Recruiters spend an average of four to six minutes on a resume. For many it only takes six seconds to check for key words that would indicate if a potential candidate will be scheduled for an interview. A good resume includes (or excludes) the following:

No crazy fonts, colors, pictures, anything that’s going to distract them from the content

It’s important to include all your contact information on your resume so employers can easily get in touch with you. Include your full name, street address, city, state, and zip, home phone number, cell phone number, and email address.

Many employers want to check a potential employee’s social media site(s). It is up to you if you want to include these up front.

A resume headline (also known as a resume title) is a brief phrase that highlights your value as a candidate. Located at the top of your resume, a headline allows a hiring manager to see quickly and concisely what makes you the right person for the job.

If you include an objective on your resume, it’s important to tailor your resume objective to match the job you are applying for. The more specific you are, the better chance you have of being considered for the job you are interested in.

The experience section of your resume includes your employment history. List the companies you worked for, dates of employment, the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and achievements. Include dates of unemployment here as well to ensure all dates are accounted for. It’s important to prioritize the content of your resume. List the most important and relevant experience first, with key accomplishments listed at the top of each position.

In the education section of your resume, list the schools you attended, the degrees you attained, and any special awards and honors you earned. Include professional development coursework and certifications. Also include special memberships in clubs such as The National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, etc.

The skills section of your resume includes your abilities that are related to the jobs you are applying for. Include skills that are relevant to the position / career field that you are interested in, such as computer skills, software skills, social media skills, leadership skills and/or financial skills.

Many people put “References available upon request” at the end of their resume. There is no need to include references on your resume or even to mention that references are available. Rather, have a separate list of references to give to employers upon request.

Technology is changing rapidly. Many companies are moving to online applications and online video interviews. In either case, how you present yourself on online will make or break your chances for a job. Preparation ahead of time is essential.