Good Characteristics to Put on a Resume in 2025

Before a recruiter ever speaks to you, your resume does the talking. It’s more than just a list of roles and responsibilities—it’s your first handshake, your opening pitch, and a snapshot of the value you bring. A strong resume doesn’t just tell what you’ve done; it reflects who you are, both professionally and personally.

So, what sets a standout resume apart? It’s not just about formatting or keywords (though those matter too). It’s about presenting your experience with clarity and confidence—showing off your strengths with intention and personality.

From crisp structure and error-free writing to impact-driven accomplishments and a clear sense of your goals, the best resumes feel targeted to the position. They’re professional, polished, and unmistakably you.

In this post, we’ll explore the essential qualities that define a truly effective job application—the kind that catches a hiring manager’s eye and makes them want to know more.

Below, we break down the key characteristics that define a compelling, well-crafted resume.

Strong core traits that resonate with employers

A good resume isn’t simply a job history—it’s a curated narrative of your strengths. Employers want more than a list of responsibilities—they’re looking for traits that suggest you’ll succeed and thrive on their team.

Key characteristics to emphasize:

• Clear communication: Demonstrates your ability to collaborate, lead, and articulate ideas.
• Attention to detail: Reflects precision, accuracy, and a commitment to high standards.
• Adaptability: Shows you're comfortable with change and quick to learn.
• Problem-solving: Proves you can identify challenges and take initiative to resolve them.
• Positive attitude: Suggests you're a team player who fosters a productive work culture.

Back up these traits with examples—use specific quantified accomplishments or experiences to bring each quality to life.

Here’s a work experience description that does just that.

Structuring your resume for maximum impact

The layout and organization of your resume can make or break its effectiveness. A well-structured resume guides the reader through your qualifications with clarity and purpose.

Tips for smart format strategy:

• Tailor content to the role—relevant experience should always be prioritized.
• Create custom sections like "Certifications" or "Awards" to spotlight standout credentials.

Clear headings, consistent formatting, and white space help maintain a refined look. A resume that’s easy to navigate is more likely to be read—and remembered.

Creating a laser-targeted resume

Tailoring your resume to each job is one of the most effective ways to stand out. It shows you're invested in the opportunity and understand what the employer is seeking.

Start by carefully reviewing the job description. Identify keywords, core competencies, and required experience.

Then:

• Match your achievements to those requirements.
• Use metrics to quantify success (e.g., "Boosted sales by 20% over six months").
• Adapt your summary to echo the company’s tone and values.

This approach helps your resume pass applicant tracking system (ATS) scans and makes it more appealing to human reviewers.

Tactical organization that tells a story

Your resume should flow like a compelling narrative, with each section building on the last to showcase your qualifications.

Smart organization strategies:

• Use subheadings to cluster similar experiences (e.g., "Marketing Strategy," "Project Leadership").
• Lead with relevance, not just chronology—especially if your most applicable experience isn’t your most recent.
• Highlight transferable skills that connect your past roles to the position you’re targeting.

Think of your resume as a story about your career—and make sure it reads smoothly.

A clean, professional look

Visual polish matters. A professional design signals that you take your work seriously and understand the importance of first impressions.

Design elements to get right:

• Stick to modern, readable fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Rubik).
• Use ‌consistent font size and styling across headers, sub-headings, and body text.
• Limit color use—neutral tones with a single accent color work best.
• Format bullet points and spacing evenly throughout.

Don’t underestimate the power of white space in the form of resume margins—it helps make your content digestible and your layout approachable. Keep them from 0.5 to 1 inch all around. Keeping consistent spacing between lines also helps readability.

Here’s a good visual example of the points above.

Keep it concise and well-written

Hiring managers spend seconds scanning each resume. That means clarity and brevity are key.

Proofread meticulously—a single typo can undermine your credibility.

Adding a personal brand touch

Your resume should reflect not just what you do, but who you are. Personal branding brings your individuality to the forefront.

• Include a concise resume summary that showcases your mission, strengths, and differentiators.
• Align your resume’s design and tone with the industry you’re in.
• Add personal projects or volunteer work that reflect your values.
• Mention accolades, testimonials, or leadership roles that support your reputation.

These subtle touches help recruiters remember you—and see you as more than just another applicant.

Practical, demonstrable experience

Concrete examples in your work experience section are your strongest evidence. Whether it’s a paid role, internship, or volunteer effort, real-world experience speaks volumes.

What to highlight:

• Projects that demonstrate your troubleshooting, innovation, or leadership.
• Internships or part-time jobs that built relevant skills.
• Technical proficiencies and how you've applied them in past roles.

Frame your experience in terms of outcomes: what was the challenge, what action did you take, and what was the result?

This example:

• Demonstrates innovation (audit and automation).
• Showcases relevant skill-building (through collaboration and tool use).
• Highlights technical tools with context (e.g., “HubSpot,” “Google Sheets + Apps Script”).
• Frames everything through results (percentages and impact).

Results-oriented and impact-driven language

To truly stand out, your resume should display the results of your work—not just the duties.

Ways to emphasize results:

• Quantify wherever possible (e.g., “Reduced costs by 15%,” “Trained 30+ team members”).
• Use powerful action verbs like "executed," "spearheaded," or "achieved."
• Mention promotions, recognitions, or responsibilities gained over time.

Performance-based content shows you don’t just do the job—you improve the organization.

Conversational and collaborative strengths

Soft skills matter more than ever—especially in team-driven environments. Showing strong conversational abilities on your resume can be a differentiator.

• Describe instances where you facilitated communication or conflict resolution.
• Share how you tailored your message to different audiences.
• Mention experiences that involved negotiation, storytelling, or active listening.

These skills suggest you’re a capable collaborator and communicator.

Interest-driven and engaged

Your outside hobbies and interests can enhance your appeal—especially when they reinforce your professional capabilities. A great place for these would be on your cover letter.

What to consider including:

• Passion projects, side gigs, or community initiatives.
• Volunteer work that demonstrates leadership or organizational skills.
• Industry-related publications or speaking engagements.
• Experiences abroad or cross-cultural collaborations.

These details add depth and help recruiters see the well-rounded person behind the resume.

Error-free and consistent

Professionalism starts with precision. A mistake-free resume sends a clear message: you care.

How to ensure accuracy:

• Proofread multiple times to avoid typos.
• Double-check job titles and dates.
• Use a consistent format for headings, bullets, and margins.
• Avoid vague clichés and opt for concrete, measurable details.

Get a second pair of eyes on your resume when possible—a fresh perspective can catch errors you’ve overlooked.

We recommend using Enhancv’s free, fast Resume Grammar Checker—just upload your current document, and voilà!

Conclusion

A great resume is a blend of logical flow, targeted content, and authentic personality. It’s concise yet rich with value, professional but unmistakably you.

By focusing on good traits to put on a resume—both personal and professional—you not only make a strong impression but also position yourself as the right fit for the role. Structure your resume thoughtfully, write with intention, and let your experience and character take center stage.