Learn how to improve your resume now. Include these five must-haves for resumes to make sure the hiring manager notices your application.

Writing a killer resume isn’t hard but there are certain things that you need to keep in mind. Anytime you apply for a job, you are potentially battling against hundreds of other applicants for that very same position. This means that you’ll need to have a resume that not only showcases your skills but also stands out from the rest.

These simple tips for writing a killer resume can help you land your dream job!

How To Write An Amazing Resume (5 Must-Haves To Get You Noticed)

What should a good resume include?

First things first, you need to be certain that your resume holds all the important information that you’re waiting for the recruiter to see. Your name, contact information, and list of skills should be front and center and easy to find.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a good resume shouldn’t be pages long. The HR rep or recruiter is likely going through hundreds of these for a variety of different job openings so having a resume that is bold, stands out, and is easy to scan through to see if you have the qualifications are what they’re going to be looking for.

What skills are important on a resume?

Your true skills are what is important on a resume. If you don’t have a skill, don’t put it down. Strong communication skills, ability to meet deadlines and organizational skills are all great skills to have but if those aren’t your true skills, don’t put them on there.

Make certain that you’re honest on your resume so that you also know that you’re a good fit for the job. If you’re having to lie and stretch the truth to be considered for a position, there’s a good chance that it’s not the job for you.

What should not go on a resume?

Just as there are many things that should go on a resume, there are actually quite a few things that don’t belong, either. Personal details like age, race, sex, etc should never be included on a resume. You should also keep off your marital status, political and religious beliefs, and anything about children as well.

This is because the resume should be used as a way to showcase your skills, not give the recruiter personal details about your life.

What are the common mistakes of a resume?

One of the biggest mistakes on resumes is spelling errors. This isn’t something that you want to happen! Take your time, use a spelling and grammar checker, and have someone else read over it as well.

Just because you don’t see any spelling errors on it doesn’t mean that they aren’t there. In fact, if you’re the one that has written it, there’s a good chance that you won’t catch it because your brain is going to read it the way that you intended for it to read instead of how it’s actually written.

Another huge error that is often on resumes is that there are not appropriate email addresses used as a way of contact. Email addresses are free and it takes minimal time to set one up. If you have a personal email address that isn’t the best or most professional, start-up another one and use that one instead.

5 Resume Must-Haves To Get You Noticed

Your contact information is up-to-date, so are your certifications on your resume. Now that you know a few of the ways to make or break a resume, let’s dive into a few other tips to keep in mind as well.

1. Focus On The Good

Be selective with what you make bold or highlight. Usually for an awesome resume, it’s the job title and the accomplishment that really sell the resume. A bonus is if you work at a recognizable company. So if your experience is strong on any of those key points then make sure they stand out a bit more when the hiring manager is doing a scan of your resume.

2. Using keywords from the job posting

Today we see a lot more job postings that want you to manually enter in all of your resume information into their form. If this is the case with your application, take this opportunity to enter in a few keywords from the job posting. If the company is doing a computer or person review, those keywords will jump out at the hiring manager.

3. Include metrics

Numbers can really stand out on a resume. Include any major accomplishments that can be quantified. Metrics on a resume can include an increase in sales, productivity, social media following. On the flip side, meters can be a decrease in waste, turnover, or expenses.

4. Don’t be afraid to use color

If your industry requires some creative work, try to use some color. Colors on a resume aren’t bad and if done correctly, can be good. Stay away from bright colors that are hard on the eyes but calmer colors can be a great way to draw attention and make them take a second look. If you’re in a more formal setting, even different shades of grey could help your resume stand out.

5. Your resume needs to be a true reflection of you

You have one page to showcase you and why they need to hire you. Be as personable as possible and speak the truth. Showcase your best skills as they pertain to the job opening and give it all you’ve got. Your resume is your one chance to get in front of a decision-maker so make it worth your time and theirs. Don’t over-inflate things as seasoned hiring mangers can usually pick up on that.

You have the ability to create a killer resume just by showcasing your skills. Use that piece of paper to tidy it up and you just might find yourself landing a great job offer!

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