Here are six steps to help you create the perfect resume:

1. Cut the fluff

Keep your CV up to date, especially with your most recent achievements, and make sure it is clear and concise by including only relevant information.

List your experience in chronological order, and while it may be tempting, don’t leave conspicuous empty spaces. Be honest about what you were doing at the time, but present things as positively as possible. If you try to hide or disguise something, a potential employer is likely to notice.

2. One size does not fit all

Stand out from the crowd by researching exactly what the position entails, and then customize your CV to show how you have those traits. Be specific and show how interested you are in the position by doing a little extra work. The hiring committee will appreciate it. Highlight the particular skills, experiences, and attributes that you think the organization will be looking for. To tailor your CV to a specific job, you may need to change a few words and phrases here and there, but the time invested can be worth it.

3. Talk the talk

Shine a lot of light on your good qualities and relevant skills, letting go of all negativity. Look for keywords in the company advertisement or job description and use them in your CV. You can also demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of your chosen profession by using relevant terminology, but be careful about using too much jargon. Try to show competence, not arrogance.

4. Write it right

One mistake on your CV could be all it takes to get you thrown out. Use a spell checker, read it again, and if possible have someone else double check it.

You have very little time to make the best impression, so keep your language short and to the point. Use powerful verbs like achieved, developed, and strengthened, which emphasize your accomplishments.

5. Cut it into pieces

Use bullet points, short paragraphs, and note forms, with a clear and logical layout, and only relevant information to make it easy for the potential employer to read. When you do this, you will have a much better chance of an interview.

6. Look the part

Employers see hundreds of resumes, so you may be tempted to add a creative twist to yours, thinking it will stand out. Well, he will, but for the wrong reasons. Using lots of different fonts and styles can seem more amateurish than professional, and what looks good to you might be less appealing to someone else.

Use a professional, clean and clear font, all the same size, with bold to emphasize titles and subtitles. Leave some white space around the text to keep the design pleasing to the eye. Print on good quality plain white paper. And above all, try to keep it to a maximum of two pages. Employers simply don’t have time to read lengthy documents.

Remember, some employers may spend as little as 45 seconds flipping through a resume before rating it as “no way,” “maybe,” or “potential.” Take some time to create your CV so that it falls into the “potential” category that will earn a second look!