St. Thomas alum Teige Ehlen ’20 shares his advice on how to make your resume stand out.

As a former public accountant turned executive recruiter, I’ve reviewed thousands of resumes, particularly in the accounting and finance space. My expertise lies in M&A/PE advisory, FP&A, accounting, and financial services, but the resume tips I’ll share today are relevant to any professional field.

In my experience, even highly qualified candidates can struggle to get their resumes noticed because they make common, avoidable mistakes. If you’re in the job market—whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional—here are my top tips to ensure your resume stands out.

2. Keep it Concise and Relevant

Recruiters and hiring managers don’t have time to read a novel. In fact, a study by Ladders found that the average recruiter spends just 7.4 seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to keep reading. (Source: Ladders, 2023). Keep your resume to one page if you have less than 10 years of experience and no more than two pages if you’re a seasoned professional.

2. Use a Clear, Professional Format

An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) processes most resumes before they reach human eyes. Complex formatting, graphics, or tables can make your resume unreadable to these systems. Stick to a clean, text-based layout with clear section headings and bullet points. If you need a guideline, I’ve included my recommended resume template at the end of this article.

3. Customize Your Resume for Each Job

A common mistake is using a generic resume for every application. Instead, tailor your resume to each role by:

• Using keywords from the job description (this improves your chances of passing ATS screening).
• Highlighting relevant experience in the top third of your resume.
• Removing irrelevant information that doesn’t align with the job.

4. Quantify Your Impact

Numbers catch attention. Instead of saying, “Managed a team,” say, “Managed a team of 5, increasing efficiency by 20% over six months.” Recruiters and hiring managers want to see measurable contributions, not just responsibilities.

5. Showcase Technical Skills & Certifications

For finance and accounting professionals, technical skills can be a deal-breaker. Be sure to list relevant certifications like CPA, CFA, or CMA at the top of your resume (I recommend putting it behind your name for the most visibility ex. “John Doe, CPA”) and key software proficiencies such as Excel (pivot tables, macros), Power BI, or NetSuite. These can make you more competitive.

6. Avoid These Resume Pitfalls

• Spelling & Grammar Errors: They can cost you an interview. Have someone proofread your resume, or use a tool such as Grammerly.
• Vague Job Titles: If your title is unique to your company but not widely recognized, clarify it (e.g., “Senior Financial Analyst (FP&A)”).
• Objective Statements: Replace them with a concise professional summary instead.

Want a Winning Resume Template?

If you’re interested in a proven resume format that has helped many candidates land interviews, I’d be happy to share my best resume template.

The Best Resume Template: https://blog.skywatersearch.com/the-best-resume-template

Final Thoughts

A strong resume won’t guarantee you the job, but it will get your foot in the door. By keeping it clear, tailored, and results-driven, you’ll significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.

If you’re exploring opportunities in accounting, finance, or M&A, feel free to connect—I’m always happy to share insights!

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