10 Tips for a Stunning Resume

Great first impressions are everything, so when applying to job postings that have hundreds of applicants, you will need a way to stand out and shine. Here are 10 useful tips to help you build a stunning resume that will have employers taking a second glance.

1. Your resume is your marketing tool

When it comes to resumes, many may think it's only about listing your past and current job experiences; however, it is much more than that. A resume is a way for an individual to market themselves as their brand. You need to be able to sell yourself and show the recruiter you are the best candidate for that specific job. The recruiter should be able to take away exactly who you are and what you have to offer in the future.

2. Create a sleek, and well-organized layout

Creating a sleek resume with a simple layout will allow the recruiter to skim and take in important information about you quickly. Be sure to include relevant work experience for easy readability. Most resumes should consist of a simple font such as Times New Roman in 10-12-point size font. Margins are recommended to be 0.5in on all four sides allowing you to squeeze in more information on your resume since you only have one page to make an impression.

3. Keep it short n' sweet

Try to keep your resume length to a single page. You should be able to communicate your most relevant and recent positions on a single page. There may be times where you do have to exceed the one-page limit for higher positions; however, if you are still in the early years of your career, you should stick to one page.

4. Proofread over and over again

When it comes to resumes, spelling and grammar are critical. When reviewing your resume, a recruiter does not want to notice grammar mistakes continuously, so it is important to be detail orientated. Be sure to have flawless word choice, spelling, grammar, and correct numbers and dates for all work experiences. If you ever have doubts, ask a friend to look over your resume for any additional errors.

5. Emphasize your accomplishments

When it comes to building your resume, recruiters want to know about your achievements from current and past positions. They want to see what you brought to the table to improve the company or business. When mentioning your accomplishments, provide data to back up your statement and leave the recruiter with a stronger impression.

6. Get rid of the personal objective

Before, it was highly recommended to include a particular objective at the very top of a resume as a way to instantly clarify the job in which you are applying. Now, an objective statement is optional and to some, not favored at all. A personal objective statement is usually too common, making it very difficult to make an impact unless that one sentence is spectacular. Additionally, the objective takes up space for valuable information. When looking at your resume, a recruiter wants to know what you can do for the company rather than what you may be looking for in a job.

7. Include major keywords

While creating your resume, you want to remember to include significant keywords that are from the job description. By adding keywords, it will show the recruiter that you speak their language and quickly help them find what they are seeking. For each job position you apply for, the resume should be revised and edited to fit that specific job description's keywords.

8. Mention numbers

In your work experience section, you want to be able to draw attention to your achievements by using specific numbers. By showing the recruiter particular statistics or data, you back up the claims about your outstanding performance.

9. Show some personality

Recruiters read hundreds of resumes a week for each job posting, and after a while, it may all sound the same. Including a hint of personality in your resume will help you stand out and intrigue the future employer. Recruiters want fun, interesting people that make them want to meet that individual. You can add a touch of your personality yet still come off as professional by showcasing your hobbies and activities, which demonstrate skills that are relevant to the job.

10. Don't be afraid to ask for advice

After spending hours building a resume, you want to make sure it is absolutely stunning before submitting it to future employers. When reviewing the resume yourself, you may not notice certain weaknesses that the resume may have. By asking a friend or a professional, you can be assured of valid and fresh feedback to improve your resume further.

Creating a resume may be a daunting task for some, especially with the pressure of making a lasting first impression among hundreds of applicants. However, by following these 10 tips for a stunning resume, we can reassure you that your resume will definitely stand out from the rest of the crowd.