Like it or not, your application to your dream job isn’t going straight to the person hiring for the role. Instead, it has to pass through a gatekeeper—typically someone in HR—who is responsible for vetting resumes before passing them along to the very busy hiring manager. This is the speed-dating round: You have only a few seconds to make a good impression or risk getting tossed into the reject pile.

If you do make a good impression, a hiring manager will look at your resume like they might an online dating profile. They know exactly what they’re looking for in a candidate, and a few misused words on your profile (or resume) could cost you your chance at the position. Even though you liked the company enough to send the first message, you’ll receive the dreaded “thanks, but no thanks” email in return that will have you wondering where you went wrong.

So how does your resume attract enough attention to get invited on a first date, i.e. interview? Here are seven little changes that will make a big difference on your resume.

Remove fluffy, clichéd, generic or obvious statements.

“I have excellent communication skills and am a pro multi-tasker.” Even if this statement rings true, it’s also so overused that the hiring manager won’t give it a second thought. Be specific about your skillset; don’t just copy terms from resume samples that you think fit you. Chances are, they describe everyone else as well.

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Remove broad, generic and outdated skills

“I am proficient in Microsoft Office 2007.” Every time you update your resume, take a careful look at your skills listed. Be sure your skills are not too broad (computers), outdated (Office 2007) or generic (phone). Just list skills relevant to the position you’re applying for, and leave the extras out.

Elizabeth Becker, Client Partner at PROTECH, was featured on The Ladder’s blog. To read the full article, check it out here: 7 little changes that’ll make a big difference with your resume