How to Make an Eye Catching Resume That Stands Out

How do you make an eye catching resume?

An eye catching resume is clear, focused, and easy to scan in seconds. 

It highlights measurable results, uses clean formatting, and places your strongest qualifications at the top. 

The goal is not decoration but rather creating clarity that helps recruiters immediately see your value.

Here are the top tips for making an eye-catching resume:

1. Lead with measurable achievements

Recruiters notice impact, not job duties. 

Replace vague statements with numbers and outcomes.

Instead of writing that you “managed a team,” say "I led a team of 12 and improved productivity by 18 percent." 

Instead of “responsible for sales,” show that you "increased revenue by $250,000 in one year."

Specific results make your resume stand out because they prove your contribution.

2. Use a clean, professional format

Your eye-catching resume format should be structured and readable.

Focus on:

• Clear section headings
• Consistent spacing
• Bullet points instead of dense paragraphs
• Logical flow from top to bottom

Choose simple, professional fonts on your resume such as Calibri, Arial, or Georgia in 10 to 12 point size. 

Overly decorative typography distracts from your content.

3. Strengthen the top third of the page

The top section of your resume carries the most weight. 

Make it count, so include:

• A focused summary that highlights your expertise
• Your most relevant technical skills
• A clear and professional resume header with your name and contact details

This structure immediately communicates who you are and what you offer.

4. Tailor every resume to the job

Generic resumes blend in but targeted resumes stand out.

Carefully review the job description and add resume keywords that match the employer’s requirements. 

Incorporate them naturally into your experience bullets and your skills section so both recruiters and applicant tracking systems can quickly see alignment.

5. Use color strategically

Subtle color on your resume can guide the reader’s eye, especially in section headings. 

Stick to one accent color and keep the overall layout professional. 

Bright or multiple competing colors can reduce credibility rather than improve it.

An eye-catching but professional resume always balances visual appeal with restraint.

6. Keep it concise and relevant

For most early and mid-career professionals, one page is ideal. 

If you move to two pages, every line must support your candidacy.

Remove outdated experience, repetition, and filler language. 

Editing is one of the simplest ways to make it stand out.

If you need additional structure guidance, review our writing tips to refine your formatting and content choices.

These six principles form the foundation of how to write an eye-catching resume that attracts attention for the right reasons.

What makes a resume stand out to recruiters?

A resume stands out when it communicates value quickly and clearly. 

Recruiters look for relevance, measurable impact, and easy readability. 

Strong organization, a focused summary, and well-chosen skills matter far more than flashy graphics or complicated layouts.

Here is what makes a resume stand out in practice:

1. A focused and compelling summary

Your summary should explain who you are professionally in three to four lines. 

It is not a career objective. 

It is a positioning statement.

A strong summary:

• Defines your role or specialization
• Highlights years of experience or expertise
• Mentions one or two measurable strengths
• Aligns directly with the job you are applying for

This is where an eye catching resume heading can reinforce your identity. 

For example:

“Operations Manager | Process Improvement and Cost Reduction Specialist”

Clear positioning makes you memorable.

2. Measurable achievements instead of responsibilities

Recruiters skim quickly. 

Achievements catch attention because they show results.

Instead of listing what you were responsible for, show:

• Revenue generated
• Costs reduced
• Efficiency improved
• Projects delivered
• Teams led

Numbers and outcomes demonstrate credibility immediately.

3. Relevant skills that match the role

Your skills section should reflect what the employer is actively looking for.

Include a balance of:

• Technical skills specific to the position
• Transferable skills that support performance
• Industry-relevant tools or certifications

Avoid listing every skill you have. 

Prioritize the ones that strengthen your candidacy for this specific role.

4. Clear structure and hierarchy

A resume that stands out is easy to navigate.

Recruiters should be able to identify:

• Who you are
• What you have done
• What you achieved
• What you can do for them

Consistent formatting, defined sections, and logical flow make your information easier to absorb. 

That clarity is often what separates an average resume from one that moves forward in the hiring process.

How to make your resume better?

The fastest way to improve your resume is to simplify and sharpen it. 

Strong resumes are focused, edited, and tailored. 

Removing weak or unnecessary content often makes a bigger impact than adding more information.

Here is how to make your resume better quickly:

1. Replace generic phrases with specific results

Phrases like “hardworking professional” or “team player” do not differentiate you. 

Replace them with measurable examples that prove your value.

