Stand Out though Your Resume

By Jessica Snow,

P.O.V. Contributing Writer

Recently, I applied for my dream job. After reviewing my resume  -- last updated in March --  it was obviously ready for an update. I researched tips and tricks to make mine outshine the rest or at least give it the chance to be read out of the hundreds of others also submitted.

The sections you include on your resume will impact the overall tone and career objective you are going for. Everybody's will include different section titles because creating your own instead of using a generic template will give it personalization. On mine I included:

• Career Summary
• Areas of Expertise
• Work Experience
• Educational Background
• References
• Recommendations

So how do you go about including your info after you decided which sections would appear on your resume? With just a few steps, you will have an outstanding resume in about an hour.

Hit the ball out of the park with a smashing career summary about your personal strengths. Next include at least 10 work-related keywords or even a few personality traits. Third, gather all your work history and list them in chronological order starting with your current or most recent position.

Do try to avoid gaps in your work history. After my son was born, I was a full time parent for two years. I included that on my time line along with self-employment because my hobby of card making turned into a business.

Don't clutter your resume. Avoid including work history dating past 15 years.

Under your educational background, you'll want to make notice of any diplomas, certificates and awards that you have worked hard for in chronological order. The final section of your resume will have your references. A strong list of three to five friends or colleagues who are unbiased of you that will express that your work ethic would be a great addition to your hopeful employer.

You are almost finished; just a few more things.

Do let your resume flow into the second page if needed. Don't skip out on any work-related info and limit yourself to one page.

Don't include pronouns such as “I” or “me” within your resume.

Check it. Then check it again. Make sure there is no spelling errors or grammar mistacks. Keep your resume as up-to-date as possible so it's ready at a moment's notice Who knows when a great job opportunity will pop up.

Do avoid instant resume rejection by making sure you submit it in the correct format as requested.

Don't lie to get ahead. It won't do you any good in the long run.

Sources:

Resume Tips From Experts

How To Write A Resume

Resume Section Headings