Critical Elements of a Successful Resume

When research suggests that hiring managers only look at a resume for six seconds, it's important that your own application contains all the critical elements of success. But what if you aren't sure what they are? Here are just eight components of an excellent resume.

1: Lists

Before you do anything else, understand that your resume needs to be visually engaging and easy to read and skim. You can accomplish this with lists, subheadings and bullet points that allow for quick perusal and send a good impression to your potential employer: You value their time and don't want to waste it.

2: Appropriate Qualifications

Not all credentials are created equally, so if your certificates and licenses have nothing to do with the position, don't bother listing them. Why would a restaurant manager care about your computer science degree? You'll only make yourself seem overqualified and unsuitable for the job.

3: Good Formatting

In addition to the six second rule, eyetracking software has proven that recruiters tend to look at resumes in a Z formation that starts at the top, zigzags to the right and then travels back down on the left side. This means that all your important information should be arranged accordingly.

4: Educational Highlights

For most jobs, a college degree will no longer get you through the door; you'll need to "punch up" your academics to make them pop. For example, you can talk about the internships and professional development offered by your program, or you can include impressive details about your GPA or percentiles if they're top tier.

5: A Strong Baseline

You want your resume to be one-of-a-kind, of course, but it's equally important that you're adhering to the standards of your industry. Use a sample resume as a field-appropriate template before customizing it to your own specifications. Uniqueness can get you ahead, but so can showing your employer that you understand what's expected of you.

6: Dynamic Language

The right words will make all the difference when typing up your resume. For example, never speak of "duties" or "assignments" that make your previous job sound like a chore. Talk about "responsibilities," "opportunities," and "achievements" instead. You should also pepper your paragraphs with important phrases you found in the job listing: Some employers use computer software that automatically weeds out anyone who doesn't use the right keywords.

7: Cover Letter

A good cover letter can greatly bolster your resume, especially if you're a recent graduate or a worker returning to the field after a long absence. Just make sure you adapt it to the position you seek: 91 percent of employers think more highly of candidates who do their research.

8: Results

At the end of the day, recruiters want to know how you can help their company achieve its goals. Your education, accreditation and work experience are all secondary to the benefits you can offer them. When writing your resume, talk about results: how much you earned, how much you optimized and how much you changed things for the better.

If you're serious about getting that callback, these are just eight tricks and techniques you can employ to make your resume stand out from the rest. Good luck!