Stop the Scroll: How to Own the Top Third of Your Resume
If someone reads only the top third of your resume, the main thing you want them to remember is the unique value you offer as a candidate.
That top third is prime real estate. It’s the first thing a recruiter or hiring manager sees, and often, it’s the only section they’ll read before deciding whether to keep going. Think of it as your elevator pitch in written form: a quick, compelling snapshot of who you are, what you bring, and where you’re headed.
Ready to strengthen your resume's first impression? Here are five ways to make that section unforgettable:
Lead with a Clear, Confident Headline
Replace “Objective” with a headline that names your role or area of expertise. Instead of “Recent graduate seeking engineering opportunity,” say “Mechanical Engineer specializing in sustainable design and systems optimization.”
It instantly tells the reader who you are and what you do—no guessing required.
Craft a Summary That Speaks to Your Value
Use 2–3 sentences to highlight your strengths, experience level, and goals. Focus on what you bring to an organization, rather than what you want from it.
Example: “Analytical and team-oriented software engineer with experience in Python and embedded systems. Passionate about developing solutions that connect data to real-world impact.”
Add a “Core Skills” Snapshot
Under your summary, create a simple list or grid of key technical and soft skills. This makes it easy for someone skimming your resume to quickly see your capabilities, and helps you pass through applicant tracking systems.
Highlight Achievements, Not Duties
If you include a current role or internship at the top, focus on results: metrics, innovations, and outcomes. Numbers make your impact tangible.
For example, replace “Assisted with lab testing” with“Conducted 20+ material strength tests, improving reporting accuracy by 15%.”
Make It Visually Skimmable
Use consistent formatting, white space, and bolded keywords to guide the reader’s eye. Think: clean, modern, and easy to scan in under 10 seconds. If your most impressive details are buried in dense text, they’ll likely be missed.
Pro Tip: After updating your top third, hand your resume to a friend and ask, “What stands out most to you after a quick glance?” Their answer should align with the impression you want to leave.
When your top third clearly communicates your unique value, you make a memorable impression which is the central goal of your resume’s prime real estate.
Now go back, open your resume, and make sure that the first third says: “This is exactly who you’ve been looking for.”
