Awesome Resume Tips...

It can be hard to know whether your resume is going to be perfect for today's job market if you haven't been looking for years. A resume is your first introduction and will be what determines if you get your foot in the door for an interview or not. Here are a few tips from industry leaders to help you write the most effective resume to market yourself to potential employers.

1. Know Your Target Audience- Gear Your Resume Towards Them.

Every industry has their own set of skills and qualities that are important to them. The ideal candidate must communicate those qualities and skills through their resume.Make sure you read the job posting carefully and try to accentuate the qualities you have that the potential employer listed as important in the listed qualifications.

2. Write Your Resume Yourself- Be True To Yourself

While it is important to use industry lingo and be professional it is also essential that you are true to yourself in your cover letter and resume. Those involved in the hiring process can usually pick up on whether a resume was professionally written for a person or whether they wrote it themselves. It is great to get coaching on effective resume writing but remember employers want you to show them who you are, not a standard template prepared by a stranger.

3. Not All Experience Is Paid- Don't Sell Yourself Short

If you have spent time volunteering and using skills that would be beneficial to the position you are applying to, make sure you find a way to list them. An added section for "Noteworthy Projects and Volunteer Experience".

4. Remember Your Resume Is Your Marketing Tool...Sell Yourself!

It can be hard to take credit where credit is due, but preparing your resume is the perfect time to reflect on what makes you special, what experience and skills you have and what qualities you offer to a team that make you unique. Take the time to list everything you can offer and how you can meet and exceed the employers needs and expectations.

5. Write A Short Summary Of Why They Should Read On

It is good to start your resume with an attention grabber, give them a reason they want to read further. A 40 to 50 word summary that gives the employer at least three reasons why you are the right person for the position.

6. Check, Double Check And Triple Check- Then Get A Second Opinion

It is important if you include "Attention to detail" as a skill you have, that you don't have grammar or spelling errors on your resume. This is your one chance to impress them enough to call you so you can turn on your charm and win them over. Make sure you give them a reason to be impressed by giving them the most polished resume possible.

7. Don't Just List Employers, List Accomplishments

If you have been with a company for ten years it can seem like you had no growth during that time. List in four to six bullet points some of your relevant achievements with that company. Also note any training, continuing educations or self improvement courses you took that will be of benefit in a new role.