In today’s competitive job market, a well-crafted resume will catch the eye of recruiters and hopefully land you that dream job. Leveraging a recruiter’s network can be a game-changer, but it all starts with a stellar resume. Making a lasting first impression is crucial. By using the following resume writing guidelines you can create the most impactful initial impression possible.

• Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description –Take the time to customize your resume for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences that align with the specific job requirements. Tailoring your resume to the specific job and company demonstrates your genuine interest and suitability for the role.
• Clear and Concise Formatting – Start with a clean, organized format using bullet points, headings, and subheadings to make your resume easy to read.  A clutter-free document ensures that recruiters can quickly identify your strengths. Avoid creating blank space by using unnecessary column formats, photos or excessive use of colored fonts and background.  
• Quantify Achievements – Include quantifiable achievements to showcase your impact in previous roles. Use metrics and numbers to provide concrete evidence of your contributions.
• Use Strong Action Verbs – Use powerful action verbs to describe your accomplishments. Words like “achieved,” “implemented,” and “led” add interest to your resume.
• Relevant Keywords – Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) and including keywords increases the likelihood of your resume getting through these measures.
• Excessive Jargon – Don’t overload your resume with industry jargon. Recruiters often come from diverse backgrounds, so make sure your resume is easily understandable to a broader audience.
• Resume Length – While it is not necessary to keep your resume to the old one-page format, it is important not to make your resume too lengthy. The resume should include work history, responsibilities and tenure and don’t forget to include your contact information.  Minimize the bullet points to reflect only the most relevant information.  Recruiters typically spend only a few seconds initially scanning a resume, so make every word count.
• Irrelevant Information –Don’t include unrelated or outdated experiences information unless it adds context to why you are best qualified for the role. Focus on the most recent and relevant information to keep your resume impactful and up-to-date.
• Proofreading – This one is SO important! Do not submit a resume without thoroughly proofreading. Typos and grammatical errors can detract from your professionalism. Did you know that some Hiring Managers will not even consider a candidate’s resume with these types of mistakes?  Ensure your resume is error free by using Spellcheck or asking a trusted friend to proofread your resume prior to sending it along.
• Falsify Information – In this era of technology, your work history and education can be easily checked via social media and other outlets.  Don’t falsify information on your resume. If needed, a brief description can be included to fill in any gaps in your employment history.
• Work with the Hiring Company’s Recruiter – The Recruiter will assist in reformatting your resume to best highlight your skill set for the desired role. 

Remember, your resume is your personal marketing tool and investing time in its refinement can significantly enhance your chances of career success. Leveraging the potential of a recruiter’s network, combined with a flawless resume, will unlock a myriad of opportunities for you. By following these suggestions for resume writing, you will be on your way to getting that dream job – good luck!