How to Craft a Knockout Resume That Gets You Noticed

7 Modern Rules for Showcasing Your Superpowers

We’ve all been there — staring at a blank page, trying to squeeze years of hard work into a couple of pages that somehow shout, “Hire me!”

Whether you’re a Registered Nurse, a Certified Surgical Technologist, a Marketing Manager, or pivoting to a brand-new career, writing your own resume is never as easy as critiquing someone else’s. But don’t worry — I’ve got you covered.

These seven rules will help you craft a resume that’s tight, modern, and packed with proof of why you’re the best fit in the stack.

1️⃣ Start with a Headline That Says Exactly Who You Are

Forget the dusty “Career Objective.” Instead, kick things off with a headline that instantly tells the reader who you are and what you’re aiming for.

Are you a Registered Nurse specializing in critical care? A Certified Surgical Technologist with expertise in ortho procedures? A Customer Success Leader for SaaS startups?

Say it loud at the top. Add a subheading too if it helps clarify — maybe your industry, credentials, or a specialty that sets you apart.

One key tip: Aim forward, not backward. Highlight what you want more of in your next role, not just what you did in the past.

2️⃣ Give a Snapshot of Where You’ve Been

Job titles alone don’t paint the whole picture. Add a line or two about each workplace: size, specialty, patient population, type of facility, industry, or client base — whatever gives your experience context.

For example:

Level I Trauma Center with 250+ beds

Outpatient surgical center specializing in ophthalmic procedures

Fast-growing tech firm with $50M annual revenue

This helps recruiters see the scope you’ve handled — and whether you’re ready for what’s next. Tailor these details to line up with the kind of workplace you want now.

3️⃣ Make Your Achievements the Star

Anyone can list duties. The real magic? Showing what changed because you were there.

Did you help slash infection rates as an RN? Did you streamline surgical tray setup to cut turnover time in the OR? Did you boost customer retention by 30%?

Use action verbs and real results — numbers if you have them, but don’t stress if you can’t quantify everything. If it made an impact, write it down!

4️⃣ Sprinkle in the Right Keywords

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are real and so is the quick human skim. Get found and keep attention by loading up on the right words.

Don’t just bury skills in one section, weave them in naturally. Start bullet points with them. Use industry lingo that shows you speak the language: HIPAA, EMR, sterile processing, patient advocacy, change management or whatever fits your world.

5️⃣ Keep It ATS-Friendly

Those bots can be picky. Simple formatting is your friend. Use standard section headers. Spell out acronyms at least once. Write “Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)” or “Registered Nurse (RN).”

Skip fancy tables and graphics that get scrambled. If the bots can’t read it, your skills won’t even make it to a human.

6️⃣ Add the Extras That Make You You

Your license or degree isn’t your whole story. Include professional memberships (AORN, NBSTSA, SHRM, AMA, PMI, you name it). Did you present at a conference? Train new hires? Serve on a quality improvement committee?

Stick to the stuff that boosts your credibility in your field. Civic clubs are nice, but resume space is prime real estate, so fill it with what sets you apart professionally.

7️⃣ Keep It Crisp and Easy on the Eyes

No hiring manager wants a wall of text. Short bullets, bite-sized paragraphs, clear headings, and plenty of white space are your best friends.

Write tight. Cut filler. Every word should earn its place. Clean, clear, modern... that’s what gets read.

One Last Thing: Write for Your Next Job

Your resume is your highlight reel for what’s ahead, not just a history book of what’s behind you. Aim every line at the role you want next.

Show the skills, wins, and expertise that make you a must-interview hire whether you’re scrubbing in for surgery, coordinating patient care, leading a team, or launching your own business.

Stick to these seven rules, and you’ll be miles ahead of the stack. Now go hit send with confidence. You’ve got this!