Table of contents

Breaking into management for the first time? 

Crafting a professionally written resume is your first step toward leadership success.

In this guide, new managers will learn how to highlight the right types of skills in resume writing, structure job search documents for applicant tracking systems, and use job search tools like resume builders and AI writers to gain a competitive edge in today’s ever-changing job market trends.

What Makes a Resume ‘Professionally Written’?

A professionally written resume goes far beyond correct spelling and grammar. It’s a resume that:

  • Clearly presents your contact information, job title, and career direction
  • Is structured to meet Application Tracking Systems requirements
  • Uses keywords based on real job descriptions
  • Emphasizes relevant types of skill in resume categories (hard, soft, and technical)
  • Includes tailored achievements and metrics that highlight your impact
  • Comes in formats like PDF resume or Microsoft Word, depending on application needs.

Most importantly, it is designed with the hiring manager’s expectations—and the job market’s realities—in mind.

The Importance of Keywords and Applicant Tracking Systems

Many first-time managers underestimate how critical it is to align their resume with the applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by most employers. These systems filter applications before a human ever sees them—scanning for relevant keywords, clean formatting, and proper sectioning. 

Statistic shows that up to 90% of employers leverage ATS systems with only 25% of resumes make it past the ATS to be seen by a recruiter.

If your resume isn’t optimized for ATS, it may never make it past this first gate, ss ATS filters cause 70% of resumes not matching criteria to be removed entirely. Even qualified candidates can be overlooked simply because their resume lacks the right structure or vocabulary.

How to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly:

  • Use keywords from the job description: Reuse exact phrases related to the job title, responsibilities, and qualifications. For example, if the job listing mentions “team leadership” and “budget forecasting,” include those terms directly.
  • Stick to standard formatting: Use familiar section headers like “Professional Summary,” “Work History,” “Skills,” and “Education.” Avoid custom labels or creative layouts that might confuse the software.
  • Avoid images, tables, and columns: These can break the parsing process and cause important content to be skipped.
  • Use .docx or PDF: Unless otherwise instructed, submit your resume as a PDF resume or Microsoft Word document—both are commonly accepted by ATS platforms.

To streamline this process, many new managers use tools like a resume builder or an AI resume writer to ensure formatting and keyword inclusion are optimized.

How to Structure Your Resume for Managerial Success

Your resume should not only showcase your previous experience but also position you as leadership-ready. This involves rethinking how you frame your accomplishments, communicate your value, and reflect the types of skills in resume sections that hiring managers are scanning for.

Follow this structure to build a compelling, professionally written resume:

1. Header & Contact Information

Include:

  • Full name
  • Professional email address
  • Phone number
  • LinkedIn profile
  • City and state (no full address needed)

Avoid outdated or overly personal information. Keep your contact information professional and clean.

2. Professional Summary (Not an Objective)

This 3–5 sentence section is your elevator pitch. Emphasize leadership potential, career goals, and core skills. Reference your ultimate goal if relevant.

Example:

Proactive operations specialist transitioning into team leadership with 8+ years of experience in cross-functional project execution. Passionate about building collaborative, high-performing teams. Skilled in workflow optimization, stakeholder communication, and team mentorship.

3. Highlight the Right Types of Skill in Resume Writing

Recruiters prioritize resumes with clear alignment to role requirements. According to Jobscan, 59.7% of ATS filters search by education, 76.4% by skills, and 55.3% by job title. Ensure your key leadership and technical skills appear prominently in these sections.

Hard Skills:

  • Project management
  • Data analysis
  • Financial forecasting
  • CRM tools
  • Budgeting
  • Microsoft Office / Google Docs

Soft Skills:

  • Leadership
  • Time management
  • Critical thinking
  • Conflict resolution
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Communication

Technical/Functional Skills:

  • Agile/Scrum
  • Supply chain logistics
  • DevOps (for technical managers)
  • Product lifecycle management
  • Knowledge of machine learning applications (if applicable).

These are the capabilities recruiters at industry-leading companies look for. Be sure to align your skills with the job title and job descriptions you’re targeting.

4. Work History with Leadership Framing

You don’t need to have “Manager” in your title to show leadership. Use bullet points that describe team collaboration, initiative ownership, and decision-making.

Examples:

  • Led onboarding and training for 4 junior analysts, increasing productivity by 23%.
  • Spearheaded cross-department collaboration that improved client satisfaction rating.
  • Managed vendor relations for 12+ accounts, ensuring compliance and cost control.

Quantify results whenever possible. This proves your readiness for managing roles.

5. Education & Certifications

Include degrees, leadership coursework, and any relevant training programs, especially those focused on facilitation, agile project management, or business communication.

Also include:

6. Optional Sections to Add a Competitive Edge

Adding these sections can improve your success rate:

  • Professional Development or Career Advice: Show that you’re growing.
  • Volunteer Leadership: Demonstrates managerial skills outside of work.
  • Technical Proficiency: Include tools like Resume Creator, CRMs, project software, etc.
  • Achievements & Awards: Highlight anything related to leadership or team performance.
  • Languages or Additional Skills: Useful if applying to global companies.

