Recruiters and hiring managers are inundated with resumes from well-qualified candidates. You’re up against stiff competition, and a sloppy presentation can do you in.

Forget trite and boring descriptions of your past job experience; focus on your actions to improve a process or accomplish goals. Use strong action words to stand out.

1. Know the Job

The first step to creating a great resume example is knowing the job you’re applying for. This can help you tailor your experience to the specific role and highlight any relevant skills.

Also, it’s important to know what keywords recruiters use to search for candidates. This can help you choose which experience to include and what words to emphasize. For example, using power words like “innovated” or “implemented” can make your experience more compelling.

2. Know Yourself

You need to understand yourself as a person and your skills. It will help you figure out how to showcase your abilities on your resume and in interviews.

Tip: Use action verbs in your professional experience sections rather than simply listing responsibilities. This will increase your chances of getting noticed by ATS.

It’s also important to tailor your resume for each position you apply to. This takes time, but it will make your application stand out from the competition and improve your chances of getting called for an interview.

3. Know Your Skills

A resume should highlight the skills that are important for the job. If you have skills that are not relevant to the job, leave them off.

Read the job description and note the keywords that are used to describe the job. These keywords can help hiring managers find candidates. You should also include your skills and experience on the resume. This will improve your chances of getting noticed by the recruiter.

4. Know Your Experience

Your work history is one of the most important sections of your resume. Employers want to see that you have a track record of success. Use quantifiable figures to make your accomplishments stand out.

Include details of relevant professional certifications and skills. Also include any outside-the-box experiences, such as volunteering or attending Yahtzee meetups.

Having the right information in the best format can help you make a strong impression on hiring teams and recruiters. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a modern, ATS-compliant resume in no time.

5. Know Your Education

In many industries, your education is the strongest card you have. Having a high GPA or even just finishing your degree can give you an edge over your competition.

Suppose you are a recent graduate, a student, or a job seeker making a career change. In that case, you can compensate for a limited work experience section with other certifications, side projects, and extracurricular activities. Showing how you have made a difference will impress hiring managers.

6. Know the Job Description

The job description is a document that outlines the role and responsibilities of an employee. It provides information on what is expected to be done, how much the position pays, and other important details.

The ATS will search for keywords in your resume, and it’s essential to tailor your work experience section according to the job description. Adding skills and certifications listed in the job description will also improve your chances of getting noticed.

7. Know Your Competencies

To be the best candidate for the job, you need to possess the skills employers seek. Make sure that your work experience section demonstrates these skills. Try to quantify them as much as possible, and be sure to add any relevant certifications and degrees.

In your professional summary, use action verbs and power words to grab the employer’s attention. In your work experience section, focus on accomplishments rather than responsibilities. Try to include quantifiable metrics like maximizing company profits or increasing website traffic.

8. Know Your Value

Using keywords and power words is essential for getting past job application filters, but it’s equally important to use quantifiable achievements in your work experience section. This makes you stand out and demonstrates your value.

Consider removing old jobs that don’t relate to the new ones you want but only do so with care. Employers may ask for references, so you want to leave them with a complete record of your experience.