Creating a Winning Resume

Preparing your resume can often seem like a daunting task. You've done your research, but there is so much information, and how do you pick from the countless formats?!

Writing your resume doesn't have to be so scary, in fact, if you keep a few simple tips in mind, you'll keep yourself ahead of the competition.

1. Objective

If the objective statement doesn't match the job you're applying for, your resume is likely to end up in the circular file. It is important to customize the objective so it expresses your goals and keeps the HR manager interested in learning more about you. Don't be vague! Remember, your resume is a marketing tool-and that begins with a clear, concise objective.

2. Appearance

Your resume should have a professional, contemporary appearance that is both visually appealing and easy on the eyes. This includes using an easy to read font, such as Times New Roman, in a font no smaller than 10 pt., and printing your resume on high-quality bond paper in a conservative color. White, light grey and cream are acceptable.

Remember not to clutter your resume. It should include all of your relevant accomplishments, but you don't want it to look daunting to prospective employers. If it looks overwhelming, it may not get a second glance. An ideal resume uses white space efficiently and stills gets the point across-that you are the perfect candidate for the position. If your work history is extensive, consider cutting back. It is acceptable to go back 15 years on a resume unless a job held prior was of particular significance.

If you are sending your resume electronically, plain is the way to go. Eliminate all embellishments, such as italics, bold and centering. Text should be plain and aligned on the left side of the page. Remember, the more embellishments, the harder it may be on the reader. If you need emphasis, use ALL CAPS.

3. Format

The format you use should be determined based on your unique credentials and background. The key is to present the information so it highlights your most important accomplishments immediately. For example, a recent college graduate would present his education before his work history because it is his biggest selling point.

I'll say it again?your resume is a marketing tool which should be designed to sell, sell, sell! List your most important achievements first, and be specific! Don't say that you were responsible for increasing profitability, say that you spearheaded a national marketing campaign that increased profits by 35%. Don't be afraid to include numbers and percentages. What if you don't have the exact numbers? Estimates are fine, as long as they're reasonable.

Lastly, remember to keep it clean and organized. Utilize white space by keeping sentences short and informative. Use bullets to highlight information and avoid long paragraphs which appear overwhelming. You don't want your most important accomplishments lost in the middle of a paragraph.

4. Too Much Information!

Yes, there is such a thing as including too much information. If you want to include a website where potential employers can view work samples, fine. Just make sure that there are no photos of your latest vacation to Mexico or your newborn baby. As proud as you may be to show off your new bundle of joy, it may make an employer uncomfortable. Also, no silly email addresses and no list of irrelevant hobbies. The employer won't care if you're NASCAR fan, and if they associate a negative connotation with your hobby, then you're out of luck.

Keep these tips in mind before you send your resume off to prospective employers to help ensure that your resume gets a fair read. Oftentimes there will be anywhere from 40 to 100 other applicants interested in the same position. By presenting your information in a professional, easy to read format that clearly highlights your strengths and achievements, you'll keep an edge on the competition.

Lindsey Hadwin is a professional resume writer and president of Pro Resume, a resume writing and career consulting business based in Springfield, MA. http://www.proresumegroup.com

In The News:

---

IBTimes
A Lifetime of Career Changes
Wall Street Journal (blog)
“The declining job duration and declining probability of long-term employment clearly implies that individuals are changing jobs more,� Farber said. ...
Seven Careers in a Lifetime? Think Twice, Researchers SayWall Street Journal

all 39 news articles »

What Labor Day Means to Me
Huffington Post (blog)
... post-employment services, including skills training, job search assistance, job retention support, and other career programs tailored to their needs. ...

UCO to host career fair
Edmond Sun
Free and open to the public, the fair will feature various local and national organizations that will be on hand to discuss full-time employment, ...

and more »

Troy Media Corporation
America's employment malaise ominous news
Troy Media Corporation
Yet as everyone knows, retraining is an uphill battle, particularly for workers later in their careers or ones who aren't interested in being re-trained. ...

and more »

UN researchers criticize UN anti-poverty plan
BusinessWeek
Hot Careers in Internet Marketing Get prepared for your new career with online degrees from Full Sail University! T. Rowe Price No-load mutual funds and ...

and more »

Warning over cut to Surrey Connexions funding
BBC News
Cuts to a careers advice service will create a generation of young people "lost to employment and training", campaigners have warned. ...
Calls for council u-turn on funding for youngstersEagle Radio

all 2 news articles »

CACI Receives Excellence in Innovation Recognition for Deploying Talent ...
MarketWatch (press release)
It was specifically developed to provide meaningful careers for talented veterans with disabilities. The company recognized that the re-employment of ...

and more »

Charlotte Observer
For young blacks, few jobs
Charlotte Observer
As plentiful research shows, young people who can't get steady employment at the onset of their careers have lower lifetime earnings. ...

