We receive hundreds of resumes every month from job seekers. These are the people who are applying for jobs that are from entry-level positions to senior roles. Irrespective of what position one is applying for, having a great resume is a key to a successful job search. All applicants wish that their resume looks unique and highlight their experience as current and to-the-point. A good and honest resume puts you in a better position to secure an interview with the hiring manager.

So, what makes a great resume?

Here, in this article, we will share with you a few simple tips that help you stand out from the crowd!

Avoid “one-size fits all” resume
You should prepare or at least edit your resume to target the job you are applying for. Employers are more interested in knowing those skills or experience of the candidates that will complement the position. You must find out specific responsibilities from your work history that match the job’s specific requirements and highlight them so that the employers get interested. Your chances of landing an interview will increase if you have tailored your resume toward the specific role you’re applying for.

Your resume objective should elevate your pitch
The objective is a powerful statement that sits at the top of your resume. The objective should not be more than 100 words yet it should highlight your most relevant skills and outline your professional goals. Since the recruiters and employers will see this as the first thing, you should smartly add few words that are relevant and specific to the job. Ideally, in an impressive objective statement one should be able to include followings (in limited but impressive words):

- Your professional goals
– Why do you want this job?
- What makes you an ideal candidate?
- Your experience level and skills
– What can you bring to this role?

Mention your most recent experience first
It is important to keep chronology in mind when you mention your experience. Under your experience summary put the most recent work at the top. Write subsequent experience in descending order.

Highlight your skills and strengths
Find out that if you have skills from previous work experiences that can be mentioned in the resume for the job you're applying to. Also, highlight your strengths and accomplishments that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. Nothing interest more to an employer than the proven experience a new employee will bring to the role.

Use relevant keywords and phrases
A good resume must contain keywords and phrases that mirror the language in the job description and also the field/area of specialization to which you are applying. This will help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) used these days by employers. Even if your resume is scanned by a human, the right keywords provide your resume a better chance for further consideration.

Easy to read
Though there are plenty of resume templates available online, yet the best is simple and easy to read. You should keep the format and font simple. Remember, if the look and feel of your resume are clunky, difficult to read, and without proper formatting, then anyone who reads it will be instantly put off and may not consider you as a serious contender. The right length is also very important. Limit your content to only what is relevant and required for the post you're applying to.

No errors
Ensure your resume is error-free. The mistakes in things like spelling, grammar, or formatting are one of the primary reasons a resume is rejected. It is advisable to take the help of a few other people (who have good editorial eyes) to proofread your document before you submit.