For example:

• Improved customer retention by 15 percent
• Reduced onboarding time by two weeks
• Managed cross-functional projects across three departments

Specifics strengthen credibility.

2. Remove outdated or irrelevant experience

If a role does not support your current career direction, shorten it or remove it. 

Focus on the last 10 to 15 years unless earlier experience is highly relevant.

Editing older content creates more space for recent, stronger achievements.

3. Fix common resume mistakes

Small issues can quietly weaken your application.

Review for:

• Inconsistent formatting
• Repetitive bullet points
• Overly long paragraphs
• Missing measurable results
• Typos or grammatical errors

Correcting these resume mistakes instantly improves professionalism.

4. Tighten your language

Short, clear bullet points are easier to read than long descriptions. 

Start each bullet with a strong action verb and keep sentences concise.

If you are unsure what to remove, ask yourself whether each line supports the job you want next. 

If it does not, edit it down or delete it.

Refining your resume in this way ensures that everything on the page strengthens your candidacy rather than distracting from it.

Should you add a photo to an eye catching resume?

In the United States, you should not add a photo of yourself to your resume. 

Including a headshot can introduce unconscious bias and is generally discouraged by employers. 

A professional resume focuses on your experience, skills, and achievements, not your appearance.

While some picture resume templates include space for an image, they are rarely appropriate for most US industries. 

Recruiters typically expect a clean layout without personal photos.

Only consider adding a photo if:

• The employer explicitly requests one
• You are applying for acting, modeling, or certain media roles
• The position is based in a country where photos are standard practice

For most job seekers, the safest and most professional choice is to leave your resume photo-free and concentrate on measurable results and strong formatting.

What should you avoid when designing an eye catching resume?

An eye catching resume should be clear and professional. 

If design choices make your resume harder to read or distract from your qualifications, they work against you. 

The goal is attention for the right reasons, not decoration.

Avoid this on a resume:

• Dense paragraphs that are difficult to scan
• Overly decorative fonts or multiple font styles
• Bright or clashing color combinations
• Large graphics, charts, or icons that overwhelm the page
• Long blocks of text without bullet points
• Personal details that are not relevant to the job

Complicated layouts can also confuse applicant tracking systems, which may struggle to read text placed in unusual columns or embedded inside images.

Remember, an eye-catching but professional resume relies on structure, hierarchy, and measurable impact. 

Clean formatting and strong content will always outperform flashy design.

Which eye catching resume templates work best?

Start building an eye-catching resume with our field-tested resume builder. 

Choose from a selection of professional, polished resume templates designed to make a strong first impression.

You can choose from: 

• Simple resume templates. Blending ease and professionalism, our simple resume templates allow you to convey your message effortlessly to the reader.
• ATS resume templates. These resume templates have been created with the ATS software in mind. Using one of them will boost your chances of beating the bots.
• Modern resume templates. Showcasing your innovation and originality, these eye-catching template designs are a quick way to elevate your next application.
• Creative resume templates. When you’re applying for creative field roles, you need to make sure that your application fits the bill. Try one of these unique resume templates.
• Professional resume templates. Perfect for the most ambitious of job-seekers, the professional resume templates are the cutting-edge of style and sophistication.

Of course, the eye-catching resume template you choose will depend on your needs. 

It’s well worth looking through the wide selection that we have before you decide which way to go. 

Make sure that you pick the right resume format for your career journey. 

Most professionals should use a reverse chronological approach, but you may also consider the functional format.

We’ve selected some of the most eye-catching resume template examples for you. 

Check out our top picks below: 

Vienna template 

With a two-column structure and bold header, the Vienna template draws attention without feeling cluttered. 

It works well for professionals who want subtle color and strong visual hierarchy.

Best for: Mid-career professionals
Strength: Clear structure with personality
ATS-friendly: Yes, with clean formatting

Shanghai template 

The Shanghai template offers minimal design with a controlled splash of color. 

It is especially useful for candidates applying to structured industries that still appreciate a modern look.

Best for: Corporate roles
Strength: Balanced and clean
ATS-friendly: Optimized layout

Madrid template

Madrid uses strong header contrast and defined sections to create a confident first impression. 

It is ideal if you want your resume to feel bold yet organized.

Best for: Leadership and growth-focused roles
Strength: Strong top section
ATS-friendly: Yes

Berlin template

Berlin is simple and typography-focused. 

Its spacing and alignment make it easy to read quickly.

