So you’ve got your resume written. While it may take some time to write it, there is always room for improvement. It will take longer for you to decide what to include in your resume and how to organize compared to the time you spend actually typing it. Once you’ve typed it, take a step away for a day or so. Then, come back to it and see what improvements you should make. Resumes are so important because they’re the easiest way an employer can see your skills and accomplishments. A great resume is one where an employer can easily see your education, relevant experience, and any skills you may have. Below, we will go into 5 tips for improving your resume. 

Capture the most important information first

If you’re still a student or recent graduate, include the education section of your resume first. Since this is what you’ve been doing full-time, it’s important to have it included at the top. You can follow it with a relevant coursework or experience section. Under each heading, you will want to include the most recent experience first. Employers often skim resumes to find the most qualified candidates prior to looking them over more carefully. This is why it’s important to highlight how you meet the specific qualifications of the internship or job. Finding a way to organize all of your information is often the most difficult part of this process. You can consider including an objective or summary of qualifications for your education.  However, if you do, make sure you focus this section on the requirements of the job. 

Highlight your qualifications

Every resume should have a focus. When applying for an internship or job, it’s your responsibility to understand the qualifications listed in the description. Then, organize your resume in a way that best highlights your skills and accomplishments and proves that you are the perfect candidate. The easiest way to do this is to include a relevant experience section right after education. This is where you can list all of the coursework, volunteer, co-curricular and previous internship/job experience that is directly applicable to the internship or job. This format makes it easy for an employer to find the information they’re looking for.

Use bullet points to display important information

Although descriptions in a resume can be in paragraph or bullet form, using bullets makes it easier for employers to read. Also, it makes for a much cleaner-looking resume. Each bullet should begin with a strong action verb followed by a statement that further describes your specific skills and accomplishments.

Delete any clutter

The rule for professionals is to include the last 15 years or so of employment on a resume. For students and new graduates, you’ll want to include the most relevant experience first. Then, if there’s room, you can include your summer jobs working at a local restaurant or retail store. This can help highlight your interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills to employers. Try eliminating any extraneous experiences that do not directly relate to the internship or job.

Make sure there are no errors

If there was ever a time when perfectionism is warranted, it’s when writing a resume. Not only does correct spelling and grammar show an educated candidate, it also shows the employer that you’re serious. Along with this, it shows that you’re willing to take the time to do everything possible in order to get it.