Let’s start with the basics behind the resume. If we think of the resume as a presentation of the candidate, then it better be well designed, accessible and easy to scan.

The worst way to get started is with a resume that can’t even be opened. Keeping resumes to a DOC or PDF file type is generally the safest bet. One key factor to note is how users on the other end might store a resume. For most recruiters and hiring managers, text from a resume must be parsed or copied into a database. Occasionally, PDF files can prevent text from being copied. Before sending off a resume, ensure that the text can easily be copied and pasted into another text field or processor.

Headers, footers, margins and columns can all be misused to cram a resume down to size. Many candidates attempting to adhere to the two-page resume guideline will treat each of these formatting options as a way to save space. But cutting margins to their minimums or abusing columns will make text appear cramped. White spacing separates sections and helps encourage readers to scan a document while clearly presenting the resume. Removing all that white space will trigger some resume claustrophobia and tire out a reader.

Candidates do not need a picture on their resume. Between LinkedIn, Twitter and company websites, there are already plenty of places a candidate can showcase their smile. But a resume is not that place. Posting a picture creates formatting issues and takes up valuable space. It is unprofessional and unnecessary.

There are endless ways to present a resume’s content. Some people underline job titles. Others bold company names. Some choose a single dash or an em dash between dates. Most important is to keep it all consistent. If titles are underlined then every title must be underlined. Don’t use a single dash between dates on one position and an em dash on dates for a previous position. If a final sentence in a bullet point does not end with a period, none should. Consistency might not speak volumes about attention to detail, but inconsistency does.

Now it’s time to get to the heart of resume writing by filling up the page. While many candidates struggle knowing what information to include and what to leave off, a number of people aren’t even aware of key areas they should be addressing.

Let’s imagine a candidate with previous experience as both a lead hardware engineer and a manager of a product development team. This candidate may seek a position as a director of engineering or product development, but the resume itself should not be the same. Recruiters can help candidates tweak their resumes before applying to a position. This allows hiring managers to see all the experience they are looking for right from the start. Resume tweaks are designed to steer the focus toward a certain industry, position or objective.

There should be a purpose behind each point in a resume. Every skill, project, and objective should make a positive statement about the candidate. When going over a resume, simply ask “Does this serve a purpose?” This prevents extraneous information that hiring managers do not need to read. This can also turn bland statements into actionable items. It is a more valuable use of space to get specific about learning from a particular project than to simply list three tasks performed.

The purpose of a resume is to win an interview. In order for that to happen, candidates need to engage their readers and provide an overwhelmingly positive first impression. This is why resume guidelines have always preached actionable verbs. No one wants to read a history of a candidate. Hiring managers want a resume to highlight the skills, accomplishments and energy of the candidate. It should speak to what the employer wants and needs by showcasing what a candidate has done to solve their problems. A reader should barely be a quarter of the way through and already want to set up an interview. This makes the start of the resume crucial for capturing interest.ve.

The opening lines of a resume will indicate whether or not a reader continues, or at least what attitude he or she keeps reading with. Most candidates include an opening summary and some employ an opening objective. If an objective is included it should be brief and serve a purpose for how the candidate’s goals align with the employer’s opportunity. Summaries too should be concise and flow from one point to the next without veering off or getting too detailed. A couple of the major skills of a potential opportunity can also find their way into the summary as long as it corresponds with previous experience and a desired role..