A Good Resume Catches Recruiter's Attention Easily!

Resume or Curriculum Vitae is one of the most important documents in the life of a job aspirant or a final year student. In fact the resumes are those word documents that summarize the qualification, skills, education, work experience and accomplishments in one or more pages, aimed at getting the attention of the future employer. Similar to changes happening in the life of a person, the resume also requires change depending upon the changes happening in the academical as well as the professional life. Resumes must be constantly tailored and updated to stay on top of the employer`s database.

In case if you are venturing into different categories of work, it is very important to maintain multiple drafts of resume to choose the best one during the job interviews. The resume is the document that creates the first impression with the employers. If the candidate is able to highlight all the skills, experience and qualification that the employer is looking for, then he or she will be able to grab the job quickly. A perfect resume easily catches the attention of the recruiter and hence it is important to highlight the achievements as well as the job experience correctly.

In a resume, the cover letter, formatting, tables and each paragraph has its significance. Cover letter should contain a small briefing of you with minimal information, which should not exceed a page. Cover letter should approximately contain three paragraphs, in a specified format. The initial paragraph should contain the career objective as well as the brief introduction of the candidate. You can also mention about the source from which you were informed of the job vacancy or the contact of the person who referred you to this particular opening.

The second paragraph covers the essential information in terms of skills, qualification and pertinent abilities that would benefit the organization. It can cover how your skills have helped the company to drive the project or make better sales or reduce the work load. The last paragraph highlights the personal information through which the employer will be able to get in touch with the candidate. The candidate should not forget to include name, email, telephone number and fax number, in case if they are available. Be sure to use a professional and clear email address. Remember that if the candidate is having a well-written cover letter, it serves as a window in to the personality of the candidate than their actual skills.

Click here to know more about the resume cover letter.

Read more ...

A Good Resume Catches Recruiter's Attention Easily!

Resume or Curriculum Vitae is one of the most important documents in the life of a job aspirant or a final year student. In fact the resumes are those word documents that summarize the qualification, skills, education, work experience and accomplishments in one or more pages, aimed at getting the attention of the future employer. Similar to changes happening in the life of a person, the resume also requires change depending upon the changes happening in the academical as well as the professional life. Resumes must be constantly tailored and updated to stay on top of the employer`s database.

In case if you are venturing into different categories of work, it is very important to maintain multiple drafts of resume to choose the best one during the job interviews. The resume is the document that creates the first impression with the employers. If the candidate is able to highlight all the skills, experience and qualification that the employer is looking for, then he or she will be able to grab the job quickly. A perfect resume easily catches the attention of the recruiter and hence it is important to highlight the achievements as well as the job experience correctly.

In a resume, the cover letter, formatting, tables and each paragraph has its significance. Cover letter should contain a small briefing of you with minimal information, which should not exceed a page. Cover letter should approximately contain three paragraphs, in a specified format. The initial paragraph should contain the career objective as well as the brief introduction of the candidate. You can also mention about the source from which you were informed of the job vacancy or the contact of the person who referred you to this particular opening.

The second paragraph covers the essential information in terms of skills, qualification and pertinent abilities that would benefit the organization. It can cover how your skills have helped the company to drive the project or make better sales or reduce the work load. The last paragraph highlights the personal information through which the employer will be able to get in touch with the candidate. The candidate should not forget to include name, email, telephone number and fax number, in case if they are available. Be sure to use a professional and clear email address. Remember that if the candidate is having a well-written cover letter, it serves as a window in to the personality of the candidate than their actual skills.

Click here to know more about the resume cover letter.

Read more ...

A Good Resume Catches Recruiter's Attention Easily!

Resume or Curriculum Vitae is one of the most important documents in the life of a job aspirant or a final year student. In fact the resumes are those word documents that summarize the qualification, skills, education, work experience and accomplishments in one or more pages, aimed at getting the attention of the future employer. Similar to changes happening in the life of a person, the resume also requires change depending upon the changes happening in the academical as well as the professional life. Resumes must be constantly tailored and updated to stay on top of the employer`s database.

In case if you are venturing into different categories of work, it is very important to maintain multiple drafts of resume to choose the best one during the job interviews. The resume is the document that creates the first impression with the employers. If the candidate is able to highlight all the skills, experience and qualification that the employer is looking for, then he or she will be able to grab the job quickly. A perfect resume easily catches the attention of the recruiter and hence it is important to highlight the achievements as well as the job experience correctly.

In a resume, the cover letter, formatting, tables and each paragraph has its significance. Cover letter should contain a small briefing of you with minimal information, which should not exceed a page. Cover letter should approximately contain three paragraphs, in a specified format. The initial paragraph should contain the career objective as well as the brief introduction of the candidate. You can also mention about the source from which you were informed of the job vacancy or the contact of the person who referred you to this particular opening.

The second paragraph covers the essential information in terms of skills, qualification and pertinent abilities that would benefit the organization. It can cover how your skills have helped the company to drive the project or make better sales or reduce the work load. The last paragraph highlights the personal information through which the employer will be able to get in touch with the candidate. The candidate should not forget to include name, email, telephone number and fax number, in case if they are available. Be sure to use a professional and clear email address. Remember that if the candidate is having a well-written cover letter, it serves as a window in to the personality of the candidate than their actual skills.

Click here to know more about the resume cover letter.

Read more ...

Cover Letter: Grab the HR Manager's Attention

Who is the first person to see your resume when searching for a new job? It is usually the Human Resources Manager. That person probably will see dozens of resumes for a new job posting. It is imperative that you grab their attention with the cover letter to make them pause and look at your resume.

You don't want your resume to be tossed to the side because of a sloppy cover letter or because you left out pertinent details. That is the quickest way to lose the prospect of a top executive position-or any position for that matter.

