A research showed that employers only spend 6.25 seconds on average looking at an applicant's résumé before deciding to accept of reject an application. A brief 6.25 seconds! That's shorter than the average length of a TV advertisement. With hundreds of résumés received by recruiters on a daily basis, how can you make a stronger résumé to make an impression? Get your résumé; it's time to overhaul it and make it competitive.

1. Advertise your awesome skills set.

A résumé is your first foot on the door of your future employer. Since your résumé is only given a short time to represent you, list down your skills which will be beneficial to the company. Here are some skills that you should include:

· Computer. We are living in the Information and Technology age. Almost everything is digital, and you should hone your computer skills to keep up with the fast pace of time. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are some of the most commonly used computer programs used in the corporate world today. Master the techniques on how you can efficiently use any of these programs so you'll be confident on your first day on the job.

· Communication. Communication is vital in the workplace. During a job interview, while working with colleagues, talking with clients or partners, you should be able to communicate effectively. This is useful, especially if you're just hired in a company, because you will most likely ask questions about your new job, or you have to talk with your teammates or members of other departments.

· Decision-making and Problem solving skills. No employer wants to hire someone who has to be spoon-fed. Be the employee who can be relied on, one who can be trusted to resolve issues, and let the employer know that you're an asset to the company by putting these skills in your résumé.

2. Links to social media.

Recruiters are using social media to check on the background of possible candidates. According to a social recruiting survey conducted by Jobvite in 2013, 94% of recruiters are using or planning to use social media in the hiring process while 78% hired new workers via social media.2 With this in mind, include your social media accounts in your résumé. Use professional-sounding handles such as using your full name (e.g. johnsmith) instead of a moniker (e.g. hotstuff214). Including these information make the recruiter know that you're not left behind the social media bandwagon. Remember: whatever you post affects your application. Only post information that reflects your good character and values.

3. Announce your achievements.

Aside from skills, you should also add your achievements in your résumé. Instead of listing down your duties, write down what you've accomplished while doing your past job. For example, instead of "Answered customer inquires," write "Provided high quality support to customers which lead to more sales." Create a story which engages whoever reads your résumé.

4. Use a well-designed résumé.

The Internet offers a number of beautiful résumé templates here which you can use as a guide in your résumé writing. Search for one that reflects your personality and the position you're applying for.

5. No fluff.

When writing a résumé, keep it short and simple. Remember, you only have at least 6.25 seconds to get the attention of a hiring manager so don't write a lengthy list of your professional experience. If you've had several employers in the past, just include the previous three companies where you've had a fruitful experience. No need to itemize or put too much detail on all your employment and duties. As a rule of thumb, one page should suffice to showcase your qualifications.

6. Avoid mediocrity: CUSTOMIZE!

Recruiters have seen thousands upon thousands of résumés and they know if what they are reading is a generic one. Create a résumé that highlights your skills and accomplishments which are related to the job you are applying for. For example, if you want a job as a kitchen personnel in a restaurant, you can include your past jobs such as a Fry Cook, Caller, or Barista. Focus on areas that match the requirements of the position. This will help you achieve a concise résumé, showing off information that will hopefully get the hiring manager's attention.

7. Say it with numbers.

This is related to Number 3. If you can quantify your achievements, do so. It's better if the recruiter has something tangible to hold on regarding your achievements. Seeing "Increased sales by 10% within the first three months on the job" is better than "Increased sales" only. Putting a number gives a solid proof of what you are capable of doing.

Conclusion.

To summarize, there are effective ways on how you can give a competitive edge to your résumé. It only takes time and a conscious effort to write an excellent résumé that will make recruiters notice you. Résumés are only given a very short span of time on an employer's table so make sure that your résumé stands out from the crowd.