Review job description

It is often found that job seekers do not read the job description. The result is a resume that does not fit the recruiter's requirement neither in skills nor in experience. Most recruiters do not have the time or the patience to scan through your resume. You will have to highlight the applicable skills and experience you have, pertaining to the job offered.

When a company does not offer a formal job description, you could contact the hiring manager and find what he is looking for in the position you are interested in. In case that you cant reach anyone, review the job listings with similar titles for a group of core competencies.

Focus your writing efforts

Be clear on what the employer is looking for and what you have to offer before you begin writing your resume. Write your answers to the question - what would make someone the perfect candidate?

Choose the best resume format

You will have to make a choice between the two basic styles of resumes. 1. Chronological and 2. Functional.

A chronological resume organizes your work history emphasizing experiences that precisely apply to a particular position.

A functional resume is preferred when you have little or no experience in an industry. It presents your skills in categories that emphasize on particular skills the job requires. For instance, if the job description lays emphasis on strong sales skills, dividing the resume into categories such as "communication skills", "negotiation skills", "persuasion skills" etc. could be considered.

Present the list of your accomplishments

Most job seekers often fail to mention their accomplishments, and the results of their accomplishments. These details not only distinguish you from the horde of others who seek the job, but also present you a chance to negotiate your pay better.

Use keywords

If there are terms that show your competence in a particular field, use them in your resume. Marketing people might use "competitive analysis" while an software professional could have "Java" or "ASP"

Consider a highlight section

Recruiters and hiring managers seldom take over a minute to read a resume. To make your minute count, consider including a highlight section at the top of your resume, directly below your name, and, if you use one, your objective. Highlight sections mainly benefit job seekers whose qualifications do not exactly match the job description. You are more likely to get the recruiter's attention by emphasizing your transferable skills and exceptional accomplishments at the top of your resume instead of scattering them throughout.

The highlight section could be formatted in a bulleted list presenting the following details.

Proof read your resume

An elegant error free resume is fundamental to a successful job search. Typos, misprints, illegible text and grammar errors would almost certainly land your resume into the trash basket.

Have someone else review your resume

It is often easier said than done to find one's own errors. It can also be difficult to judge one's high points oneself and clearly convey one's accomplishments. Have someone review your job search objective, your resume, and listings of positions that interest you. The reviewer's questions can help you discover areas you unconsciously left of your resume, or might provide you an insight into what areas seem to be confusing.