Customize your resume for each position you apply for. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. Use keywords from the job posting to help get past automated applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Limit your resume to 1-2 pages, depending on your experience level. Use clear, concise language and bullet points to highlight key achievements. Remove irrelevant information that doesn't support your current career goals.

Begin bullet points with strong action verbs like 'achieved,' 'implemented,' 'increased,' or 'reduced.' Whenever possible, include specific numbers, percentages, or metrics to quantify your achievements. This makes your contributions more concrete.

Select a clean, professional resume layout with consistent formatting. Use a readable font size (10-12pt) and standard fonts. Incorporate white space effectively to make your resume easy to scan. Use conservative colors unless you're in a creative field.

Start with a compelling 2-3 sentence professional summary that highlights your key qualifications, skills, and career goals. Tailor this summary to the specific job or industry you're targeting.

List skills that are relevant to the position you're applying for. Include a mix of technical (hard) skills and interpersonal (soft) skills. For technical positions, consider separating skills by category or proficiency level.

Eliminate spelling and grammar errors that can undermine your professionalism. Have someone else review your resume for feedback and to catch errors you might have missed. Read your resume aloud to identify awkward phrasing.

Ensure your contact information is current and professional. Include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Consider adding your city and state, but your full address is usually unnecessary.