The importance of having an impressive resume cannot be overemphasized. They say that the first impression matters most. Therefore, it is safe to say your resume is that document that creates a lasting impression about you on the minds of your potential employer. Ideally, your resume should enhance your chances of securing a job or a bid.

1.Make a prior plan for your content

It is important to have prior knowledge of what you are going to write about before embarking on it. Set out your goals and think deeply about what you want to achieve, then tailor your resume.

2. Pay special attention to your typography

Regardless of how meaningful the content is, your resume would make no meaning to your suitors if you don't use the appropriate font and the ideal size. Good use of resume keywords is an advantage.

3. Know why you are writing a resume

It is essential to note that a resume doesn't give or guarantee you a job. It only helps you to make a resume easily earn an interview. Whether you get the job or not largely depends on how well you perform in the interview. Therefore, it makes no sense writing a long and boring piece. This will only make you look like a desperate job seeker.

4. Use bullet points

The conciseness of your resume attracts potential employers. You must avoid too many words and use bullet points if you want to make your resume attractive.

5. Use titles that are catchy

Whether you like it or not, even the best employer will not spend more than two minutes on your resume. Hence, you must try to be descriptive as possible. It is also important to use headings that are catchy as this will give the employer an insight into your previous work experience.

6. The most important information must be listed first

You will be shooting yourself in the foot and doing your chances of getting the job a lot of harm if you begin by listing things that are not too relevant to your resume. The vital and most important things about you and your previous experiences must come first.

7. Avoid negativity

Don't include things that will create a wrong impression of you on the mind of your potential employer. For example, it will be unwise to include things that you did not like about the previous organization where you worked on your resume.

8. Do not include photos of yourself

This could disqualify you. Only jobs (such as modeling) where physique and physical attributes are considered would require the inclusion of your picture. Take a look at these really bad resume designs so you know not what to do.

9. Do not include information that is irrelevant

Some things are not just needed. Stating in your resume which football club you support or which political party you like will greatly undermine your chances.

10. Use a different resume for a different job opening

Although having a standard resume saves you a lot of time, it also does a disservice to your chances of getting nominated for that interview. Hence, you should try to have different resume formats for different job positions.

11. Proofread it at least twice

Just one typographical error is enough to get you disqualified. Therefore, writing a resume without proofreading at least twice means you are setting yourself up for failure.

All in all, you must bear in mind that employers are willing to disqualify you at every given opportunity. Usually, for every job opening, there are several thousands of applicants, and they wouldn't think twice to set you aside. Therefore, you must be careful and meticulous in preparing your resume. Do not make any costly assumption and pay attention to every detail. Job search is competitive, and it would be in your best interest to leave no stone unturned.