Your cover letter needs to be as well thought out as your resume. A great cover letter needs to enhance your resume by highlighting the qualifications you have for the job you are applying for. Things to consider are:

Effectively research the position you are applying for. Highlight your qualifications for the position in your cover letter. Make sure you include any achievements in that area of expertise.
Introduce yourself in the first paragraph. Tell them about yourself (briefly) and why you would be the perfect person for the job.
Keep the cover letter to one page and make sure all spelling, punctuation and grammar are correct. HR managers will quickly toss you aside if the cover letter is illegible.
If sending via snail mail, don't forget to sign the cover letter.
Make sure your resume and cover letter are on good quality paper. I prefer 'White'. 'Ivory' tends to look dingy or dirty when compared with another candidate's white resume. You don't have to list all of your jobs for the past 20 years. But, make sure your qualifications and other skills are included in a manner that shows the value you can offer an employer.

Your resume and cover letter should also be created in the same format. Borders, colors and contact information should look the same on both documents.

A strong, confident resume will go a long way in getting you in the door. You then have to carry that same confidence with a face-to-face interview. There are still a lot of executive positions in the job market, but qualifications alone won't get you there. Be sure to explain your problem solving skills, how you have helped any previous companies save money, or if you have experience with managing multiple people.

Take a second look at your resume. If you think it needs improvement, consider using a resume writing service that will make your resume shine. Most professional resume services will offer packages that include a cover letter, as well as the resume itself. Let the professionals help you stand out from the rest so you won't get tossed in the corner.

Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, BS/HR, is a Certified Professional & Executive Resume Writer/Career Consultant and President of Professional Resume Services, Inc. She is a nationally published writer and contributor of 12 best-selling career books. She has achieved international recognition following yearly nominations and wins of the prestigious T.O.R.I. (Toast of the Resume Industry) Award.

As a proud member of CDI, NRWA, PARW, and AORCP, Erin also sits on CDI's Credentialing Committee for new certification candidates and serves as a Mentor for CDI's Member Mentoring Committee. Reuse of this article is encouraged but must include a link to http://exclusive-executive-resumes.com/.

Read more ...

Cover Letter: Grab the HR Manager's Attention

Who is the first person to see your resume when searching for a new job? It is usually the Human Resources Manager. That person probably will see dozens of resumes for a new job posting. It is imperative that you grab their attention with the cover letter to make them pause and look at your resume.

You don't want your resume to be tossed to the side because of a sloppy cover letter or because you left out pertinent details. That is the quickest way to lose the prospect of a top executive position-or any position for that matter.

Your cover letter needs to be as well thought out as your resume. A great cover letter needs to enhance your resume by highlighting the qualifications you have for the job you are applying for. Things to consider are:

Effectively research the position you are applying for. Highlight your qualifications for the position in your cover letter. Make sure you include any achievements in that area of expertise.
Introduce yourself in the first paragraph. Tell them about yourself (briefly) and why you would be the perfect person for the job.
Keep the cover letter to one page and make sure all spelling, punctuation and grammar are correct. HR managers will quickly toss you aside if the cover letter is illegible.
If sending via snail mail, don't forget to sign the cover letter.
Make sure your resume and cover letter are on good quality paper. I prefer 'White'. 'Ivory' tends to look dingy or dirty when compared with another candidate's white resume. You don't have to list all of your jobs for the past 20 years. But, make sure your qualifications and other skills are included in a manner that shows the value you can offer an employer.

Your resume and cover letter should also be created in the same format. Borders, colors and contact information should look the same on both documents.

A strong, confident resume will go a long way in getting you in the door. You then have to carry that same confidence with a face-to-face interview. There are still a lot of executive positions in the job market, but qualifications alone won't get you there. Be sure to explain your problem solving skills, how you have helped any previous companies save money, or if you have experience with managing multiple people.

Take a second look at your resume. If you think it needs improvement, consider using a resume writing service that will make your resume shine. Most professional resume services will offer packages that include a cover letter, as well as the resume itself. Let the professionals help you stand out from the rest so you won't get tossed in the corner.

Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, BS/HR, is a Certified Professional & Executive Resume Writer/Career Consultant and President of Professional Resume Services, Inc. She is a nationally published writer and contributor of 12 best-selling career books. She has achieved international recognition following yearly nominations and wins of the prestigious T.O.R.I. (Toast of the Resume Industry) Award.

As a proud member of CDI, NRWA, PARW, and AORCP, Erin also sits on CDI's Credentialing Committee for new certification candidates and serves as a Mentor for CDI's Member Mentoring Committee. Reuse of this article is encouraged but must include a link to http://exclusive-executive-resumes.com/.

Read more ...

How To Gain Attention In A Crowded Job Market: 7 Fundamentals To Make Your Resume Stand Out

"Good enough" efforts are not "good enough" when it concerns your resume. You have one chance to make a positive first impression in a job market that's swarming with skilled candidates. Your resume has to wow the reader, grab attention, and persuade the employer to pick up the phone and call you. Any less and you may miss out on the scarce, perfect employment opportunity. To help you, here are seven trade secrets that professional resume writers use to help craft a resume that is irresistible to employers.

1. Write a resume with the ideal job in the forefront of your thoughts.

This is not the time to be generic or broad, as an unfocused resume makes you appear as if you don't even know what you want and instantaneously loses the attention of the recipient. Be confident and create a resume that shows how you are the ideal candidate for your ideal job. Don't waste the 15 seconds that you have to get your pivotal points across, or you will be passed over.

2. Summarize your credentials with the focus on the employer.

Don't just use an outdated, self-serving objective statement. Write a profile section that tells the reader what you offer to them. This component of the resume is "above the fold" and all the most applicable and important details should be here at first glimpse. Bring in your most engaging and essential qualifications and load the summary with examples that show the recipient you have the ability to add value, instead of just telling them. Precisely convey how will deliver that extra value to the organization and how you have the capability to do so in a way that sets you apart from other job applicants.