Best for: Traditional industries
Strength: Minimal and highly readable
ATS-friendly: Yes

Cape Town template

Cape Town introduces more visual creativity while keeping structure intact. 

It suits candidates in design, marketing, or creative fields.

Best for: Creative industries
Strength: Visual personality
ATS-friendly: Yes, when used without excessive customization

Moscow template 

Moscow emphasizes spacing and clarity.

It works well if you want a modern look without heavy design elements.

Best for: Technology and operations roles
Strength: Spacious layout
ATS-friendly: Yes

Rome template

Rome offers balanced columns and subtle design elements that help guide the reader’s attention.

Best for: Professionals seeking a polished but approachable layout
Strength: Strong visual balance
ATS-friendly: Yes

Toronto template

Toronto features pop-out boxes and defined headers while remaining structured. 

It works well both on screen and in print.

If you want to accentuate your achievements while showcasing your references, this is the way to go.

Best for: Candidates who want a contemporary feel
Strength: Clear content separation
ATS-friendly: Yes

New York template

New York uses a classic monochrome design with a chronological timeline feel. 

It is ideal for showcasing steady career progression.

Best for: Experienced professionals
Strength: Traditional and refined
ATS-friendly: Yes

Athens template 

Athens keeps structure straightforward and easy to navigate. 

It emphasizes bullet points and spacing.

Best for: Job seekers prioritizing clarity
Strength: Clean and simple
ATS-friendly: Optimized

Dublin template 

Dublin features a bold header column while maintaining strong organization. 

It offers personality without sacrificing readability.

Best for: Candidates wanting subtle distinction
Strength: Structured with visual interest
ATS-friendly: Yes

Paris template 

Paris includes a neat skills section at the top and balanced spacing throughout the page.

Best for: Early and mid-career professionals
Strength: Clean and focused
ATS-friendly: Yes

Copenhagen template

Emphasizing your professional story over everything else, the Copenhagen template features an attention-grabbing design. 

Using a color split style, the resume is well-balanced and draws the reader’s eye toward the resume summary and skills. 

If you are a career changer or new to the field, you might find that this is the best eye-catching resume template for your needs. 

Best for: Career transitions
Strength: Highlights transferable skills
ATS-friendly: Yes

Chicago template 

And finally, we have a bold and forward-looking design in the form of the much-loved Chicago template. 

The colorful look of this resume makes it impossible to ignore. 

The design also features clearly marked-out sections, a large summary section, and typographic elements. 

When looking for a top job, you might find this is the perfect resume design for your application.

Best for: High-impact applications
Strength: Strong visual presence
ATS-friendly: Yes

Each of these eye catching resume templates is designed to help you present your experience clearly while maintaining professional standards. 

The right template should enhance your content, not distract from it.

Key takeaways 

• An eye catching resume is clear, focused, and easy to scan in seconds.
• Measurable achievements make a stronger impact than listing responsibilities.
• A sharp summary and well-organized skills section help recruiters quickly understand your value.
• Use clean formatting, simple fonts, and subtle color to stay professional.
• Do not add a photo unless the employer specifically requests it.
• Avoid clutter, dense paragraphs, and unnecessary graphics.

If you are ready to create your resume, choose a template that highlights your strengths while keeping the layout structured and ATS-friendly.

FAQs for eye catching resumes

Here are answers to common questions about creating an eye-catching and professional resume.

How do you ensure your resume is eye-catching?

To ensure your resume is eye-catching, focus on clarity, measurable achievements, and clean formatting. 

Use bullet points, strong action verbs, and place your most relevant experience at the top of the page. 

Subtle design choices, such as consistent spacing and structured sections, help recruiters scan your resume quickly.

What is a good opening line for a resume?

A good opening line clearly states your professional identity and core value. 

For example: “Results-driven marketing manager with eight years of experience increasing brand visibility and revenue growth.” 

Your opening should highlight expertise, experience level, and at least one measurable strength.

Does your resume have to look eye-appealing?

Your resume should be visually clean and professional, but it does not need elaborate design elements. 

Readability matters more than decoration. 

An eye-catching but professional resume balances simple formatting, subtle color, and structured content.

How do you make your resume stand out?

You make your resume stand out by showing results rather than listing responsibilities. 

Quantify your achievements, tailor your content to the job description, and keep your layout easy to scan. 

Strong positioning in your summary and relevant skills will help recruiters quickly see your value.