Get Noticed!

Writing a good resume is one of the most important steps in any job search. Before you even get your foot in the door for an interview, you need to sell your pitch on paper in hopes that you sound irresistible enough to meet face to face.

While the task may seem daunting, it doesn't have to be if you follow a few good rules and guidelines. The most important thing you should do is customize your resume to each job position that you strive for. One of the biggest mistakes people make is to write a one-size-fits-all resume then send it out to multiple prospects. This kind of resume usually shows no relevance to the desired job position and fails to capture the attention of the intended recipient.

We've compiled a few tips below to show you how to create a resume that gets noticed. By developing a good strategy, you'll find your pen flowing in no time as you discover ways to transform yourself from an eligible contender to a stand-out candidate.

Clearly state your ojective.

The trick to writing a good objective statement is to make it specific to the job position you are seeking. The objective should not only reflect your goals,
but the goals of the company from which you are seeking employment. Too many people write vague statements like the one below.

Example of Vague Objective:
To find a challenging position where I can grow and utilize my skills and experience.

Example of Solid Objective:
To obtain a managerial position in branch operations where I can motivate employees, maintain an outstanding record of client relations, and utilize problem solving abilities to identify creative strategies for outward growth.

Use job titles that match the job you want.

Titles bring definition and importance to what it is we do everyday but sometimes they do not accurately reflect all that we do. Make sure that your titles and headlines are relevant and specific to the job you want. It's easy to generalize everyday tasks so make sure that you define yourself clearly:

Example of General Title:
Customer Service

Example of Specific Title:
In-House Sales & Support Specialist

As you can see, the second title provides a better understanding of the person's job responsibilities.

If you feel that a given title from previous employment does not accurately represent your performance, then reference the title that you believe more accurately describes your duties next to your given title by adding a back slash or parenthesis:

Administrator/Office Manager
Administrator (Office Manager)

Bullet point your accomplishments.

A resume is basically an outline that defines your qualifications and pitches your bid for the job at hand. Therefore, you have a better chance at landing an interview if you bullet your key accomplishments rather than endlessly detailing your past duties and responsiblities.

Remember, a recruiter wants to know what it is
you have to offer their company so briefly, but
clearly demonstrate how you achieved past accomplishments.

You don't have to list every single job that you ever had unless those positions are relevant to the one you are applying for. Even then, use some discretion about how far back to go and what information will help or hurt your pitch.

Use numerical statistics.

A great way to show the measure of your success is to use numerical data and statistics whenever possible. They convey your message quickly and with greater significance. For example, which of the following statements appears to hold more value:

Oversaw daily shipments in warehouse environment for adhesive manufacturer

Supervised daily shipments in excess of $2 million dollars monthly for leading manufacturer of adhesives

Here's another example using percentages:

Strategized new processes to improve efficiencies.

Increased efficiencies by 43% by implementing line changes and reconfiguring production flow.

Use power words.

Power words are action words (verbs) that also strengthen the communication of a statement. They tend to leave a greater impression on the reader than ordinary words. Here's an example of how power words enhance your message:

I was in charge of a crew of 10 people and brought on new hires.

I recruited, trained and managed a staff of ten people.

See how much more powerful the second statement is by using power words? For a full list of power words click here.

Keep it neatly formatted and easy to read.

Be discriminate about the appearance of your resume. Don't use fancy fonts or add graphics because they detract from what's really important - the content. Always leave about a 3/4" margin and limit your pages to two sheets.

Keep in mind that sometimes less is more and allow for some white space so that your information does not overwhelm its reader. Your bullet points should be short but powerful and keep your headlines and titles strong by using bold fonts for emphasis.

Finally, always proofread your resume for grammatical and spelling errors. Ask a friend or loved one to give it a final review before you send it out.