A Better Resume Can Make a Huge Difference

Your resume is the first impression that a potential employer gets of your qualifications and level of professionalism. While this is an effective way to weed through a large number of applicants, it means that common mistakes on your resume keep you from your dream job. Build a better resume that stands out with these simple tips.

Avoid using one general resume for each job application, as even similar jobs within the same field often have different requirements or job duties. Career experts at NBC News recommend that you thoroughly read the job description and update your resume to include the skills and interests the company mentions. Create a better resume by showing a potential employer that your background is similar to the needs of the company. Research information about each company to which you apply. Use this information, such as the size or goals of the company, to show potential employers similarities in company culture.

You only have a matter of seconds to get a potential employer to notice your unique and job-relevant skills. Build a better resume with the addition of keywords to highlight the most important aspects of your resume. Use the job description to highlight the same skills, software and licensing requirements in the body of the resume or the objective. The use of keywords also insures that your resume passes any resume software that a company uses. Design a better resume with a clean format and proper organization. The format of your resume depends on your industry and work history. A skills-based resume is an alternative if you are returning to the workforce after a significant gap. If you are a recent graduate, a better resume includes highlighting your educational achievements as well as volunteer positions and internships.

Have someone else help you create a better resume. Get several people to review your resume for typos and stylistic errors. Let people make suggestions, but consider them carefully before implementation. Consider using a professional service for resume help. Career service professionals have years of training and experience to know exactly what employers want to see in a resume. Just make sure to read testimonials of a prospective service, and avoid companies that do not offer personal feedback. Your resume is unique, and you need to ask questions about the resume process. The company also needs to hear directly from you to know more about your skills and career goals.

Even the perfect resume is not a guarantee for a job, but small changes in a resume help potential employers notice the application. Craft a better resume to get the attention of hiring managers and to increase your chances of landing a job. Remember to include a cover letter along with your resume to put your most professional foot forward.

Photo courtesy of imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net