Writing a resume and keeping it updated can be a daunting and often frustrating task. From creating your first resume to updating it after 20 years in the workforce, it is not easy. However, it can make the difference between getting the job you want. Think of your resume as a marketing tool for you to showcase your different roles and related accomplishments. Hiring Managers and Recruiters will only spend 20-30 seconds scanning this document initially, so here are some help hints to create the most impactful resume that you can.

PROOFREAD YOUR RESUME. The biggest resume mistake anyone can make is having spelling and grammatical errors. Use spellcheck and in addition have a friend, colleague or family member proofread it. Another set of eyes is very helpful and highly recommended. Grammatical and spelling errors reflect on your attention to detail and ability to communicate. In many cases, resume errors can be a non-starter for job applicants.

USE A SIMPLE FORMAT. Keep the format of your resume neat, clean and concise. Avoid long paragraphs and detailed narrative. Use your cover letter for details and storytelling. Two pages is the maximum length that I recommend for any resume. If you have multiple years of work experience (20+), be sure to focus on the last 10 years and eliminate early jobs that do not add relevance to the current position(s) that you are pursuing. You can summarize those early positions in an interview. If you have less than 10 years of work experience, aim to keep your resume to one page.

USE BULLET POINTS STRATEGICALLY. Bullet points should be used to describe specific and measurable accomplishments. Avoid using bullet points to laundry list job responsibilities. Focus on specific business results that you achieved in each of your jobs. For example, what initiatives, programs and projects did you own and what were the results? Lazlo Bock, SVP People Operations at Google’s Bock shared his “personal formula for a winning resume” on LinkedIn and outlines this point in great detail.

EDIT YOUR RESUME TO BE RELEVANT. It is impossible to include every detail of every job, so make sure that the content you include on your resume is the most relevant to the specific position that you are applying. It will take extra time and effort to edit your resume for each position, but the pay off will be worth it. Make sure you take the time to edit and update your resume content often.

Remember, the first review of your resume will most likely be a quick scan, so make it impactful and relevant. Remember to think of your resume as your marketing tool. What does it say about you and how do you want to be perceived by potential employers? Take the time to write the most impactful resume that showcases your relevant abilities and accomplishments.

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it”

-Charles R. Swindoll

I was reminded of this great quote this week, and spent some time thinking about attitude how it affects every aspect our lives and careers. When I think about the career successes and failures of my peers, bosses, colleagues, and my own, one thing is very clear: your attitude is EVERYTHING! Like anything in life, your career will have its ups and downs. You will hit speed bumps and have bad days. You will make mistakes and experience failure. You will encounter difficult personalities and that boss whom will micromanage you at times. Nothing is insurmountable with the right attitude.

If you find yourself in a rut or frustrated on a regular basis, with a constant flow of negative emotions, change your thinking. As quickly as negative thoughts enter your mind, send them out the door. Change the way you view adversity. Adversity is there to teach us life’s lessons. The key is to let adversity fuel you. Smile, take a breath, and then challenge yourself to figure out how to solve the puzzle by having a winning, “can do” attitude.

Avoid falling into the victim cycle at all costs, because there is always a way. When you cannot figure it out on your own, that’s okay. Enlist the help of others to brainstorm ideas, give fresh perspective and additional points of view. Separate fact from emotion, and collect as many data points as you can. Then, map your plan according to a logical and rational plan.

When you make mistakes, and you will, own up to them and do your best to course correct. Those who can dig in, identify the core issue, and influence a solution with a “can do” attitude will ALWAYS win over those that allow setbacks and failure to defeat and hold them back. Do not underestimate the power of determination and persistence. Just be willing to do the work to get there.

There is something you can control at work and that is your reaction to adversity and how you conduct yourself. So, take those obstacles and tell yourself “I got this”! Make this attitude a habit and you will see your career grow!

Here is a little video inspiration for when you need it.