Below is advice for entry job seekers. This is not a definitive guide but it has some handy tips. If you emphasise accomplishments, you’re on a winner. As a resume writer, I use Glassdoor to investigate workplace culture for clients.

Emphasise accomplishments, not responsibilities.

This requires some creative thought and is SO important. Start making a list of all the responsibilities you had. Then, write next to each of those responsibilities the accomplishments you made in that responsibility. These will be the bullet points you use in your resume.

Length

Don’t fall into the trap of trying to fit every single internship, skill, and little detail into your resume. A pruned down resume gives your big accomplishments and roles a place to shine. Also keep in mind that time is something recruiters don’t have much of. Two pages is plenty. Three if you have an extensive career.

Tailor it to applicant tracking systems

While you’d like to think your resume is going straight to a pair of human eyes, it is often first seen by an automated computer program that scans your resume for keywords and weeds out unqualified applicants. Add these keywords to your resume to help it glide through applicant tracking systems.

Create more than one resume

In today’s job market, the strength of your job application comes in its uniqueness. When you’re up against applicant tracking systems, and applicants from all over the country, you need to find a way to stand out in every single job you apply for. Set yourself apart from the pack by tailoring your skills, experience, and interests to every single job you apply for.

Add hyperlinks

As hiring managers are reading resumes in an exclusively digital format, adding hyperlinks is catching on. Ensure your use of hyperlinks is appropriate to the situation. Don’t over do it.

Tell a story with your resume

A resume is where you weave the story of your career trajectory. Highlight the major milestones that show your progress and learning process. Your goal is to draw the reader in, rather than make them feel like they’re reading a simple chronology.

Leave out basic computer skills

You’re proficient at Microsoft Word and Google search? Great, so is the rest of the pool of applicants you’re vying for the job against. Adding these skills to your resume is clear evidence that you’re trying to pad your resume because you don’t have enough skills to fill it in. Add specialist programs you use every day or week