Resume: Write with Purpose

On a good day a prospective employer will give your resume about 30 seconds of attention before they decide to include you in the screening process. They are forced to move fast because there is so much information to filter out. Every day recruiters receive applications from candidates that are completely unqualified for the position which they've applied. This takes valuable time away from the recruiter, so you have to capture their attention quickly so they quit searching for other candidates and call you.

Regardless of the economic conditions, competition for top jobs has always been fierce. Today's competitive job market is no different. A well-written resume is an important factor in getting your foot in the door and on your way to landing the perfect position. It should be a brief, concise document that presents and effectively markets your most relevant experience as it relates to the job. To get the attention you're looking for it must be reader friendly and contain language that the easily understood. If it is too long it probably won't be read. If it is too short you will most likely be eliminated early in the screening process.

Obviously the challenge is getting it just right. Here are a few things to consider:

• Don't Forget The Obvious
• Credentials - Where You Can Put Them?
• Experience - Make It Real
• Titles - Can They Hurt You?
• On-Line Tools That Ease The Pain
• Using A Professional Writer
• How Many Versions Do You Need?
• Cover Letters - What's In Them?
• Keywords: Make Them a Hit!

Finally, before you send anything out to a prospective employer have a smart friend of your proof your work. They'll probably catch something that you missed.