Having a strong resume is a crucial first step to landing a job or even just an interview. However, creating a standout resume can be a daunting task, especially if this is your first time making one. Here are six things you can do to improve your resume before submitting it to hiring managers:

Review your contact information

Make sure your contact information is correct and up-to-date. You can’t hear back from hiring managers if you have an outdated phone number on your resume or a typo in your email address.

Use a professional email address

It’s okay to have a fun and playful email address for keeping in touch with close friends and family, but if you are serious about getting a job, using a professional email address on your resume is a must. If you don’t have one already, create a new email specifically for your job search. Standard professional email addresses are [[email protected]]

Keep it short and simple: A one-page resume is all you need, especially if you do not have previous work experience. Don’t try to fill your resume with unnecessary information like “references available upon request” or list hobbies that don’t relate to the job you are applying for.

Customize your resume

Don't send the exact same resume for every position you apply for. Increase your chances at getting an interview by customizing your resume for each position you apply for.

Use keywords

But not too many. While it’s important to add a few keywords from the job posting to your resume, don’t overdo it. Check out this article to learn the best way to use keywords on your resume.

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