Writing a Great Resume

Think of your resume as a key that unlocks the door to your dream job. Unless this document is polished to perfection and impressive enough to catch the attention of the hiring manager, you can't even get face time with the company. Follow these tips to make sure your resume puts you in the best light to increase your chance of landing the position you want.

Include Pertinent Information

Craft a career objective statement that details your goals, and list your education and work experience in chronological order to create a clear picture of your goals, background and abilities. Offer several professional references, and include your current contact information.

Avoid Flash

Keep your resume simple. Don't clutter the document with flashy graphics or images, and avoid using fancy fonts. Use a common format, such as PDF, DOC or TXT, to ensure your resume is easily accessed by applicant tracking systems. Don't make fonts too small, and include plenty of white space and bullet points to ensure your document is easy to scan and read.

Tailor Your Experiences

Don't send out a generic resume for every job. Create a standard resume to serve as a template, then structure each resume so it specifically addresses the job requirements of the position for which your'e applying. Read the position description several times, and fill your resume with the work experiences that are most relevant.

Focus on Achievements

Clearly present your past achievements. Rather than touting your previous employer's victories, explain what role you played in helping the organization achieve its goals. List accomplishments that are measurable, such as improving first quarter sales by 30 percent or saving the company $20,000 per year on supply orders. Choose impressive achievements that translate well to the position for which you're applying.

Remove Tired Phrases

Avoid using cliches and over-used phrases in your resume. Rather than stating that you're a "hard worker," describe how you've gone above and beyond for a client. Instead of stating that you have "excellent written communication skills," let your perfectly crafted resume and cover letter speak for your abilities.

Take One Last Look

Before sealing the envelope and dropping your resume into the mailbox, make sure it is absolutely flawless. Spell check the document, and read it several times. Look for spelling errors and grammar issues, and pay special attention to formatting and layout. Ask a trusted colleague or friend to look over your resume to get a fresh perspective.

Having an excellent education, exemplary work experience and desirable skills aren't enough to ensure you get your dream job. Your resume must reflect these points in a clear, concise and professional format that convinces the hiring manager that you're the best candidate for the job.

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