5 Simple Tips for Writing a Resume That Will Set You Apart from the Competition

A resume is one of the first things that a potential employer will see when you apply for a job. If it's not impressive, you're unlikely to get an interview. Luckily, there are ways to make yours stand out from the crowd and catch the attention of the hiring manager. Here are five simple tips to give you a competitive advantage:

Keep it short and sweet - no more than 1-2  pages.
Your resume should be concise. This means that it should be no more than 1-2 pages maximum.  In summarizing your career history, it is important to highlight the most critical aspects of your career - these include notable achievements, experience that is directly related to the employer’s needs, and meaningful content that describes the unique story of your career.

Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes.
Avoid grammar mistakes! For example, there is a huge difference between “your” and “you're.” Such details may seem trivial, but making this mistake on a resume is just one more thing that could make an employer think less of you as a candidate—and who wants that?
So, be sure to spell-check your resume to ensure there are zero grammatical mistakes. Do keep in mind that although you can use a spellchecker, it may not t catch everything. Therefore, read your resume aloud to yourself to spot errors that the computer  might not find.
Another helpful tip is to ask someone else to read it. A fresh pair of eyes will be able to give you feedback on things that are unclear or missing from your resume, which can help you improve its effectiveness overall. .

Take Care of Your Tenses.
Your current job description should be written in present tense (because you are still actively doing these things) and your previous job descriptions should be written in the past tense. This is because it's describing what you are doing versus what you did. 

Here's an example if you’re currently in the role:
Lead as a certified professional with  experience creating marketing plans and devising sales strategies that have resulted in revenues of $15K per week."
And here's what it would look like using the past  tense for a previous role:
Served as a certified professional with experience creating marketing plans, devise sales strategies..."

Avoid using first and third person pronouns.
"I," "me," and "my" are all examples of first-person pronouns, which can make your resume come across as self-centered and boastful. The same concept applies to third person pronouns like “he”, “she”, or even “they.” Remember, your resume is a formal presentation document and such pronouns are redundant and add little value to a document that is already limited in length.    Instead, start each sentence with powerful action verbs that get the message across concisely. 
For example:
Instead of “I processed payroll and generated reporting…”, try “Processed payroll and generated reporting.”
Send your resume in PDF format.
If you're sending your resume in PDF format, you're going to have an easier time making sure that the reader can read it. Here's why:

• It's universal.
  

PDFs are the most common file type for employers because they're easy to read and print, even on mobile devices. They store well, too—for instance, you don't need any special software or skills to make them work (unlike Word documents). And they make it easy to send your application securely by email; just attach it as a file! Do note that it can be easier to type your resume and make edits in Word, however, be sure to Save As a PDF file once you’ve completed the document. 
Takeaway
The best way to write a resume is to keep it simple. Let your credentials speak for themselves. Don't try to impress people with unnecessary details or wordiness; instead, focus on what you have accomplished and how it will benefit future employers. Writing a resume that includes only relevant information will keep recruiters focused on what matters most - like whether or not they want to hire you!
“To learn more about tricks and tips for writing a resume, schedule a call today to speak with one of our career experts. 
 
(P.S. Tired of spinning your wheels with your career? If you're ready to turn your resume into a hard-hitting marketing tool then take our FREE resume quiz today to see exactly which services are right for you!