4. Stress accomplishments throughout the resume.

Don't emphasize routine job responsibilities, as these don't reflect how you actually performed and delivered value and benefits for the company. Instead, express how you provided that value by creating an achievement-focused resume, to demonstrate your future potential. Accomplishments are quite often linked to how you dealt with a problem, how you rose above a challenging situation, how you made money, how you save money, or how you strengthened efficiency.

3. Provide proof that you will deliver value and benefits.

An accomplishment is great, but it is only a component of the story. You need to also summarize how that achievement added value in some tangible way. Did it make additional money, conserve time, or did it aid in productivity? Use numbers to impart your results whenever possible.

5. Create a standout design.

Steer away from making use of a template when you create your resume and conceive an individualized design that helps to put accent on the unique aspects in your background. Don't go for an ineffective "one size fits all" approach. Your goal is to stand out. Not to blend by using a resume that looks like 99 % of the resumes that are out there.

6. Prioritize and emphasize your most pertinent experience.

It's typical to go back about 10 to 20 years and no more. But the real key is to keep in mind you are creating a marketing document and not an autobiography. It is perfectly acceptable to exclude unrelated information and experiences and to structure your resume so that it strategically underscores the most relevant and impressive qualifications you offer.

7. Comply with the prevailing best standards and practices.

Remember that standards, expectations, formats and styles change over time. The old resume format you were shown in college 10 years ago is likely no longer up to date and adequate. Do your research or seek the advice of a professional to make certain your resume format is up to date.

After reading these tips, if you still feel that you would benefit from help to improve your resume seriously consider consulting a professional resume writer. This is an investment that will pay you back many fold, by dramatically slashing the time it takes you to search for the job, by putting you in a position to get the job that you always wanted, and by furnishing you with a framework to negotiate great compensation.

Michelle Dumas runs of one of the longest-standing and most respected professional resume writing firms on the internet. Since 1996, Michelle has empowered thousands of professionals with resumes that get results and win jobs fast. Get insider resume writing tips that you won't find anywhere else at her website. Go now to http://www.distinctiveweb.com/

Read more ...

5 Reasons Why Your Resume Isn't Gettng Any Attention

It's boring- Let's face it...No one wants to read anything that's boring, especially a resume. You need to capture the reader's attention immediately and make them want to read more. Do you open your resume with a tired and outdated objective? No one cares what you want (i.e. Seeking a challenging job in a fast-paced environment). Get rid of it. Your resume should begin with a strong, and captivating professional summary or profile. You should immediately answer the question "Why should I hire you?"

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) -Nearly all major corporations and a growing number of smaller companies are using some type of applicant tracking software to pre-screen candidates and manage their candidate data. All the big job boards like Monster and CareerBuilder are likely to work in partnership with ATS providers to move candidate data between the sites and their client corporations. Resumes are that keyword-rich, contain familiar industry phrases and are traditionally formatted are more likely to make the cut. Graphics and unusual formatting create a higher likelihood of your resume being rejected by the system, even if you're the perfect candidate. When possible, save your resume in ASCII (.txt) format then cut and paste it into the online application.

Your resume is not focused or targeted- Your resume must tell the reader exactly what job you're looking for. If you're looking for a job in accounting your resume should not feature your retail sales experience. A well-written resume will emphasize relevant experience and transferable skills while de-emphasizing or eliminating unrelated experience. Your resume should not be an exhaustive summary of everything you've done in your career. Focus on the experiences, both paid and unpaid, that relate directly to the job to which you're applying.

Duties and responsibilities- If your resume is nothing more than a list of your past duties and responsibilities, it's not likely to get a second look. Employers want to know what you've done, not what was on your job description. Consider the difference between these two resume bullets:

Processed invoices and expensesReduced costs by 20% and reduced errors by 35% through careful tracking of invoices and expenses.

Which one sounds better to you? Quantify your accomplishments and show your results!

No Cover Letter- There are a lot of different opinions about cover letters. Here is mine: Never submit a resume without a cover letter. Don't miss an additional opportunity to make a connection with a recruiter or hiring manager. Your cover letter should complement your resume in both content and style. Use your cover letter to add a personal touch to your application package. Do your homework and find the name of the person to whom your cover letter should be addressed. Do not address it to Sir/Madam or Hiring Manager. If it's not possible to find a name, a salutation of Good Morning or Good Afternoon will give you a 50% change of being right!

Jeffrey Metzger is Owner and Chief Resume Architect at Your Resume Consultant. Find out how Jeff can create a resume for you that will attract the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. Visit us at http://www.yourresumeconsultant.com/.

Read more ...

Cover Letter: Grab the HR Manager's Attention

Who is the first person to see your resume when searching for a new job? It is usually the Human Resources Manager. That person probably will see dozens of resumes for a new job posting. It is imperative that you grab their attention with the cover letter to make them pause and look at your resume.

You don't want your resume to be tossed to the side because of a sloppy cover letter or because you left out pertinent details. That is the quickest way to lose the prospect of a top executive position-or any position for that matter.

Your cover letter needs to be as well thought out as your resume. A great cover letter needs to enhance your resume by highlighting the qualifications you have for the job you are applying for. Things to consider are:

Effectively research the position you are applying for. Highlight your qualifications for the position in your cover letter. Make sure you include any achievements in that area of expertise.
Introduce yourself in the first paragraph. Tell them about yourself (briefly) and why you would be the perfect person for the job.
Keep the cover letter to one page and make sure all spelling, punctuation and grammar are correct. HR managers will quickly toss you aside if the cover letter is illegible.
If sending via snail mail, don't forget to sign the cover letter.
Make sure your resume and cover letter are on good quality paper. I prefer 'White'. 'Ivory' tends to look dingy or dirty when compared with another candidate's white resume. You don't have to list all of your jobs for the past 20 years. But, make sure your qualifications and other skills are included in a manner that shows the value you can offer an employer.

Your resume and cover letter should also be created in the same format. Borders, colors and contact information should look the same on both documents.

A strong, confident resume will go a long way in getting you in the door. You then have to carry that same confidence with a face-to-face interview. There are still a lot of executive positions in the job market, but qualifications alone won't get you there. Be sure to explain your problem solving skills, how you have helped any previous companies save money, or if you have experience with managing multiple people.

