In today’s competitive job market, having a strong and attention-grabbing resume is more important than ever. Your resume is often your first chance to make a good impression on a potential employer, so it’s essential to ensure it stands out from the rest. A well-crafted resume can help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting hired — while poorly crafted, well… you get the gist.

Writing your resume is one time in life, you have to be perfect. So we’ve compiled some tips on how to make your resume stand out from the competition.

1. Tailor your resume to the job.

It sounds ludacris that you have to recreate the wheel for each position you are interested in, but think about how different the jobs themselves are. An HR Recruiter in an accounting firm’s job description will be very different from a construction company. Instead of using a generic resume for every job application, customize your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that match the specific job requirements. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand the role and have the necessary qualifications.

2. Use a clean and modern design.

While it’s important to showcase your creativity, it’s equally important to ensure your resume is easy to read and professional. Use a clean and modern design that is easy on the eyes, and avoid using too many fonts, colors, or graphics. Less is best. 2 pages max.

3. Highlight your achievements, not just your responsibilities.

Instead of simply listing your job duties, focus on your accomplishments and the results you’ve achieved. Use numbers and statistics to demonstrate your impact and show how you’ve contributed to the success of your previous employers. An example would be: Managed 15 client accounts and increased client retention by 48% in one year. Give them all the details — this is your time to shine!

4. Keep it concise and to the point.

A recruiter typically spends only a few seconds scanning a resume (6 seconds to be exact), so make sure yours is easy to skim and highlights the most important information. Keep your resume to one or two pages, and use bullet points and short sentences to convey your skills and experience.

5. Proofread, proofread, proofread.

Typos and errors can quickly turn off a potential employer, so take the time to proofread your resume carefully. Use spell-check and grammar-check tools, and ask a friend or family member to review your resume for you or your friendly neighborhood Work for Warriors Mississippi Employment Coordinator.

6. Include relevant certifications and training.

If you have relevant certifications or training that showcase your skills and expertise, be sure to include them on your resume. This can help you stand out from other candidates and show that you’re committed to ongoing learning and professional development.

7. Use action verbs.

Action verbs are powerful words that convey a sense of action and accomplishment. Use action verbs to describe your achievements and responsibilities in your previous roles. Some examples of action verbs include: managed, created, improved, increased, and developed — to see more, click here. 

By following these tips, you can create a resume that stands out from the competition and catches the attention of potential employers.

Remember, your resume is your first chance to make a great impression, so make sure it represents you and your skills in the best possible light.