by D. P. Noe

Created on: September 16, 2008   Last Updated: July 24, 2010

Your resume needs to stand out from the rest of the resumes that were submitted for open position an organization. How do you write a resume that gets you an interview?  What are some tips toimprove your resume so it attracts attention from potential employers? The first purpose of the resume is to get you an interview and it is the tool that gives the employer the first glimpse to see if they feel you have potential for the job.

When writing a resume, it is important that you focus on your achievements and not make it sound like a job description of your previous employment. An employer will be interested in individuals who have performed well in previous positions. Focusing on cost saving initiatives and increased productivity will increase your chances receiving a call for an interview.

Obtain professional references from leadership individuals who can validate your work performance and focus your accomplishments. This will also draw attention that a previous employer has validated what you have listed in the resume about previous accomplishments. If your resume appears factual, your chances of getting an interview will increase and the potential employer will not toss your resume aside. Organizations are looking for the best and you need to show them that you are the best.

You should always include a customized cover letter. This introduces you to the organization and you can quickly highlight strengths not listed in the resume. Writing a statement about your serious interest in the position is also appropriate in the cover letter.

Before submitting your resume, check for spelling and grammatical errors. Have a respected colleague that you can trust proof read your resume in case you missed something. Remember spell check does not always catch all the mistakes.

Make sure your resume specifically states your qualifications for the position you are applying for. Again an employee will look for qualifications and if they feel you have not shown you are qualified they will put you in the do not interview file. Bringing a professional portfolio to the interview will enhance the resume and show that you have taken the time to compile information to show your knowledge and competence. A portfolio is your show case piece. It adds credibility to your resume.

Do not give an employer an old resume that has been lying around for a while. You need to update and mold it to the job you are going after. A good resume is the key to getting the interview you are seeking. In this very tight job market you need to present yourself and your skills in a manner that you are what the organization is looking for. Always keep in mind there is a lot of competition out there, so make you resume stand out from the rest and always keep it professional and to the point. Long resumes are often not read by potential employers. You can fill in all the blanks when you get the interview.

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