Creating a resume is one thing. Creating a resume that gets read is another.

You may be tempted to use the first resume template you can find and copy/paste. However, that might not give you the results you need to stand out. We’re here to give you a leg up and help you make sure your resume gets read.

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1. The Look

The overall look of the resume gives the company a snapshot of who you are. If the first look doesn’t work, your resume won’t get far. Resume design should be clean and consistent. When considering consistency, only use one font. Make sure that titles, such as your name, past companies, and education, are in bold and stand out. Italics can also be used to highlight skills.

Getting the overall look right can make sure your resume gets read.

2. Your Skills & Expertise

Many people writing resumes forget to add relevant skills as a section. A skills section can tie everything about a resume together. The skills you list in this section show the employer that you have what they need. When adding skills, make sure to list concrete, well-defined skills. Leaving them vague, and not backing them up, can make your resume look messy and unfocused. Concentrate on your past job experience and incorporate keywords into your skills. Don’t forget about soft skills, either.

3. Job History

If you have a long work history, you may feel tempted to add everything to your resume. However, this will make it several pages long.

The shorter the resume, the easier it is to read. If you want to make an impact on your resume readability, be selective about your job history. Write in only the jobs you’ve had that best match the job you are applying for. Think about the responsibilities you had in those jobs. How will those skills match up with the job you’re looking for?

4. The Bigger Picture

Your resume should be inter-connected. Everything about your resume should be written in support of a single goal. Your skills should support the job you’re looking for. Your skills should be found easily in your work history. Finally, your work history should show why you’re the best person for the job.

What is the bigger picture? What job are you applying for? Answering these questions will help you guide your resume’s key points. If you can do this, you can make sure your resume gets read by the right people.