As the economy turns the corner, young Canadians face downsized 'dream'
Vancouver Sun
That wake-up call could be especially jarring for 20-somethings launching their careers. As a young man, Blaine Higgs had relatively modest career goals: ...

and more »

A Small Step Forward for Initial Jobless Claims
DailyFinance
With the latest weekly initial jobless claims declining 6000 to 472000, the US labor market has ...

and more »

Google News

__________

Seven Tips to a Job-Winning Interview

These days, interviews don't come easily. When you get The Call, make the most of your time -- and go for it!1. Investigate the company's culture, markets,... Read More

10 Steps to Getting the Most Out of Job Fairs

Many job seekers tend to overlook job fairs. They can be crowded, busy, competitive and confusing events. But they offer you the opportunity to contact many potential... Read More

Hot Business Trends for 2004? And Beyond: Maybe One Will Turn Into a Creative Business Idea for You

I always look forward to the December issue of Entrepreneur magazine. That's the issue that features the publisher's annual pick of hot businesses, markets, and trends... Read More

10 Steps to Escape the Job World and Create the Life You Really Want

1. GET THE POINT ? OF LIFE, THAT IS. How many of us will look back in our old age and wish we'd gone to more... Read More

Stacking The Deck In Your Favor

Many people do not bother to look at their own magnificence and without that view it is not likely that we will recognize the need for strategies... Read More

Your Goals Must Be Within Your Reach

FIRST STEP -- Set short-term, incremental goals. Work up to larger plans later. Never put yourself under the gun right from the get-go. If... Read More

Defining Success Your Way!

In my career advising practice, I often find that my clients are not clear about what success means for them. Our society defines success primarily around three... Read More

What Turns Potential Employers ON; What Turns Them OFF?

According to an annual survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, these are the most important qualities that employers are looking for in a... Read More

Six Factors That Can Cost You the Interview-Job

Most job seekers know that an unprofessional appearance will count against them at an interview. Here are six MORE factors that can help you remain in the... Read More

Job Interviews & the Magic of Music

Can music help you with your next job interview? It just might! Here's how. First, it can help you during your research, preparation and practice.... Read More

When and How to Say I Just Cant Do It!

We naturally hesitate to tell our boss when we can't do something or are feeling overwhelmed in our job. Bosses don't want to hear that, right? Well,... Read More

Hey, You Cant Ask Me That! (How to Respond to Inappropriate Job Interview Questions)

I received the following questions from a visitor to my website recently: "How should I respond to inappropriate questions such as: (1) Do you have a stable... Read More

Loving What You Do

Man is a social animal and survival is his major need. There are needs that he needs be fulfill. The needs can be physical, mental, emotional and... Read More

Creating a Feng Shui Power Office: 6 Easy Tips to More Successful Surroundings

More and more people are looking to gain an edge in their working environments. One method that business people are increasingly turning to is feng shui. Feng... Read More

Spiritual Practices Offer Peace and Acceptance

Facing career transitions and daily life challenges can leave us feeling lonely, stressed and anxious. How do we manage to deal with the financial and emotional stress... Read More

How to Give Job-Winning Answers at Interviews

Human Resources personnel, professional recruiters and various other career experts all agree: one of the best ways to prepare yourself for a job interview is to anticipate... Read More

Success at Work : People Skills : Networking

Getting along with your co-workers is critical to yourhappiness and success at work. You may find yourselfspending more time with your co-workers than with yourspouse and family.... Read More

Creating Your Own Luck

Losing my job in the last recession of the last century, I discovered first hand the power of creating your own luck. A week later,... Read More

American Idol Syndrome

I like Simon, one of three judges on American Idol. I find his feedback refreshingly honest. And while his words startle me with their ego... Read More

Resume Tips To Take You From SAHM to WAHM

When looking for a telecommuting position, it is very important to have your resume in tip-top shape. This is often the only thing that a potential employer... Read More

Any Job is an Honorable Job

Seeing your job as an honorable job, adds more meaning and peace to your life. Also, seeing the honor in what you do now, creates an ideal... Read More

How To Get More Interviews In Your Job Search

Richard Bolles, job search guru and author of What Color Is Your Parachute? predicts that you can expect to search for work 1-2 months for every $10,000... Read More

12 Steps to Targeting Success in Your Career or Job Search

Is your job search sagging? Are you still looking for that ideal next job? Or are you about to begin looking for new work and are not... Read More

Handling the Dreaded Why Did You Leave? Question

If you left your last job under less-than-ideal circumstances, you probably dread the "Why did you leave?" question that almost always comes up at job interviews. Here's... Read More

Seven Steps to Making a Successful Career Change

My first job was secretary to Moses. Having to transcribe and make 2,430 copies of the Ten Commandments convinced me I was on the wrong career path!... Read More