Take a second look at your resume. If you think it needs improvement, consider using a resume writing service that will make your resume shine. Most professional resume services will offer packages that include a cover letter, as well as the resume itself. Let the professionals help you stand out from the rest so you won't get tossed in the corner.

Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, BS/HR, is a Certified Professional & Executive Resume Writer/Career Consultant and President of Professional Resume Services, Inc. She is a nationally published writer and contributor of 12 best-selling career books. She has achieved international recognition following yearly nominations and wins of the prestigious T.O.R.I. (Toast of the Resume Industry) Award.

As a proud member of CDI, NRWA, PARW, and AORCP, Erin also sits on CDI's Credentialing Committee for new certification candidates and serves as a Mentor for CDI's Member Mentoring Committee. Reuse of this article is encouraged but must include a link to http://exclusive-executive-resumes.com/.

Read more ...

How To Gain Attention In A Crowded Job Market: 7 Fundamentals To Make Your Resume Stand Out

"Good enough" efforts are not "good enough" when it concerns your resume. You have one chance to make a positive first impression in a job market that's swarming with skilled candidates. Your resume has to wow the reader, grab attention, and persuade the employer to pick up the phone and call you. Any less and you may miss out on the scarce, perfect employment opportunity. To help you, here are seven trade secrets that professional resume writers use to help craft a resume that is irresistible to employers.

1. Write a resume with the ideal job in the forefront of your thoughts.

This is not the time to be generic or broad, as an unfocused resume makes you appear as if you don't even know what you want and instantaneously loses the attention of the recipient. Be confident and create a resume that shows how you are the ideal candidate for your ideal job. Don't waste the 15 seconds that you have to get your pivotal points across, or you will be passed over.

2. Summarize your credentials with the focus on the employer.

Don't just use an outdated, self-serving objective statement. Write a profile section that tells the reader what you offer to them. This component of the resume is "above the fold" and all the most applicable and important details should be here at first glimpse. Bring in your most engaging and essential qualifications and load the summary with examples that show the recipient you have the ability to add value, instead of just telling them. Precisely convey how will deliver that extra value to the organization and how you have the capability to do so in a way that sets you apart from other job applicants.

4. Stress accomplishments throughout the resume.

Don't emphasize routine job responsibilities, as these don't reflect how you actually performed and delivered value and benefits for the company. Instead, express how you provided that value by creating an achievement-focused resume, to demonstrate your future potential. Accomplishments are quite often linked to how you dealt with a problem, how you rose above a challenging situation, how you made money, how you save money, or how you strengthened efficiency.

3. Provide proof that you will deliver value and benefits.

An accomplishment is great, but it is only a component of the story. You need to also summarize how that achievement added value in some tangible way. Did it make additional money, conserve time, or did it aid in productivity? Use numbers to impart your results whenever possible.

5. Create a standout design.

Steer away from making use of a template when you create your resume and conceive an individualized design that helps to put accent on the unique aspects in your background. Don't go for an ineffective "one size fits all" approach. Your goal is to stand out. Not to blend by using a resume that looks like 99 % of the resumes that are out there.

6. Prioritize and emphasize your most pertinent experience.

It's typical to go back about 10 to 20 years and no more. But the real key is to keep in mind you are creating a marketing document and not an autobiography. It is perfectly acceptable to exclude unrelated information and experiences and to structure your resume so that it strategically underscores the most relevant and impressive qualifications you offer.

7. Comply with the prevailing best standards and practices.

Remember that standards, expectations, formats and styles change over time. The old resume format you were shown in college 10 years ago is likely no longer up to date and adequate. Do your research or seek the advice of a professional to make certain your resume format is up to date.

After reading these tips, if you still feel that you would benefit from help to improve your resume seriously consider consulting a professional resume writer. This is an investment that will pay you back many fold, by dramatically slashing the time it takes you to search for the job, by putting you in a position to get the job that you always wanted, and by furnishing you with a framework to negotiate great compensation.

Michelle Dumas runs of one of the longest-standing and most respected professional resume writing firms on the internet. Since 1996, Michelle has empowered thousands of professionals with resumes that get results and win jobs fast. Get insider resume writing tips that you won't find anywhere else at her website. Go now to http://www.distinctiveweb.com/

Read more ...

5 Reasons Why Your Resume Isn't Gettng Any Attention

It's boring- Let's face it...No one wants to read anything that's boring, especially a resume. You need to capture the reader's attention immediately and make them want to read more. Do you open your resume with a tired and outdated objective? No one cares what you want (i.e. Seeking a challenging job in a fast-paced environment). Get rid of it. Your resume should begin with a strong, and captivating professional summary or profile. You should immediately answer the question "Why should I hire you?"

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) -Nearly all major corporations and a growing number of smaller companies are using some type of applicant tracking software to pre-screen candidates and manage their candidate data. All the big job boards like Monster and CareerBuilder are likely to work in partnership with ATS providers to move candidate data between the sites and their client corporations. Resumes are that keyword-rich, contain familiar industry phrases and are traditionally formatted are more likely to make the cut. Graphics and unusual formatting create a higher likelihood of your resume being rejected by the system, even if you're the perfect candidate. When possible, save your resume in ASCII (.txt) format then cut and paste it into the online application.

Your resume is not focused or targeted- Your resume must tell the reader exactly what job you're looking for. If you're looking for a job in accounting your resume should not feature your retail sales experience. A well-written resume will emphasize relevant experience and transferable skills while de-emphasizing or eliminating unrelated experience. Your resume should not be an exhaustive summary of everything you've done in your career. Focus on the experiences, both paid and unpaid, that relate directly to the job to which you're applying.

Duties and responsibilities- If your resume is nothing more than a list of your past duties and responsibilities, it's not likely to get a second look. Employers want to know what you've done, not what was on your job description. Consider the difference between these two resume bullets:

Processed invoices and expensesReduced costs by 20% and reduced errors by 35% through careful tracking of invoices and expenses.

