While the template gives structure, your content makes it shine. Here’s how to personalize it:

• Tailor keywords to each role: Scan 2-3 job descriptions for your target manager title. Identify repeating skills and terms (leadership, budgeting, stakeholder management, cross-functional, P&L). Use them naturally in your summary, skills, and experience sections.
• Quantify accomplishments: Swap vague statements (“managed projects”) for something like: “managed cross-departmental project with a $2M budget, delivered 15% under budget, 3 weeks ahead of deadline.”
• Prioritize leadership and impact: Instead of listing daily tasks (“led team meetings”), mention team size, achievements, cost savings, revenue growth, process improvements, or customer satisfaction KPIs.
• Use clear formatting: One-inch margins, bullet lists, consistent fonts and sizes, no headers/footers for crucial info (ATS may miss content placed there).
• Choose the right file format: .docx is safest; only send PDF if the job posting explicitly allows. Save master version you can edit for each role.
• Show leadership style and soft skills: Communication, mentoring, decision-making—these matter in management; weave into examples. Don’t rely only on hard skills.