The majority of resumes are quickly passed over by human resources personnel, and you need to make yours stand out – everything about it – what you say, how you say it, and the presentation should say EXCELLENCE.

One of the first and easiest steps is eliminating any and all grammatical or spelling issues. Don’t submit a resume on last night’s coaster or wrinkled paper. And because studies have shown that hiring managers tend to scan rather than read resumes, you need to make a powerful statement very quickly.

As with all good writing, it’s important to plan first. Target your resume to the position you’re seeking, and carefully consider the employer’s needs. Avoid making general, canned statements that could apply to anyone for virtually any job, such as “I’m seeking a challenging position to further my own personal growth as well as that of the company” – BORING. Make your statements specific, and show how your strengths will perfectly meet the employer’s needs.

No matter where you are in your life, you can tailor your resume to match your position. For example:

Executive: Polished and impressive. Market your strengths, experience, and leadership ability.

Entry Level: Just starting out? Showcase your strengths and express your desire to grow professionally.

Student: Even if this is your very first job search, you have the makings of a resume in your background!