Which one sounds better to you? Quantify your accomplishments and show your results!

No Cover Letter- There are a lot of different opinions about cover letters. Here is mine: Never submit a resume without a cover letter. Don't miss an additional opportunity to make a connection with a recruiter or hiring manager. Your cover letter should complement your resume in both content and style. Use your cover letter to add a personal touch to your application package. Do your homework and find the name of the person to whom your cover letter should be addressed. Do not address it to Sir/Madam or Hiring Manager. If it's not possible to find a name, a salutation of Good Morning or Good Afternoon will give you a 50% change of being right!

Jeffrey Metzger is Owner and Chief Resume Architect at Your Resume Consultant. Find out how Jeff can create a resume for you that will attract the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. Visit us at http://www.yourresumeconsultant.com/.

Read more ...

How to Write a Resume That Grabs Attention

Significance of CV

It is an important document required in your job search. It acts as your application for the job. Employers will not know you and this is the only document that will introduce you to them. As it is said "First impression is the last one", you need to make a lasting impression on the potential employer through your CV. It must reflect you in better way and convince the employer to hire you for the job.

You can get it written from professional writers for greater impact or you can even write it on your own. If you are writing your CV on your own, you need to know the basic tips of it and know what are the things that employer is expecting in the candidate and how you can list it in your CV.

Resume Advice

It is known that recruiter will spend around 15 seconds or even less time going through your details. Your CV should grab their interest in the initial 5 seconds. For this, you need to keep in mind the three basic things:

Correct format
Plenty of quantifiable accomplishments
Use of appropriate keywords
You can greatly increase your chances of getting attention from recruiters with these basic rules.

Correct Format

Proper format for CV is most important to improve its visual appearance. Also it is necessary to highlight your details in effective way. Make sure that when you draft a resume, the information is easily readable and understandable. There are various formats to choose from. If you are highly experienced person seeking job in the same field, chronological format is best suitable for you. If you changed your field frequently in past or experienced a job gap due to any reason, you can use a functional format. No single format is best for resume writing but you can choose the one which can highlight your details in an effective way.

Quantifiable Accomplishments

Sufficient research is the base of a good quality resume. You need to know what qualities and skills employer is expecting in the candidate. See whether these skills are possessed by you or not. If yes, include them accordingly with the most relevant skill in the beginning followed by the next relevant skill.

Accomplishments in your past will provide evidence of your efficiency and capability. Do not forget to list them in your CV. If your accomplishments are in accordance with the work in the prospective job profile, it will certainly help you in getting attention from the employer.

Use of Keywords

Keywords are the special words that describe any action taken by you. You can use them to describe your skills or to explain the action you have taken to overcome any difficult situation. Employers scan your resume for the job relevant keywords. If your CV does not include these keywords, they will keep it aside and move towards next CV. Many times they use electronic short listing systems to choose the appropriate candidates. Including job specific keywords will certainly help you in this case.

All these above tips will prove helpful to you in grabbing the attention of the employers and getting noticed. You can refer some resume samples to see how details are placed and what sections are included.

Eva Lee is an expert and a freelance author who has written knowledgeable articles on various subjects like how to write a resume. She has a keen interest and a thorough experience in writing about resume and provides useful an important guidelines about how to write a resume.

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Drawing Attention to Your Accomplishments: What Your Resume Says About You

Focusing on your experience, your background and your accomplishments is what's known as a functional resume. Chronological resumes list all of your employers in the order of the date that you worked for them, typically with the oldest employer at the bottom of the resume. Functional resumes are great for people who are looking to make a career change, people with multiple positions with different industries, people with gaps in their employment and those just starting out on their career. However, as always, I have to warn you that recruiter and hiring people really don't like functional style resumes. They feel you may be "hiding" something.

You can combine both resume types to give yourself a well-rounded appearance to potential employers, plus hiring managers love to see a list of previous experience, especially when it's for a position of authority. Providing work history is an excellent way to showcase how your accomplishments have translated to actual success in the work place.

Start by writing a list of the skills that you used at your previous jobs. List them one by one so that you cover a wide range of tasks on your resume. Depending on the position you're applying for, modify your skills to directly reflect those of the position that you're applying for. Don't embellish, instead focus on what you've accomplished and how it will allow you to succeed at your new position.

Use bullet points to provide a concise and accurate depiction of your responsibilities and where you used your skills. List our your accomplishments and try to use numbers to demonstrate an actual value. You can say something like, you promoted better paper management and turned your office into a green office, reducing the waste and lowering cost for trash maintenance by a third. Or that you increased sales in your office by 15% over a 5 year period.

Show your employer in the bullet section of your accomplishments. You want to be able to match your accomplishments with a tangible company, so make sure to list the companies where you worked. Your accomplishments only mean so much if they can be backed up. Listing your companies, or contacts you may have done a project for, will help highlight your accomplishments.

Use action verbs at the beginning of your accomplishments. Saying things like, "demonstrated" a strong desire to train new employees, is better than saying "trained staff." Elaborate on your accomplishments, it's all right to use descriptive words here. In fact, the HR manager may appreciate your ability to be descriptive.

Complete a short job history below the accomplishment section of your resume. This will help employers get a good idea of your work history. Make sure to include the name of the employer, your job title, the dates you worked for the employer and the location of the job. Write this list in reverse chronological order.

It's time to get those accomplishments out there and find the job that you've always wanted!

Erin Kennedy, CMRW, CPRW, BS/HR, is a Certified Professional & Executive Resume Writer/Career Consultant and President of Professional Resume Services, Inc. She is a nationally published writer and contributor of 12 best-selling career books. She has achieved international recognition following yearly nominations and wins of the prestigious T.O.R.I. (Toast of the Resume Industry) Award. Erin has written thousands of resumes for executives and professionals.

