In today’s competitive job market, your resume is more than just a list of your work history — it’s your personal marketing document. Whether you’re actively job hunting or passively exploring new opportunities, having a strong, well-crafted resume is essential to landing interviews and ultimately securing your dream role.
At Pivotal Solutions, we’ve reviewed thousands of resumes and partnered with countless job seekers to help them present their best professional selves. Our recruiting experts know exactly what hiring managers look for, and we’re here to share the top five things every resume should include to maximize your chances of success.
- Clear and Compelling Professional Summary
Your professional summary (sometimes called a career summary or profile) is the first thing recruiters and hiring managers see. This 3-4 sentence section at the top of your resume should quickly communicate who you are, what you bring to the table, and what you’re looking for.
What to include:
- Your job title or professional identity
- Years of experience in your field
- Key skills or areas of expertise
- A brief mention of your career goals or what you’re seeking
Example:
“Results-driven Marketing Manager with 7+ years of experience in digital strategy, brand development, and campaign management. Proven track record of increasing ROI by 35% through data-driven marketing initiatives. Seeking leadership opportunities in the technology sector.”
A strong professional summary helps recruiters quickly assess your fit for a role, and at Pivotal Solutions, we help job seekers refine this critical section to ensure it captures attention immediately.
- Quantifiable Achievements
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is listing responsibilities instead of accomplishments. Hiring managers don’t just want to know what you were supposed to do, they want to know what you actually achieved.
How to do it right:
- Use numbers, percentages, and metrics wherever possible
- Focus on results and impact, not just tasks
- Start bullet points with strong action verbs (Led, Increased, Reduced, Managed, Developed)
How Pivotal Solutions helps: Our recruiters review your resume with a critical eye, identifying opportunities to transform vague responsibilities into powerful, results-driven achievements that make hiring managers take notice.
- Relevant Keywords for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
In today’s digital hiring landscape, most resumes are initially screened by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before a human ever sees them. These systems scan for specific keywords related to the job description, skills, and qualifications.
How to optimize for ATS:
- Carefully read job postings and identify key skills and qualifications
- Incorporate those exact terms naturally throughout your resume
- Include both acronyms and full terms (e.g., “CRM” and “Customer Relationship Management”)
Common resume keywords by field:
- Technology: Python, Java, Agile, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Data Analysis
- Healthcare: EMR, Patient Care, HIPAA Compliance, Clinical Documentation
- Sales: Lead Generation, CRM, Pipeline Management, Account Management, B2B Sales
- Finance: Financial Analysis, Budgeting, Forecasting, QuickBooks, Excel
We understand how ATS systems work and can help you optimize your resume with the right keywords for your target industry — ensuring your application gets past the initial screening and into the hands of decision-makers.
- Up-to-Date Contact Information and Professional Online Presence
It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many job seekers overlook this critical element. Your contact information should be current, professional, and easy to find.
Must-haves:
- Full name
- Phone number (with a professional voicemail greeting)
- Professional email address (avoid outdated or unprofessional handles)
- LinkedIn profile URL (customized, not the default random string)
- City and state (full address is no longer necessary)
Pro tip: Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and matches your resume. Recruiters and hiring managers will look you up online, and inconsistencies can raise red flags.
At Pivotal Solutions, we don’t just help with your resume — we offer guidance on building a complete professional brand, including LinkedIn optimization and online presence strategies that support your job search efforts.
- Tailored Content for Each Application
One of the most important resume tips for job seekers: there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all resume. The most successful candidates tailor their resumes to each specific role they apply for.
How to tailor effectively:
- Adjust your professional summary to align with the job description
- Prioritize relevant experience and skills for each position
- Reorder bullet points to highlight the most applicable achievements
- Use language and terminology from the job posting
This doesn’t mean completely rewriting your resume every time, it means strategically emphasizing the experience and skills most relevant to each opportunity.
When you partner with Pivotal Solutions, you’re not alone in the application process. Our recruiters provide personalized guidance on positioning your experience for specific roles, and we advocate for you directly with hiring managers—giving you an inside edge that self-directed job seekers simply don’t have.
Why Pivotal Solutions is the Right Partner for Your Job Search
Building a strong resume is just the first step in landing your dream role. The real advantage comes from partnering with recruiters who have deep industry connections, insider knowledge of what companies are looking for, and the expertise to position you for success.
At Pivotal Solutions, we specialize in connecting talented professionals with opportunities that match their skills, experience, and career goals. Our team doesn’t just submit your resume, we:
- Provide personalized resume and interview coaching
- Advocate for you with hiring managers
- Give you access to exclusive job opportunities not advertised publicly
- Offer insider insights on company culture and expectations
- Support you throughout the entire hiring process—from application to offer negotiation
Whether you’re actively job hunting or simply exploring what’s out there, Pivotal Solutions is your trusted partner in career advancement.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Pivotal Solutions today and let our recruiting experts help you land the role you deserve.
