There are a lot of great careers out there. The key to getting one of those careers though is a solid resume. So for this month’s article, I thought, rather than focus on a specific career, I’d focus on how to get any career. I’m going to go over tips to use in a resume. I’ll use one of my own previous jobs at Starbucks to show how to turn a simple job into an impressive job on a resume.

Step 1) Length.
There is a mistaken idea out there that a resume should only be one page. That’s not true. A resume can be anywhere between 1-3 pages (don’t go more than 3). The key is to be sure that it is easy to read and shows the most pertinent information. There’s a general rule of thumb that less than 5 years experience can go on one page and more than that gets an extra page.

Step 2) Advertise yourself.
Your resume isn’t just a list of past jobs. You want to point out that you are the best person for the job. For example, if I were applying for a supervisor position somewhere, I would use my Starbucks job to point out that I have extensive supervisory and training experience.

Step 3) Be Specific.
At Starbucks, I suggested a new way to keep customers returning and sell more pastries. Now, one way to put that on a resume would be “Developed stronger customer relationship and increased pastry sales.” Now that’s a good thing but it doesn’t show what I did. This is a better option. “Created customer reference sheet and encouraged employee memorization of customers’ orders to foster stronger customer relationships. Also implemented new selling techniques and took over pastry supply ordering to increase sales. Won award for Employee of the Month for efforts and increased sales by 14%.” This way I was specific about what I did plus it helps show a future employer how much work you are willing to do for the company.

Step 4) Achievements are more important than responsibilities.
As a barista at Starbucks, most employers would know that entails making coffee drinks and running a cash register. But focusing on achievements would mean pointing out the fact that I was made lead barista, the primary bar person (a difficult position to get at Starbucks as you have to be very fast and an excellent multi-tasker) and was promoted to supervisor in 3 months. It shows that I do more than just my job.

Step 5) Proof, proof, proof!
First, be sure everything on your resume is spelled correctly. Triple check it and then have a friend check it. As someone who has gone over resumes for a boss before, nothing sends yours to the trash can faster than typos. The other key is to properly format it. You can find formats online or at a library. One isn’t necessarily better than another. You just need a style that highlights your skills and is easy to read.

Step 6) Be Relevant
Don’t put skills or qualifications that don’t matter to the job you’re applying for. Working at a hospital means my Spanish speaking skills could be very valuable. Knowing that I can make a mean latte isn’t very helpful.

Step 7) Modesty can be a bad thing.
This part is very important. Don’t lie on your resume. It will catch up to you. But don’t be immodest either. For example, when I worked at Starbucks, I came up with a new style of training baristas on selling whole bean coffee. I presented the training method to my district manager and all the store managers in my area (about 20). Our district ended up using my training method not only with new baristas but in coffee tastings at our stores as well. Believe me, I brag about that. It shows skills in marketing, sales, and training not to mention innovation. So if you did something pretty sweet at work, brag about it. Just don’t take credit for something you didn’t do.

Hopefully these tips help you gain the perfect job.