I found out recently close to 1000 application letters came through for two openings I had in my team. Although our human resources department filtered out most of them I still remember seeing tonnes of applications in the past two months. Having been on both ends of the job application process, I thought I'll share some of my insights here.

You might have the best skills and be the best fit to the openings you are applying for, but if you are not even getting your foot into the door how are you able to land the perfect job?

Resume is a sales brochure in essence. No matter what they teach you in school (or not teach you), it has one significant function - to help you land an interview!

Tip #1: Always use your own formatting if given a choice

• Career sites will ask you to fill out a standard form, do it if that's required but make sure you attach your own document if given a choice.
• MS Word has nicely formatted resume templates, never use them without changing the layout!

Why not take the easy way out? Because you want to get noticed and you want an interview! MS Word resume templates are extremely easy to recognize (read: boring) and standard forms are designed for HR to process your applications more efficiently, not help you land a job. Take a chance, get noticed and use your own layout!

Tip #2: Don't try to be a designer (unless you are one)

Don't try to impress your future employer with fancy design unless you are a trained designer. Try and write your resume with three things in mind Simplicity, Readability, and Clarity.

Busy managers will not have time to read your resume in detail. Often an impression of you is formulated in the first minutes of reading your resume. So make sure you don't have any spelling or grammatical mistakes, at least not noticeable ones. Your document should be simple, easy to read, and to the point. Always remember the K.I.S.S. rule - "Keep It Simple Stupid".

Tip #3: Make it memorable!

Make your resume memorable but in a positive way. Give your viewer something more than just a name to remember. Try using a photo (if you think it works to your advantage), visual cues such as a different way of displaying your name, etc. Again, make sure it's tastefully done; when in doubt ask a friend (with taste).

That's all the tips I have for now. Resume writing is one of those important things people often overlook. Put yourself in your future employer's shoes. What will catch your attention if you have to read 50 resumes in one sitting? Which resume will give you a good impression? All the best with your job hunt!