Resume Writing: Unique Doesn't Mean Writing On Purple Paper!

Writing a resume that is unique, yet not too far out-of-bounds, is a puzzling challenge faced by many job hunters and would be resume writers. You want to stand out but you know that printing your resume on purple paper will not get the job done.

With so many resume templates floating around the internet, many take the easy way out, and simply insert their employment information into the template and call it a day. This is a far cry from unique, the hiring manger has probably seen to same format dozens of times, and it is an easy resume to reject.

A large part of making your resume unique is design elements. No, it's not a resume filled with sparking graphics but rather a consistency in a readable font, 24 pound bright white paper, in a readable font size, with proper bolding and capitalization. Lay the completed resume on the floor and stand over it. Is the design balanced and pleasing? If not get it corrected. Of course the overall design is carried through to the resume cover letter.

Use bullets to highlight a section or list of accomplishments. Don't go overboard.

You shouldn't need to be reminded, but the resume should be totally free of spelling or grammar mistakes. Proof read several times and have someone else take a critical look at the resume and cover letter before they are sent out. One candidate mailed out over 50 resumes until he realized he had made a mistake and put the wrong (disconnected) phone number on his resume.

The content of the resume, to be unique, should totally focus on results achieved. The prospective employer is looking for assurances that you can do a similar job for them. Running a lemonade stand when you were 12 that made you over $600 is only relevant if you are trying to establish a strong and creative work ethic. And then it may only be appropriate to make a point on your resume cover letter.

Never, never talk about responsibilities or duties performed. Personal items have no place in an effective resume. The prospective employer is only looking for relevant accomplishments. Give them what they want.

You may write a general generic resume; with your major skills and qualifications listed to use in networking. But in applying for a specific position you must re-draft the resume to match as close as possible to the needs of the employer. This will make your resume stand out, and further, make it unique.

Targeting a specific job takes some skill and research but after two or three submissions it will become second nature. First, you have to research the job being targeted. You may have a job announcement as your basic document, or other information learned through your network.

In the job announcement what is the first duty or skill listed? This will be your first accomplishment listed. The second duty or skill, list your second accomplishment and so forth. Use the company's keywords, and if the position's job title is somewhat different from your title change the job titles on your resume. Place your most powerful arguments on the top half of the first page of your resume. The area above the fold is the most valuable real estate in your resume; use it wisely.

If you closely follow these resume writing ideas, you will not only show off your unique qualities but they will be communicated in a unique and one of a kind resume. The kind of resume that attracts the attention of the hiring officials; and gets you the all important job interview.