A single job receives about 118 applications, on average. How can you stand out as a job candidate?

First impressions matter. For many roles, resumés make up those first impressions. By writing a great resumé, you’re more likely to move along in the application process and get hired.

But writing a resumé also isn’t a straightforward task. For many, it’s actually quite a complex process to condense their experience and qualifications into one or two pages.

Continue reading for our resumé writing tips. Below, we’ll list some critical pointers on writing an attention-grabbing resumé.

1. Professionalize Aesthetics

For the best resumé possible, keep it neat and professional. Though it doesn’t have to be incredibly embellished, it must look visually cohesive and professional.

How professional your resumé looks reflects how much you prioritize professionalism. Polish your resumé to represent yourself properly as a hirable candidate.

2. Make Sure It’s ATS-Friendly

ATS stands for applicant tracking system. ATS-friendly resumés are those that can be compatibly processed through these systems. Many employers use these tools to quickly scan applications for keywords indicating how well the candidate fits the role.

If employers use these systems, they may prefer ATS-friendly applications, even if advertently. You can make an ATS-friendly resumé from scratch or use a premade template.

3. Write Tasks as Achievements

Job hunting mandates applicants to understand what they’re good at. Plenty of candidates can technically qualify for a job’s role. But interviewers are looking for candidates who achieve, not just do.

When writing about what you’ve done in past roles, frame your tasks as achievements. Otherwise, you’re just telling hiring managers your daily task list. However, if they understand what made you particularly successful in your previous roles, they can better envision you doing the same with this prospective title.

4. Proofread Carefully

Many recruiters consider typos and poor grammar as red flags. So when you craft a resumé, make sure you use polished and perfected grammar.

You can use an online spell-check and grammar-checking tool to double-check your work. But you must couple this strategy with your own knowledge of grammar basics, especially those relating to mistakes commonly found in resumés.

5. Keep It Concise

Though your job skills are impressive, hiring managers won’t be pleased if they have to take time to decipher dense writing. Hiring employees often pass over a candidate if their resumés aren’t worded concisely.

Shortening your writing can be more difficult than it sounds. But doing so signals hiring managers that you communicate effectively, are precisely aware of your value as a candidate, and are an experienced professional.

Get Hired With These Resumé Writing Tips!

Listing out your qualifications on paper should be simple. But there are plenty of factors that make resumé writing confusing. That’s why you must return to these resumé writing tips when needed!

Our vision at TheStaffed is to foster a culture that combines traditional management consulting and contingent workforce staffing. That’s why we offer services that help candidates like you get hired. Contact us today to learn more.