As a proud member of CDI, NRWA, PARW, and AORCP, Erin also sits on CDI's Credentialing Committee for new certification candidates and serves as a Mentor for CDI's Member Mentoring Committee. She also is a featured blogger on several well-known career sites. Reuse of this article is encouraged but must include a link to http://exclusive-executive-resumes.com/.

Want to know more about Erin Kennedy, CPRW? Read her LinkedIn profile at: http://www.linkedin.com/in/erinkennedycprw

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Attention All Disgruntled Job Seekers! This Simple Tip Can Get You Hired And Not Overlooked

If you ever want to meet really grumpy people, hang out for a while in a job center! One of the most frustrating things in the world is when you're out of work and you're looking for a job and no one will hire you. It can turn a person with the most cheerful disposition into a grouch.

Given today's economy and how tight the job market is, if you are in the process of trying to get a job I really don't blame you in the least if you are disgruntled. I work in a job center and I see how much torture the job hunting experience can put a person through.

I do have good news for you though. I have a tip that can turn this all around for you and it is extremely easy to do but first I need you to understand something:

You may at first not really understand how profound this tip really is because it is so simple to do. It doesn't always sink in as being as important as it really is. Many of the people I work with in the job center often don't get it at first - but they certainly do after they make this one simple change and they suddenly get a job offer!

Here's the simple tip in a nutshell:

CHANGE your cover letter in the following way: instead of using a professional template, create something VERY unique that will be stand out from everyone else's cover letter!

Here's why this is important:

In today's job market, hiring managers get too many applications to go through each one in detail. So, what they do is find a quick way to do the initial screening. The easiest way for them to do this is by quickly reading through all the cover letters without reading the rest of the application.

What does this mean:

It means that you can have the best resume in the world and you may be the best candidate for the job BUT if your cover letter doesn't stand out, the hiring manager may never even see your resume or have any desire to find out more about you.

This is exactly why I saw so many highly qualified candidates being beaten out by lesser qualified candidates when I first started working at the job center. I had to do some investigative research to figure out what was going on which included calling up hiring managers and talking with them about how they went about selecting people - what was their procedure exactly and why had they not even noticed my very best candidate for a particular job.

So it bears repeating:

If your cover letter isn't unique and it doesn't stand out, the hiring manager may NEVER NOTICE the rest of your application or anything else about you. You may end up going into the "reject" pile on the very first round.

Think of the cover letter like a book jacket. You need to push the right psychological buttons on your "book jacket" to get the hiring manager interested in looking inside. You need to create something very unique - do NOT use a template!!! Who designs book jackets? Marketers! You need to use marketing language. You need to language that ENTICES the hiring manager to look further and want to interview you.

I have discovered a very effective tool that helps people easily write a really unique and very effective cover letter -- one that really entices the hiring manager to look further.

It is a type of cover letter software and it was created by one of the best marketing gurus when it comes to writing sales copy. The software is designed with a very easy to use interface. You simply answer a few questions and then hit a button. It will then spit out a CUSTOM cover letter -- and one that is VERY UNIQUE and specific to your industry. It uses exactly the right language to push all the right psychological buttons. There's a lot of good information on the website so you can check it out for yourself.

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Resume Cover Letters That Demand Attention!

Writing a resume with all the required information, a list of accomplishments and formatted to draw attention; if you ask any job hunter it's a lot of work. Behind the finished product there are many drafts, critiques by knowledgeable friends and again more drafts as you uncover additional ideas.

For every resume you send out a well written cover letter must go together with the resume. Now there is more writing. Just like you adjust the resume according to the needs of the job applied for each cover letter must be an original document. No generic or form letter submissions. They definitely will not do the required job of properly introducing your qualifications in your resume.

There are some definite dos and don'ts in cover letter writing. Once you recognize the rhythm and how you will communicate the desired introduction to the resume the writing will become much easier.

An effective cover letter should follow these guidelines:

The challenge in writing an effective cover letter can take more time that the resume. The headline or first sentence can take some time to get right. Compare these two headlines:

A. Enclosed is my resume for the job of customer service manager that you advertised in the Sunday newspaper of May 22, 2011.
B. Effective customer service lessons were learned at the age of 12 when I ran a successful newspaper route.

Who is going to make the best first impression?

The cover letter should never go beyond one page. The job applied for can be on a reference line after the address and before the salutation. Like this, RE: Customer Service Manager, Post-Dispatch 5/22/2011. Keep the format, font, font size and margins, and type paper the same as the resume.

Definitely spend some time proof reading and checking for possible grammar mistakes. Send it flat, never folded in a 9x12 envelope, paper clip the letter to the resume.

Always send the cover letter to a specific person. Never send a "to it may concern." This smacks as a form letter and will soon be rejected.

Keep the cover letter centered on the needs of the employer. Continuing the above examples:

A. The job announcement sounds like just the type of customer service position so I can further my career.
B. Bringing these customer service lessons and more to the Customer Service Manager position would provide considerable value to your customers and positive benefits to your company.

Again who would you want to talk to?

Now, in one or two short paragraphs, highlight your qualifications that match the needs of the job. Bring up something relevant that is not in your resume. Perhaps, the most valuable customer service lesson learned when running your small business at age 12?

Do some research on the employer. Briefly discuss how your skills may specifically help the employer. Never forget the cover letter is not about you but what you bring to help the employer.

In the last paragraph, thank them for their time, and indicate a time when you will call to set up an interview. Perhaps to discuss other customer service lessons learned at age 12.

With this well written cover letter do you think the employer would want to meet you? You bet they would.

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Attention All Disgruntled Job Seekers! This Simple Tip Can Get You Hired And Not Overlooked

If you ever want to meet really grumpy people, hang out for a while in a job center! One of the most frustrating things in the world is when you're out of work and you're looking for a job and no one will hire you. It can turn a person with the most cheerful disposition into a grouch.

Given today's economy and how tight the job market is, if you are in the process of trying to get a job I really don't blame you in the least if you are disgruntled. I work in a job center and I see how much torture the job hunting experience can put a person through.

