraising, etc.)

✅ "Increased upsell revenue by $2,000 within six months by improving product

recommendations."

✅ "Secured $5M in new business by effectively demonstrating product value to key

decision-makers."
✅ "Reviewed and edited ad content that generated $100K+ in annual revenue."
3. What Improvement Did You Make?

✅ "Developed an email automation tool that reduced customer service workload by

30%."

✅ "Improved shipping efficiency by 60% by implementing an advanced inventory

system."

✅ "Trained 10 retail employees and reduced onboarding time by 50% (from 4 weeks to
2 weeks) through interactive training methods."

4. What Was the Scope of Your Work?

✅ "Reviewed and edited 40-50 articles weekly, ensuring content accuracy and
engagement."

✅ "Processed 50+ customer transactions daily while maintaining a 98% accuracy rate."
✅ "Designed 70+ social media graphics per month, increasing engagement by 40%
compared to the previous year."

5. Use Comparisons to Show Your Strength

One way to make your resume even stronger? Show how your work outperformed
others.

✅ "Recognized as ‘Sales Employee of the Month’ for surpassing the performance of 12

team members."

✅ "Handled 20% more customer transactions than peers while maintaining a 98%
customer satisfaction score."

The Winning Formula for Writing Bullet Points

Here’s a simple template you can use to write powerful, results-driven bullet points:

● Action Verb (What did you do?)

● Achievement (What was the impact?)
● Quantitative Results (Use numbers whenever possible!)

Example:
"Implemented an automatic report generator, reducing manual reporting time by 50%
and assisting 8 departments in data-driven decision-making."
Insider Tips for Every Resume Section

A well-structured resume isn’t just about listing your experience—it’s about presenting
your qualifications in the most effective way possible. Let’s walk through each section of
your resume and how to optimize it for maximum impact.

Part 4: General Rules for Writing a Resume

1. Formatting

Recruiters spend an average of just 6 seconds scanning each resume. If your resume
isn’t easy to read, clear, and well-structured, you risk being overlooked.

✅ Keep it consistent – Use the same fonts, sizes, and formatting styles throughout.
Decide whether to end bullets with periods or not, and keep your date formats
uniform.

✅ One page isn’t a hard rule – Don’t cram everything onto a single page if it makes your
resume cluttered. A well-organized, easy-to-read resume is far more important than a
short one.

✅ Use bullet points, not paragraphs – Large text blocks are overwhelming. Bullets
make it easier for recruiters and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to scan your
resume.

✅ Avoid excessive colors – Stick to professional, neutral tones. Bright pink, neon
yellow, or deep purple might look cool, but unless you’re in a creative industry, they
aren’t necessary.

2. Content Rules

✅ Stick to standard resume sections – Use "Summary," "Work Experience," "Education,"

and "Skills." This ensures ATS systems recognize your resume structure.

✅ Put your best information at the top – Your most impressive skills, experiences, and
achievements should be in the top half of the first page.

✅ Be consistent with verb tense – Use past tense for previous jobs ("Developed
marketing campaigns") and present tense for your current role ("Manage a team
of designers").

✅ Drop pronouns – Keep your resume formal by removing "I" or "my." Instead of "I
managed a team of five," simply write "Managed a team of five."

✅ Proofread everything – Typos can instantly disqualify you. Double-check for spelling,
grammar, and readability before submitting your resume.
✅ Keep personal details private – Your resume doesn’t need:
❌ Date of birth
❌ Marital status
❌ A photo (Some companies reject resumes with photos to avoid bias).
3. Professional Title

Underneath your name, you can add a professional title that reflects your expertise.
If your current title doesn’t fit the role you're applying for, you can use a generalized
version like:

✅ Marketing Specialist
✅ Operations Strategist
✅ IT Solutions Consultant
If it doesn’t add value, you can remove the title altogether.

4. Summary / Professional Profile

Your summary is your personal marketing pitch—a short, impactful paragraph

highlighting your most impressive skills and experiences.