Leveraging modern job search tools can help you create a polished, strategic resume that stands out. These tools simplify the writing process, ensure compatibility with applicant tracking systems, and boost your chances of landing interviews.

Here are some top tools and resources to consider:

  • Resume Builder: Easy formatting and export options.
  • AI Resume Writer: Auto-generates job-specific bullet points and summaries.
  • Resume Templates: ATS-friendly formats.
  • PDF Resume Converters: Create shareable files for applications.
  • Interview Coaching Sessions: Offered by many career center services.
  • Browser Extensions: Track your job search efforts.
  • Privacy Extensions: Protect your information while applying online.
  • Web Traffic Monitors: Help identify which platforms recruiters are using.

Some tools even offer an Interview Guarantee if you use their resume writing services.

Avoiding Common Resume Mistakes for New Managers

Even with the best intentions, many first-time managers make mistakes on their resumes that reduce their chances of moving forward in the hiring process. Avoiding these errors is essential for presenting yourself as polished, prepared, and leadership-ready.

1. Using an Outdated or Unprofessional Email Address

Always use a professional email address that includes your name and is hosted on a reputable platform (e.g., Gmail or Outlook). Avoid email addresses that include nicknames, numbers, or unprofessional phrases.

2. Including Irrelevant or Excessive Personal Details

You only need to include your name, contact information, and general location (city/state). Avoid listing your full home address, date of birth, marital status, or a headshot—unless specifically requested in the job application.

3. Failing to Align with Job Descriptions

If your resume lacks alignment with the specific job descriptions you’re applying to, it will likely be filtered out by Application Tracking Systems. Customize each resume to include relevant keywords and reframe your experience to match the job title and requirements.

4. Lack of Quantifiable Results

Recruiters and hiring managers love numbers. If your resume doesn’t show measurable outcomes, you miss an opportunity to demonstrate your impact. Include metrics such as percentage improvements, team sizes, budget amounts, or growth figures.

5. Overlooking ATS Optimization

Creative layouts, graphics, columns, and tables may look appealing—but they often confuse applicant tracking systems. Stick to clean, simple formatting with standard section titles and use an ATS-friendly resume template to avoid getting filtered out.

6. Forgetting a Tailored Cover Letter

While not always required, a cover letter helps you explain your motivation, highlight relevant achievements, and connect your goals to the employer’s mission. It’s particularly valuable when transitioning into management for the first time.

7. Submitting in the Wrong Format

Most job platforms accept both Microsoft Word and PDF resume formats. Check the submission guidelines carefully and choose the format that preserves your layout while ensuring ATS compatibility.

8. Failing to Leverage Career Tools

Many job search tools offer valuable features that go underutilized. From browser extensions that track job boards to interview coaching sessions and resume scoring tools, don’t miss out on the help available to you. Some platforms even provide Resume Creator options with built-in suggestions from industry experts.

Conclusion: Start Strong with a Resume That Reflects Your Potential

Your resume is more than a reflection of your past—it’s a signal of how you think, lead, and solve problems. As you step into management, the way you present yourself on paper becomes an early test of your clarity, confidence, and readiness to influence outcomes.

Treat this process as a leadership exercise in itself. Be intentional, be precise, and above all—take ownership of your professional narrative. Also, don’t forget to update your resume regularly and stay informed about what employers expect.

Your next opportunity won’t just come from what you’ve done—but from how clearly you can show where you’re headed.

Need help advancing your management career?

Voltage Control offers training programs, coaching, and resume support tailored for new leaders. Contact us to learn more.

FAQs

  • What job search tools help me build a resume?

Use tools like Resume Builder, AI Resume Writer, and Resume Creator. These platforms offer resume templates, keyword optimization, and even Interview Coaching Sessions to help improve your chances.

  • What format is best—PDF or Word?

Use Microsoft Word for compatibility with some platforms, and PDF resume format when emailing directly or uploading to job portals. Always follow the employer’s instructions.

  • Should I hire a professional resume writer?

Yes, if you’re unsure how to market yourself effectively. Professional resume writers or resume writing services can help highlight your value and boost your competitive edge.

  • Can I reuse the same resume for every job application?

No. Always tailor your resume to match the job title and role you’re targeting. This increases alignment with Application Tracking Systems and hiring manager expectations.

  • What if I’ve never had ‘Manager’ in my title?

That’s okay. Focus on transferable leadership experiences—mentoring colleagues, leading projects, improving team processes. Use bullet points to frame these experiences using management language and metrics.

  • How important is my LinkedIn profile?

Very. Your LinkedIn profile should reflect your resume, using similar keywords. Hiring managers often check it before scheduling interviews.

  • How does this fit with privacy and compliance?

Respect all Terms of Use and Privacy Policy when using job boards or career tools. Use privacy extensions if needed, and don’t overshare sensitive information in applications.