Maybe numbers are your comfort zone, but not all accountants are single-note. And it is particularly important to use the right words when you’re creating your resume to land that next opportunity. You need to have a document that will pull a reader in and compel them to contact you right away. There is no magic pill for writing the perfect resume, so it is no wonder that it can be difficult to know what to include. Here are 5 tips that can help you write a killer resume for your next accounting job.

Ensure your contact information is up to date and correct.

You may be surprised to find out that recruiters and hiring managers can’t always contact their favorite candidates. It is easy to let little details slip when updating your resume, to be sure to review your contact information as well as your experience. Make sure you have a current phone number and email address. And you may want to include your home address, because some businesses will only hire local candidates.

Don’t make a laundry list of duties, focus on accomplishments.

Many people assume that a resumed is a repository for all of your past experience. In a way, it can be, but it is also a sales document to peak someone’s interest in your background. You don’t need to include every last duty you’ve ever performed. Rather, select some of your top functions and write about them as accomplishments. Include hard data, such as timeframes or figures, to enhance your narrative.

Provide the correct dates of employment for previous jobs.

Some people are concerned about putting dates on their resume. This could be due to employment gaps. Or they may be afraid of dating their experience. But dates are critical and hiring managers will often dismiss a resume without them. As a rule of thumb, you only need to go back about ten years on your resume. And, if you’ve had job gaps, include volunteering, contract, or temp work you did while not employed.

Strategically leave off the unnecessary information.

Only include information relevant to the job. That is, with one notable exception. You can include anything that will make you more interesting, too. Don’t ever include your birth date or information about your family. Don’t include hobbies unless they directly relate to the job for which you’re applying.

Make the resume format easy to read.

Lastly, your resume should look good at a glance. Choosing the right format is key to enticing a recruiter or hiring manager to take a second look. Use bullets rather than text-heavy paragraphs. Make sure that the right information is bolded. Make sure your name and information is easy to find.

Have you reviewed your resume recently? We have accounting recruiters located in Phoenix, Orange County, Los Angeles and Denver who can help you today!