How to Get Your Resume Noticed By Employers

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1. Keep it simple. Boring works when it comes to most resumes. A simple format is easier for the ATS to screen and easier for recruiters to read. Save the fancy formatting for your portfolio if you’re in a design field. Review these resume formatting guidelines to get started.

2. Use a basic font. The best font to use is a simple font such as Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri. Be sure to use a font size that’s readable – 10 to 12 points works best.

3. Use bullets. Less is more when it comes to words on a resume. Use brief action-oriented sentences that describe your role at each employer. Here’s a list of the top words to include (and to leave off) your resume .

4. Make sure you meet the qualifications. Qualifications for being considered are usually listed at the bottom of the job ad.

Make sure you have at least the minimum required qualifications to be considered. Otherwise, you’re wasting everyone’s time, your own included. Review these tips for decoding a job ad .

5. Customize your resume. Don’t send the same generic resume in for every job. Take the time to customize it by including the qualifications and skills the company is looking for (see below) so the employer knows you have the right stuff.

6. Focus on your accomplishments. The employer wants to know what you accomplished, not just what you did. Focus your resume on what you achieved in each job, not your job responsibilities. Review these tips for including accomplishments on a resume .

7. Include your most relevant skills. The screening system that employers use matches your resume to a designated set of qualifications. Include keywords on your resume that match the job-specific skills the employer is seeking. You can find the skills and attributes the employer is looking for in the job posting.

8. Add a Skills Section. Adding a skills section to your resume is another good way to show that you’re qualified. Here’s what to include plus examples .

9. Make sure your resume matches the job posting. The closer a match your resume is to the job qualifications, the better your chance of getting selected for an interview. Make a list of the qualifications the employer wants, and then be sure to include as many as possible in your resume. Review these tips for matching your qualifications to a job description for an easy way to make a match.

10. Getting hired is a numbers game. Employers like to see quantifiable achievements on resumes.

Include numbers wherever possible and use numbers not words when you’re listing them. For example, write 30% not thirty percent.