Before you start looking for a new job, it is really important to undertake a complete resume overhaul, to make sure you are effectively positioning yourself on paper.

But sometimes you just don’t have that kind of time. Out of the blue, a recruiter might have called and wants a copy of your resume today, or you have just discovered the perfect job opportunity, but the application is due in a few hours.

So in this article, I share the top 9 changes that will get your resume noticed, and the best part, they are easy and relatively quick to implement.

1. Move your Education

 Unless you are a recent graduate, or you have just completed new qualifications that you want to show off, such as a Masters of Business Administration, move your education below your experience. The reality is that your achievements and skills relevant to the job are more important and you want to save the primary part of the document to showcasing these, not your education.

2. Delete irrelevant Information

 Sometimes less is more, so go through your resume and do the following:

  • Omit any references to date of birth, marital status or religion.
  • Go through line by line and edit out words, or obscure sentences that don’t add value.
  • Remove repetitive or irrelevant information. Ask yourself – is this information critical and if it were left out, would it jeopardise your application?
  • Remove very old work history that has nothing to do with the job you are applying for.

3. Update your Skills Section

 If you don’t have a skills section, quickly add one. If you do have a skills section, update this, so any new skills you have gained are added and anything that is dated is removed.

4. Quantify Everything

Go to your achievements list and see if you can quantify what you achieved with evidence, such as percentages. So for example, instead of saying you increased sales, tell them you increased sales by 20%. This small change alone, will fast track your achievements.

5. Update your Profile

 You need to update your profile. It does not have to be lengthy, or sophisticated, just write a couple of sentences that outlines what you’re capable of that benefits the potential employer.

6. Update your Roles

 Make sure all the experience on your resume is updated. Don’t worry too much about perfection – just ensure the reader understands the scope and complexity of the position and your achievements are up-to-date.

7. Add your LinkedIn Profile

 If your LinkedIn profile is in better shape than your resume, add a link to your LinkedIn profile. If your LinkedIn profile is a mess, don’t add it, or remove it.

8. Delete the clichéd Objective

 If you have an objective that reads something like: ‘I’m a dedicated and hard working professional, now seeking career advancement with a forward thinking organisation’.  Just delete it. It adds nothing, ages you and takes up valuable space.

9. Proof Read

Okay, the last is not really a change, but still vital. Proof read your document.

So there you have it – 9 changes that will make a difference. You won’t have a perfect document and you will need to go back and do a serious revamp. But in the interim, you will have an improved version that you will be able to utilise today.

Written by Guest Blogger, Carolyn Smith, Career Advisor at My Career Groove.

For quality job opportunities direct to you – create a private profile today at: My Career Groove.