It takes recruiters an average of “six seconds before they make the initial ‘fit or no fit’ decision” on candidates based on resumes.With this kind of competition, you need to have an irresistible resume to get through the screening process and not lie somewhere in a pile of mediocrity.

There are a lot of resumes floating around, and the question is, what to do? What not to do? To put an end to your bewilderment, here’s a short guide to crafting a curriculum vitae that will get you into the interview room and make you an interesting candidate.

1. The Right Format

Let’s face it. Writing a resume is a daunting task. Think of your resume this way: It’s an advertisement, and YOU are the product. Your goal is to get hiring managers to buy into what you’re selling – which means giving you an interview. To accomplish that, you need to see it as your marketing tool, your trusty belt buckle of tricks. Without it, you are powerless.

Here’s what your resume should look like. Generally, there are three main types of resume formats you can choose from:

• 1. Reverse-chronological – this resume format is one that most candidates pick to present their professional profile to employers.
• 2. Functional – this resume format is also known as the skills-based format, and it’s quite controversial among recruiters.
• 3. Combination – this one is for job seekers who want to show off their skills and qualifications.
  It is upto you how you want to be presented. Remember to choose wisely as ‘first impression is the last impression’.

It is upto you how you want to be presented. Remember to choose wisely as ‘first impression is the last impression’.

2.Targeted information

Every item on your resume should be written with your target job in mind. Think about how everything you have done in your career is relevant to the job for which you are applying. If it isn’t relevant, it doesn’t belong. Again, research is essential. The more you know about a prospective employer, the better you can convey how you would be an asset to them. Be crisp and to the point, don’t get carried away with adding unsubstantial information.

3. Provide a summary

A career summary should be brief and describe the skills and experiences most relevant to the job for which you are applying. It should be specific to you—if it’s vague enough that it could apply to anyone in your field, it doesn’t provide any benefit. If you are new to a field, or even just new to the workforce, then a career summary is not necessary.

4. Important qualifications

Mention at least three of the qualities specified in the job description, and explain how you have demonstrated these qualities. Do not be modest or undersell yourself. If you are unsure how to do this, discuss your experience with colleagues, or friends or relatives. They might be able to give you some perspective on what you have achieved.And now match up the two sections on ‘responsibilities’ and ‘achievements’ and write about them for your resume.

5. Industry Specific Resume

Your resume is the most financially important document you will ever own.Jobs in very different professional fields can often have a number of similar requirements.

So, what are the skills you’ve already demonstrated that are applicable? They may be more than you think.

Consider these possibilities:

• Time management
• Project management
• Collaboration
• Persuasive communication
• Strong decision-making
• Composure under pressure
• Innovative problem-solving

You should also be prepared to speak about what motivates to opt for a career change. You can weave a little of this into your objective, then also be prepared to write about it briefly in your cover letter, and then of course speak to it when you land an interview.

Word of advice

Your resume must be error-free. Refrain from making spelling errors and typos. Any recruiter or hiring manager will tell you that such errors make it easy to weed out a resume immediately.And lastly, be sure to look for some common resume pitfalls before you press send.

Now that you understand how to write a powerful resume, it’s time to ‘resume’ work!