Notary Resume: 6 Dos and Don'ts for A Flawless Application

by Hiration

The demand for Notaries Public is rising fast, and so is the competition.

With the global online notarization market projected to soar 15.5% annually and hit USD 3.5 billion by 2033, now is a pivotal moment to elevate your career.

But landing the best opportunities means more than just showing up.

To stand out, your resume needs to signal trust, precision, and professionalism from the first glance - the same qualities clients expect from your work.

Here are 7 dos and don’ts to help you craft a notary resume that commands attention and earns trust.

1. Do: Lead with Achievements. Don't: Be Vague

Your professional summary is your resume's opening statement. It's not about what you want (an objective statement), but what you bring to the table.

Highlight your top accomplishments and key qualifications immediately.

  • DO Example: "Highly meticulous and NNA-certified Notary Public with 5+ years of experience specializing in loan document signings and general notarizations. Consistently maintained 100% accuracy in document verification and led to a 20% increase in client satisfaction through efficient, mobile services."
  • DON'T Example: "Seeking a notary position where I can utilize my skills." (This tells the recruiter nothing specific about you.)

2. Do: Quantify Your Impact. Don't: Just List Duties

Every notary performs similar functions. What sets you apart is the scale and success of your work. Use numbers and metrics to illustrate your work experience.

  • DO Example: "Executed over 3,000 notarizations annually, ensuring legal compliance and accuracy for a diverse clientele, including real estate and legal firms."
  • DON'T Example: "Responsible for notarizing various legal documents." (This is a job description, not an achievement.)
Pro Tip: Think about the average volume of documents you handle, the percentage of error-free work, or any improvements you introduced. Even if you're newly commissioned, you can quantify training hours or certifications gained.

3. Do: Detail Key Skills. Don't: Be Generic

Your role as a Notary Public demands both sharp technical know-how and exceptional interpersonal finesse. Your skills section must clearly reflect this comprehensive blend, going beyond vague terms.

  • DO: Create distinct subsections for your technical skills and your key skills. Tailor these lists by carefully reviewing the job description and integrating specific keywords used by the employer. Include precise software or platforms you're proficient with, like "DocuSign" or "Notarize.com."  
  • DON'T: Use generic, overused terms or omit critical soft skills essential for client interaction. Avoid simply pasting a long list of skills without tailoring them to the specific job or showcasing their relevance to the notary profession. For instance, skills like "Computer skills, good communication, diligent" are too vague and fail to highlight your specific notary abilities or software expertise.

4. Do: Highlight Certifications. Don't: Bury Them in Experience

Your notary commission and any additional certifications (like Notary Signing Agent) are your primary qualifications. Make them stand out.

  • DO: Create a dedicated section titled Certifications & Licenses with details like certification name, date, and certifying authority.
  • DON'T: Mention "Commissioned Notary" only within a job description bullet point. (It might get missed by busy recruiters or ATS.)

5. Do: Use Keywords. Don't: Be Generic

70% of large companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. To ensure your resume passes these digital gatekeepers and reaches human eyes, mirror the language used in the job description.

  • DO: If the job asks for "Remote Online Notarization (RON) experience," use that exact phrase. If it mentions "real estate closings," incorporate that into your experience.
  • DON'T: Use only general terms like "online document signing" when the job specifically asks for "RON."
Pro Tip: Read the job description carefully and identify keywords. Integrate them naturally into your summary, skills, and experience sections.

6. Do: Proofread. Don't: Let Typos Undermine Your Credibility

As a Notary Public, your profession is built on absolute accuracy. This precision must extend to your notary resume, because 77% of hiring managers will reject resumes with even minor typos or bad grammar.

  • DO: After drafting, take multiple breaks and come back to your resume with fresh eyes. Have a trusted friend or colleague review it for any overlooked grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or formatting inconsistencies. Double-check every date, number, and word. Use a clean, professional resume format with consistent spacing and font throughout.
  • DON'T: Rush the final review process, relying solely on basic spell-checkers, or submit a resume with inconsistent formatting or outdated contact information.

Final Thoughts

Creating a flawless notary resume is about applying the same principles of precision and professionalism that guide your daily work.

By following these essential "Dos and Don'ts," you'll craft a document that not only highlights your qualifications but also builds immediate trust and showcases your commitment to excellence.

And to level up your application, you can use Hiration to create a stellar notary resume with ease. Think AI-crafted bullet points, instant feedback that catches what others miss, and job-specific tailoring that makes your resume impossible to overlook.  

With the right support, you can showcase your expertise clearly and confidently - no guesswork, no missed details, just a polished, professional application that seals the deal.