✅ Make it compelling – Recruiters should immediately see your value.

✅ Back it up with results – Your bullet points in the experience section should support
your claims.

✅ Skip the objective statement – Companies care more about what you bring to them
than your career goals. Focus on what you can do for the employer instead.

5. Skills Section
Rather than dumping a random list of skills, categorize them to increase clarity. ✅
Soft Skills – Communication, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, problem-solving.

✅ Hard Skills – Software proficiency, programming languages, data analysis, financial

modeling.

✅ Industry-Specific Skills – ATS-friendly keywords from job postings that match the role.
6. Work Experience

✅ Put your job title first – Job titles tell recruiters exactly what you’re capable of.
✅ Use bold formatting or uppercase for job titles to make them stand out. ✅
Include employment dates – Just listing years (e.g., 2020–2023) is fine.

Part 5: How to get your resume seen

Landing a job isn’t just about having a great resume—it’s about getting it in front of the
right people. If you’re applying for jobs online without a strategy, you could be wasting
valuable time.

Let’s break down what actually works when it comes to online applications and
networking so you can significantly increase your chances of getting hired.

Do’s & Don’ts When Applying for Jobs Online

1. Apply for Jobs Where You Are at Least a 70% Match

If your resume doesn’t match at least 70% of the job posting, you might be
setting yourself up for disappointment.

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter out resumes that
don’t contain the required keywords. If your resume doesn’t meet the minimum
criteria, it won’t even reach a recruiter’s desk.

�� But what if you really want the job and know you can succeed, even if you don’t
meet all the qualifications?

�� Take the high road—network with someone on the hiring team to get your resume
in front of a real person.

2. Apply Where You Will Stand Out

The most popular job boards like Indeed, Monster, and CareerBuilder are overcrowded
with applicants. Since applying is fast and easy, you’re competing with hundreds (if not
thousands) of other job seekers.
Instead, apply for the same positions on these less competitive platforms:

✅ Glassdoor – Employers pay attention to this platform because it includes employee

reviews and ratings. Applying here signals that you’ve researched the company and
understand what it’s like to work there.

✅ LinkedIn – Having a LinkedIn profile makes you look serious about your career.
Employers will likely check your profile after you apply, so make sure it’s up to date with
skills, endorsements, and professional connections.

✅ Company Websites – Applying directly through the company’s website shows that
you’re specifically interested in working for them.

�� Pro Tip: If a job isn’t posted on Glassdoor, check LinkedIn. If it’s not on LinkedIn,
go straight to the company’s careers page and apply there.

3. Follow the Instructions Carefully

Some applications require additional materials like:

�� Uploading your resume and cover letter

�� Filling out specific fields

�� Taking an employment test

Missing a step could mean instant rejection! Always double-check your application
before hitting submit.

4. Don’t Leave Any Fields Blank

If an application asks for something that doesn’t apply to you, don’t just leave it
empty. Instead, write “Not Applicable” (N/A).

❌ Some online systems will automatically reject incomplete applications without telling
you!
 5. Best File Format for Your Resume?

Follow the job posting’s instructions. If they request a Word document (.doc), send

one. However, in most cases, recruiters prefer PDFs (.pdf) because they:

✅ Preserve formatting
✅ Look professional on any device
✅ Avoid issues with fonts, columns, and layouts
�� If no file format is mentioned, always send a PDF.

6. Keep Track of Your Job Applications

If you’re applying to multiple jobs, staying organized is crucial.

Create a Job Application Tracker to:

✅ Keep track of where and when you applied

✅ Stay on top of interview schedules
✅ Remember to send follow-ups and thank-you emails
Here’s an example of how to structure your tracker:
Company Contact Date Docume Interview Follow-Up
Name Person Applied nts Date Status
Submitte
d

Decipher Valentin Jan 23, 2025 Resume Feb 4, 2025 Sent

Academy e Okom thank
you
email

�� Pro Tip: Use a simple Google Sheet or Notion board to track your applications in
one place.