I do have good news for you though. I have a tip that can turn this all around for you and it is extremely easy to do but first I need you to understand something:

You may at first not really understand how profound this tip really is because it is so simple to do. It doesn't always sink in as being as important as it really is. Many of the people I work with in the job center often don't get it at first - but they certainly do after they make this one simple change and they suddenly get a job offer!

Here's the simple tip in a nutshell:

CHANGE your cover letter in the following way: instead of using a professional template, create something VERY unique that will be stand out from everyone else's cover letter!

Here's why this is important:

In today's job market, hiring managers get too many applications to go through each one in detail. So, what they do is find a quick way to do the initial screening. The easiest way for them to do this is by quickly reading through all the cover letters without reading the rest of the application.

What does this mean:

It means that you can have the best resume in the world and you may be the best candidate for the job BUT if your cover letter doesn't stand out, the hiring manager may never even see your resume or have any desire to find out more about you.

This is exactly why I saw so many highly qualified candidates being beaten out by lesser qualified candidates when I first started working at the job center. I had to do some investigative research to figure out what was going on which included calling up hiring managers and talking with them about how they went about selecting people - what was their procedure exactly and why had they not even noticed my very best candidate for a particular job.

So it bears repeating:

If your cover letter isn't unique and it doesn't stand out, the hiring manager may NEVER NOTICE the rest of your application or anything else about you. You may end up going into the "reject" pile on the very first round.

Think of the cover letter like a book jacket. You need to push the right psychological buttons on your "book jacket" to get the hiring manager interested in looking inside. You need to create something very unique - do NOT use a template!!! Who designs book jackets? Marketers! You need to use marketing language. You need to language that ENTICES the hiring manager to look further and want to interview you.

I have discovered a very effective tool that helps people easily write a really unique and very effective cover letter -- one that really entices the hiring manager to look further.

It is a type of cover letter software and it was created by one of the best marketing gurus when it comes to writing sales copy. The software is designed with a very easy to use interface. You simply answer a few questions and then hit a button. It will then spit out a CUSTOM cover letter -- and one that is VERY UNIQUE and specific to your industry. It uses exactly the right language to push all the right psychological buttons. There's a lot of good information on the website so you can check it out for yourself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cynthia_Baxter

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Cover Letters - 5 Ways To Capture The Attention Of The Employer

A cover letter is the one thing that sets you apart from other job applicants. It's your opportunity to let the employer know that you are the person they are looking for. A well written letter will make the employer want to invite you for an interview. This letter needs to be compelling. Here are five ways to ensure that you capture the attention of your potential employer:

1. Name - Always address the letter to the right person. Don't use 'Dear Sir/Madam' or 'To The Hiring Manager'. This is the number one thing that irritates employers and may stop them from reading your letter further.

2. Appearance - Make sure your letter is typed neatly onto one side of an A4 sheet. If possible, use the same font type as your resume, this gives a professional look. Use white or cream coloured paper. Separate your paragraphs so that it looks easy on the eye. Don't use 'funny' fonts. This is a business letter not a letter to a friend.

3. Proof read - Don't spoil a brilliant covering letter with typos, bad spelling and grammar mistakes. Proof read it several times. Get a friend to read it for you. Other people often spot mistakes that you don't notice.

4. Don't rehash your resume - Your cover letter needs to highlight the qualities you have that match what the employer is looking for. Make it individual to the company's requirements. There's no need to relist all your qualifications, the employer can find all that on your resume.

5. Give, don't take - Your letter is all about what you can do for the employer. It's not about what the employer can do for you. This is not the time to mention your holiday and pay demands.

Bear the above in mind when writing your cover letter. You want to give yourself the best possible chance of getting an interview. Good luck!

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Grab Your Reader's Attention in The Cover Letter

It's a difficult task. When looking through hundreds of applicants, how do you get an employer to read your resume? After all, that is where your qualifications are written and explained. It is the most important item in getting a job. How it's presented, looks, and gives your information is crucial. But what if it's never read? You just wasted your time writing the cover letter, filling out the application, and submitting a resume. So how do you get to the next level? How do you gain their interest enough to want them to keep reading? The answer is simple: Talk about the company, not yourself.

Before we discuss the details of how this is accomplished, let's talk about why. I can talk to a person for hours, and not say a single thing about myself, and keep the other person interested. Afterward, they will think we had a great conversation, but will probably not be able to say a thing about myself. I can do this by talking about the most interesting topic to the other person, themselves. People love to talk about themselves, and as they say, every person's favorite word is their own name. Well, a company is no different. They love to talk about themselves and love even more an applicant interested in their company.

In a well written, articulate cover letter that will land you the interview, the first sentence must be something about the organization. Find something the company takes pride in, find a great accomplishment they recently made. This almost always can be find by looking on the website, or by searching for the company and finding news articles. Remember, a cover letter takes time. Invest the time in learning about the company, and it will for sure pay off. How many other applicants will go through all that trouble? The next sentence needs to incorporate their mission statement, and how hiring you will make the organization achieve their mission. At the end of your letter, the employer will be thinking they have to hire you to achieve their mission, to be successful, and to beat out the competition! Ok, maybe that's a little overboard, but you understand the point I am trying to make. If you follow these steps, regardless of your qualifications, you will have an excellent chance at landing the interview, and a leg up over the competition. While everyone else is writing the same cover letter talking only about themselves, your cover letter will stand out by talking about the company.

This article has been viewed 85 time(s).
Article Submitted On: March 26, 2011

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The Objective of Your Resume Statement: A Perfect Opportunity to Grab Attention

The Objective of Your Resume is a statement placed at the very beginning of your resume. It's your introductory paragraph intended to give the reader a quick peak into why you chose your profession and where you hope to go with it over the next few years. Think of the objective for your resume paragraph as a re-worded snapshot of your cover letter.

