6 Vital Tips For Creating A Superior Resume

1: Keep It Short

Considering that initially HR personnel only spend approximately 10-20 seconds on a resume, the shorter your resume, the most desirable it is. Aim for one page.

Of course, it is sometimes impossible to create such a short resume. You might have to include a second page because you have way too much information regarding your work experience, accomplishments, etc. In this case, make sure that you list the most relevant information within the upper half of the first page because that is the section that gets looked at first. This way, these important insights will surely be noticed.

2: Spelling, Spelling, Spelling

It is not enough to run the word processor's spell checker on your document. Proofread your resume at least 3 times, once backward (sometimes that is how you notice mistakes.)

Remember, a sloppy presentation is almost a guarantee that your resume will end up in the circular file even if you have all the qualifications in the world.

3: Start Your Resume With A "Power Statement"

Many resume writers suggest starting a resume with an objective. I object to that (no pun intended). Objectives are useless because they are self-centered.

Here is a typical objective: "Challenging position in social services."

My suggestion is that you start your resume with a power statement such as: "Experienced Social Worker with 10 years of proven client counseling and support background along with enthusiasm for working with children and their families."

Whereas the objective tells the employer only what you want to do, the power statement goes further in highlighting not only the job you are seeking but also your major achievements. The power statement showcases what you can do for the company.

4: Use Action Verbs

Begin your sentences with action verbs for added punch and to express a sense of accomplishment.

For a FREE list of action verb, please e-mail Rita Fisher at RitaFisher55@comcast.net with "Action Verb List" in the subject line.

5: Use Specifics

Use specifics such as numbers, percentages, figures and facts.

Example: "Exceeded sales quotas by 50% for 4 consecutive years."

Numbers stand out and communicate clearly and openly about not only the results you produced by also about what you can do for the company (can't repeat that enough.)

6: Answer The "What's In It For Me?" Question

What every employer wants to know when reading your resume is what's in it for them.

Employers are looking for people who will solve their problems. You have to present your case accordingly.

How?

By answering these questions and including the answers in your resume:

What kind of problems did you solve on the job?
How did the company benefit from your performance?
How did you do the job differently and better than the person before you did?
Did you introduce a new program or system?
If yes, what were the results of it? (Be specific regarding the results.)
What were you most proud of in your job?
What would your supervisor and your co-workers say they would miss most about you when you leave?
How did you make a difference in your job?
How did you affect the company's bottom line?
Did you save money for the company? How much?
Did you earn money for the company? How much?

Rita Fisher, a Certified Professional Resume Writer, has a team of writers who provide professional resume development to job seekers at all levels, with special focus on career changers. Visit her site at http://www.CareerChangeResumes.com.

Copyright 2005 by Rita Fisher, CPRW / Career Change Resumes http://www.CareerChangeResumes.com

Rita Fisher Owner Career Change Resumes
2928 Cross Creek Drive,
Columbus, IN 47201

E-mail: RitaFisher55@comcast.net

Phone: 812-342-7978

Fax: 928-569-5114

---

Vocational Experts 7 Proposals to Solve the Unemployment Problem

The subject is constantly in the news and may decide... Read More

The Power to Succeed

It's amazing how we fool ourselves... while at the same... Read More

Becoming A Home Inspector: What the Home Inspection Schools Dont Want You To Know

Chances are if you're reading this you've thought about becoming... Read More

The 6 Stages of Modern Career Development

Career experts say that people will change careers (not jobs)... Read More

The Perfect Resume

The perfect resume presents hiring managers with a... Read More

Resume That Effectively Promotes You!

Imagine for a moment that you have created a wonderful... Read More

Sawbones

I was rushing through the white-tented terminal building at Denver... Read More

Youre Bright And Talented -- TooT Your Own Horn --

Obviously, there are RIGHT ways to move UP the ladder.... Read More

The Inevitable Job Interview Question: ?Why Did You Leave (Are Planning To Leave) Your Last Position

This is a question that you can almost count on... Read More

When the Teacher Becomes the Student

A relationship expert once said that during an argument, there's... Read More

Ten Tips to a Powerful Resume

A new resume can jump-start your career. Your network contacts... Read More

Dont Settle

Chuck was the best of the twenty-four candidates. Still, he... Read More

7 Steps to Interviews that Win the Job

These days, interviews don't come easily. When you get The... Read More

Five Qualities Employers Want

More than ever, employers want employees who can produce results!... Read More

Technology in the Workplace - Boon or Curse?

Like all new innovations, technology in the work environment can... Read More

The Best Business And Economy Solutions

In todays Business and economy, starting any business service requires... Read More

Building a Solid Network

A client who has a fine arts degree wanted to... Read More

You?re Ready for a Career Change - Is Your Resume?

You finally did it. You made the decision to leave... Read More

How To Tap Into the Invisible Job Market

Is there a company in your area that you'd love... Read More

How to Write a Better CV (UK), or Resume (USA and elsewhere)

The first point to make is that the terms "CV"... Read More

Networking Masterclass - Part 1 - Practicing Empathy

Practicing Empathy A vital part of your networking skills is... Read More

How To Deal With A Difficult Boss

Most people at some point in their lives have to... Read More

Prepare for Your Performance Review Before You Start the Job

When you start a new job, you probably realize the... Read More

During Midlife Change: Are You a Jumper or a Clinger?

Over the years, I have identified two kinds of midlife... Read More

Three Tips for Successful Networking

I generally shy away from using the word "networking" when... Read More

What You Should Know About A Medical Billing Specialist

Whether you are a person who is thinking about becoming... Read More

Fuzzy Headed Job Goals Lead to a Fuzzy Headed Life!

May I clarify in this article what I believe to... Read More

So You want to be a Bodyguard?

Then let me start by helping out. The politically correct... Read More

Where Will Your IT Staff Come From NOW?

The labor recession is over. During the course of the... Read More

5 Ways to Profit From No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (No Child... Read More

Before You Begin, Know What To Expect - How You Can Make a Living Proof Reading From Home

Proof reading from home is an excellent way to make... Read More

Serious Business Networking

As they always say "It's not what you know, it's... Read More

Does Your Career Change Itch or Burn?

Two weeks ago, I received a newsy email from a... Read More