Whether you’re diving into the job market for the first time, making a career switch, or simply seeking new opportunities in a thriving job environment, the journey begins with a compelling resume. Navigating through job boards and LinkedIn can lead to numerous offers from professionals who promise to craft your resume for a fee. Instead of spending extra money, why not use these expert tips to create a standout resume yourself?

First, cut to the chase. Hiring managers skim through resumes quickly, so you need to make an impact in seconds. Your resume should be concise, highlighting your strongest and most relevant experiences right at the top.

Next, tailor your resume for each job application. A generic resume won’t grab attention. Go through the job description, note the key skills and qualifications, and customize your resume to reflect those elements.

Using strong action verbs is another critical step. Words like “achieved,” “developed,” and “managed” create a dynamic and powerful impression. They convey a sense of initiative and impact, setting you apart from other candidates.

Moreover, quantify your achievements. Instead of saying you “improved sales,” detail by how much you did so—such as “increased sales by 20%.” Numbers provide clear evidence of your abilities and effectiveness.

Ensure your resume is visually appealing. Use a clean, professional layout with a readable font. Proper spacing and bullet points improve readability, guiding the recruiter’s eyes through your most significant accomplishments.

Lastly, proofread meticulously. Typos and errors can detract from your professionalism and attention to detail. Consider asking a friend or using punctuation and spelling tools to assist in this final review stage.

In summary, while it may be tempting to hire someone to write your resume, doing it yourself with these tips can be just as effective. By making your resume concise, targeted, action-oriented, quantifiable, visually appealing, and error-free, you’ll be ready to seize any job opportunity that comes your way.