by Lana Stockton

Created on: January 27, 2010   Last Updated: April 04, 2010

It is no secret that applicants are flooding the job market. If you are one of them, how can you increase your chance of success? How will you stand out as different from the others and land an interview? Creating a resume that stands out among the rest is one way to get noticed.

1. About honesty

While it is important to put your best foot forward, creating a non-existent job history or embellishing your abilities may land you that interview, but cost you the job. When it later becomes obvious that your abilities or stated education level was a fabrication you cannot expect that you will remain employed with the company. Being honest from the beginning will have long term advantages.

2. Keep it simple.

Brief, direct statements will make the reader's job easier and favorably impress the employer. Clutter on the written page is neither appealing nor professional. Long, drawn out explanations of a person's accomplishments smacks of egotistical bragging which fosters boredom. You want your resume to be clean, crisp and clear.

3. It's not what you say but how you say it.

Long, expensive-sounding words will not make you appear more intelligent.  Avoid making it difficult for the reader to cut to the real meaning of what you are saying. Be sure to use your computer's spell check feature.  Misspelled words and poor grammar show a lack of attention to detail.

4. When emphasising a word or phrase. . .

Avoid using all caps. Since the employer likely would not enjoy being shouted at, avoid shouting from the keyboard.  To emphasise a word choose either bold type or italics. Resist the temptation to use decorative symbols anywhere on the page as this announces a lack of professionalism.

5.  Avoid extravagance

When the H.R. department gets 300 applications for one job opening, you want to make sure yours stands out in a good way. Most job openings will request an emailed application and attached resume. However, if mailing or hand delivering your resume select fine quality, heavier weight, off-white paper for ease of reading. Avoid fancy text and colorful ink. Plain black ink on off-white paper is the professional choice.

6. Word count

All pertinent facts should fit neatly on one handy page. Include your name, address, phone number and email address at the top for easy reference. Information concerning your education, job history and previous job experience should be brief and concise. Previous job experience which relates to the job you are applying for would be the main focus of your resume.

Honesty, attention to detail and proper word choice all play an important role in creating a resume that will capture the attention of your potential employer. Keep it clean, crisp and uncluttered.

Learn more about this author, Lana Stockton.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.