Why Your Resume Matters More Than Ever
In today’s evolving job market, your resume does more than list experience — it sets the tone for your first impression. With AI tools supporting early screening, your resume becomes your signal of opportunity to clearly showcase your strengths and alignment with a role before a recruiter even calls you.
UWM has spent the past 40 years growing by hiring people with a growth mentality. Our Talent Acquisition Specialists have gained clear insight into how to make a resume stand out and help you land a job at UWM, thanks to their decades of experience and their review of high volumes of applications.
In this article, we’ll explore
- How resumes are evaluated by UWM recruiters
- What signals career growth, credibility and professional polish
- How to position your experience to stand out to both AI tools and human decision-makers
What Recruiters Notice First
You’ve heard the saying: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” When it comes to resumes — especially in an AI-screened world — that first impression matters more than ever.
Based on an interview with Todd P., a Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist at UWM, here are the top things recruiters immediately look for in a resume:
- Clear, organized layout
- Consistent formatting that’s easy-to-read in 6-10 seconds
- Qualifications highlighted up front
- A polished, professional presentation that shows attention to detail
UWM recruiters form their first impressions within seconds. After that initial scan, they’re also evaluating whether a candidate can succeed in our fast-moving environment.
Todd P. explains, “Signals that tell me a candidate is prepared for a fast-moving workplace include demonstrated experience in dynamic roles, being open to change and strong time-management skills. Evidence of handling multiple projects or tight deadlines effectively also indicates readiness.”
Building on Todd’s insight, UWM recruiters look for resume cues that reinforce a candidate’s ability to thrive here, such as:
- Progression within the same company: Multiple titles or promotions that show quick learning, initiative and resilience.
- Patterns of growth: Clear examples of seeking new skills or responsibilities, reflecting someone who can “hit the ground running.”
- Experience in fast‑paced industries: Especially important for production‑based roles, past success in restaurants, retail, hospitality or similar environments demonstrates a strong comfort with multitasking, urgency and pressure.
Together, these indicators help us identify candidates who don’t just function in fast-moving workplaces — they excel in them. These elements also reflect the purpose of a resume: to show capability, trajectory and fit.
Showcasing Your Strengths and Potential
Today’s most effective resumes cut through the noise with focus, purpose and a clear sense of who the candidate is. And while technical experience matters, the real differentiator in 2026 is demonstrating your work style. Many candidates — especially those in early career stages or transitioning from other industries — don’t realize how heavily communication, adaptability and teamwork influence hiring decisions.
According to Anna S., a UWM Talent Acquisition Specialist, the most impactful resumes integrate skills directly into real experiences. “Rather than creating a section to highlight your skills, loop them into your responsibilities.”
And if you can highlight measurable achievements, even better! Quantifiable results immediately show impact — something recruiters can’t overlook, and a cornerstone of strong professional resumes in today’s job market.
Writing for Bots and People
To prepare for both AI screening and live interviews, candidates should “ensure their resume includes relevant keywords and phrases from the job description.” This step is essential in how to make a resume stand out in today’s hiring landscape.
Todd P. explains, “Think of it like this: Use common words so the computer understands your experience but use real-life stories so the person reading it gets excited about your personality and what you can bring to the team.”
AI screening processes operate very differently from live interviews. Anna S. reports that “they look for key phrases and use standardized titles. They are matching indicators and not doing a full review like a live interview!” She also notes that “live interviews look not only at the job details but also at company fit and the overall work environment.”
Preparing for both AI screenings and live interviews require candidates to:
- Incorporate relevant keywords for AI systems.
- Integrate skills and experiences reflected in the job description you are applying for.
- Expand on points with personal examples and context.
Moving Forward With Confidence
A strong resume doesn’t need to be complex — it needs to be intentional, focused and aligned with how hiring works in 2026. The small, thoughtful touches you add can show genuine interest and help keep your name top-of-mind with recruiters.
As you move through the process, stay persistent. Consistent engagement signals strong potential — even for candidates with shorter or non-traditional work histories — and demonstrates real passion and interest in the position. And as UWM marks its 40th anniversary of growth and opportunity, there’s never been a better time to show you’re ready to contribute to that momentum.
Ready to take the next step?
Apply today to speak with a UWM Talent Acquisition Specialist. They’re here to support you from resume to interview and help you put your best foot forward.
Apply now