Your resume is a time-line of your experiences in your chosen field. Therefore, your opening paragraph needs to be consistent with your past employment choices.

An employer wants to see that you have at least some sort of concept of what you want to do and that you have pursued opportunities in the past that have contributed to your skill base and your direction. It will not reflect well on you if, for example, you are a trained veterinary assistant yet you are currently applying for a position in the food service industry.

As a job applicant, it is important to have in mind the viewpoint of an employer. Second only to making sure a job applicant is qualified for the position, an employer wants to hire the person they believe will be a stable member of their team.

Remember this when writing the objective of your resume paragraph:

1. It costs money for an employer to go through the hiring process.

2. It costs money for an employer to train a new employee.

3. It costs a lot of money for an employer to hire the wrong person and have to start over.

Therefore your cover letter, the objective of your resume statement and your resume need to convey that investing in you will pay off for them. So, ask yourself: If an employer will be investing valuable time and money in me, why will that investment pay off for them?

Your resume speaks for itself. You can't change your past experiences and employment history. So, take advantage of the opportunity when writing the objective of your resume statement, as well as the rest of your applicant package, and read it from the viewpoint of the employer. If you were the employer and your time and money was at stake, would you be interested in wanting to know more about you?

But this can be tricky. So let's be clear about writing the objective of your resume paragraph:

1. Be honest and straightforward about yourself and your goals.

2. Do not write it with the purpose to impress.

3. Do not write it based upon what you think they want to hear.

4. Reduce the entire process to dollars and cents for the employer. Would you be a good investment?

5. It is not a personality contest, so avoid flowery language.

Just tell the truth about yourself, your past experiences, your skills and your goals. But word the objective of your resume paragraph in such a way that when you read it from the viewpoint of an employer, it sounds interesting.

Remember: The sole purpose of your cover letter and resume package is to get an interview. The purpose is not to land the job. You will use the interview to land the job!

Now, what if you think you have your resume package complete, but you still need a cover letter that attracts attention and helps get you that interview?

I know how hard it can be to try to sell who you are and what you can offer a company in a short cover letter that makes you stand out from other applicants.

Your next step, then, is to learn and practice these example cover letter writing tips.

Once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to easily write a cover letter that grabs attention and you'll then be ready for more job interview tips.

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How to Grab An Employer's Attention in 20 Seconds

By Jessica M Holbrook Jessica M Holbrook
Level: Platinum

Jessica Holbrook is an expert resume writer, career and personal branding strategist, author, and presenter. She has written more than 100 articles that are featured ...

I review a lot of resumes, and they often land in my mailbox with the exact same titles: resume.doc or resume.pdf. Can you say boring? Try these alternatives to stand out as an interesting candidate:

1. Your Name Resume.doc-This minimum level of personalization ensures that your resume will remain attached to your application.
2. Your Name Resume December 2010.doc-While this is also fairly generic, it suggests that your resume is constantly changing, requiring you to date each updated version.
3. Your Name, Job Title.doc-This title utilizes the power of suggestion to show the employer how nicely your name and the job title go together. For instance, "Jane Doe, Financial Project Manager".
4. Your Name, Humorous Statement.doc-Don't try this at home unless you work in a field where creativity is the name of the game. For example, "Joe Smith, Nebraska Hula Hoop Champion 2002".
5. Your Name, Branding Statement.doc-Using a branded resume title is a powerful way to scream "read me!" For example, "John Grisham, Bestselling Crime Novelist", or "Tiger Woods, Global Golf Champion".

Remember, the hiring managers reading your resumes receive hundreds of applications for every position they post. Something as simple as a catchy document title can catch a hiring manager's eye and leave them wanting to know more!

We employ dozens of unique and distinct strategies in the resumes and cover letter we create that work wonders for getting you noticed by the hiring managers. It is one of the reasons our success rate is so high, our referral rate is phenomenal, and why we can guarantee interviews. To learn more check out http://www.greatresumesfast.com.

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez is an expert resume writer, career and personal branding strategist, author, speaker and President/CEO of Great Resumes Fast. She creates high-impact, best-in-class, resumes and cover letters that transform job searches into interviews and ultimately job offers. For more information about professional resume writing or to read more career and job search related articles visit http://www.greatresumesfast.com/ or call 1.800.991.5187.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_M_Holbrook

This article has been viewed 150 time(s).
Article Submitted On: December 23, 2010

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How to Write Attention Grabbing Entry Level Resume Objectives

The purpose of entry level resume objectives is to inform the hiring officer what your exact objective is and how you will be of value to their company. An employer usually receives hundreds of resumes for each job opening, and they never read them all. They only skim through each resume and this is when they form a first impression about the candidate. A well-written resume objective can grab their attention in those few seconds.

Employers are complaining very often that resume objectives don't have a specific objective. Students and graduates usually write something generic like "Position with a progressive organization that will fully utilize my talents and skills". This objective doesn't contain any relevant information about what exactly they want.

A resume objective has to be a very clear and concise statement. Lots of resume-writing websites advice not to formulate an objective because it can be too limiting. You should not listen to that: Those who are saying this obviously don't know what they are talking about. The truth is that these days people who fail to give a specific and directed objective never has a chance to get invited for an interview.

The focus is the most important part of beginner level resume objectives. Never use the flowery language of the broader career mission statement. Instead try to be as specific as you can, and talk about the exact starter level position you are applying for. You can limit your objective by industry, job type, and geographical area.

These are a few good entry level resume objectives: "An entry level marketing position with a new media company. Open to relocation.", "Staff accountant position in the public accounting field in the San Francisco area." "Sales position at a retail company in Portland", "Electrical engineering position in the silicon chip industry in California.", "Reporter position with a major news daily. Open to relocation."

The main focus of an entry level resume should be the resume objective. The reason for this is that entry level positions are usually filled with people who have little or no experience in the field. No employer will expect to find years of field experience in an entry level resume. So instead relevant work history, they are looking for someone who seems to know what he wants and has a good learning potential.

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