What are your goals for the new year? If you’ve been job searching for a while, getting a job in 2025 would definitely be at the top of the list. If you’ve been job searching for a while, you’ll know that getting a job is not quite as easy as snapping your fingers.

At this point, you have to realize that you are competing against a number of factors that may make your job search a little turbulent. First, you have thousands of job seekers competing for the same roles as you. Then, you also have to deal with AI and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) filtering resumes before they even reach human eyes. It’s easy to feel invisible. But here’s the good news: a few practical tweaks can make your resume shine and get noticed. These lesser-known strategies might be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.

Resume Tricks You Might Not Know

These aren’t your standard “add keywords” or “use action verbs” tips. These are practical, creative strategies that can make your resume truly stand out.

1. Tailor Your Resume to Fit Job Applications

Customizing your resume for every job doesn’t mean you always have to pull it down and start afresh. Here’s how you can make quick, impactful changes:

  • Start by matching the job title in your resume to the one listed in the job description. It’s a small adjustment that makes a big difference to ATS software.
  • Scan the job posting for 2–3 key skills or qualifications and sprinkle them into your “Skills” section.
  • Replace one bullet point under your most recent job with an achievement directly relevant to the role. For instance, if the job focuses on project management, highlight how you led a successful team project.

These tweaks take just a few minutes but go a long way in showing that you pay attention to details and are the right person for the job.

2. Show Results with Numbers

Hiring managers love numbers because they tell a clear story. Don’t just say you were “responsible for sales”; say you “boosted sales by 20% in six months.” When you use numbers, your efforts become measurable, and the impact you’ve had in previous roles becomes very clear and helps build credibility.

Think about the impact you’ve had:

  • Did you save the company money? Quantify it: “Streamlined processes to save $10,000 annually.”
  • Did you improve performance? Say: “Reduced project turnaround time by 30%.”

Even if you weren’t in a metrics-heavy role, try to frame your contributions with measurable outcomes.

3. Add a Core Skills Section

A “Core Skills” section at the top of your resume acts like a cheat sheet for recruiters. It’s a quick way for them to see your key strengths and for ATS systems to rank your resume higher.

Example: Core Skills: Leadership | Data Analysis | Strategic Planning | Python | Customer Relationship Management

This secret is to make sure this section is concise, impactful, and helps you stand out immediately.

4. Ditch the Objective, Use a Summary Instead

Objective statements are outdated. Employers want to know what you can do for them, not what you want. Replace it with a compelling summary that highlights your experience and unique value.

For example:

  • “Experienced digital marketer skilled in increasing brand engagement by 30% through innovative campaigns.”
  • “Detail-oriented software engineer with a passion for delivering scalable solutions and streamlining processes.”

A well-written summary can make an instant impression and give a clear picture of you as a professional.

5. Use Keywords Naturally

ATS software scans for specific words, but keyword stuffing can hurt you. Instead, weave relevant terms into your resume naturally. For example:

  • If the job description asks for “team player,” mention how you “collaborated with a team to achieve results.”
  • Use action words like “led,” “managed,” or “optimized” to describe your accomplishments.

This approach ensures your resume feels authentic while still passing ATS checks.

6. Proofread Like a Pro

Even a single typo can hurt your chances. Don’t take chances—use tools like Grammarly for a quick scan, and don’t stop there. Read your resume out loud or ask a friend to review it. They might spot things you’ve overlooked, like inconsistent formatting or unclear phrasing.

7. Upgrade Your Resume Design

A clean, modern design can set you apart without overwhelming the content. Keep it professional:

  • Use simple, easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Calibri.
  • Add subtle color accents that align with the company’s branding.
  • Ensure consistent formatting for dates, headers, and bullet points.

LightForth’s LightResume provides stylish templates designed to impress both recruiters and ATS systems.

Why These Strategies Work

Imagine being a recruiter with 1,500 resumes to look through. How much time would you give each resume? Did you know that recruiters spend an average of six seconds scanning each resume? That’s why you need to make the most of that brief window by highlighting your value clearly and tailoring your approach so you can increase your chances of moving to the next stage.

How LightForth Can Help

At LightForth, we understand how challenging the job hunt can be. That’s why we’ve created tools like LightResume to make the process easier and faster. Here’s what it can do for you:

  • Tailored Suggestions: AI-powered tips to customize your resume and make it ATS-friendly.
  • Impactful Design: Choose sleek templates that are professional and pleasing to the eye.
  • Showcase Your Achievements: Get help quantifying your results to stand out.

Thousands of job seekers have used LightForth to land interviews and secure their dream roles. You can too.

We believe your resume is the doorway to opportunities, and we are dedicated to helping you get it right. That’s why we are offering you a chance to see how your resume fares in real-time using our Resume ATS Checker. All you have to do is upload your resume and see what it scores. Ready to try it out? Click here to begin.