In the competitive job market of today, mediocre resumes no longer make the cut. Making a resume that sings is your best chance at landing an interview.

The task of making a resume may seem daunting, but there are a few simple tricks that can really boost the look of your resume. For example, the format needs to be as professional as possible. For most people, a resume should be no longer than a single page. Type your name across the top, and create sections for all of the following information.

Personal Information

Here is where your address, phone number, and email address should be listed. This contact information should be up-to-date, so that the prospective employers can contact you if desired.

Education

In this section, you should describe your educational background. Include the school or university where you attended and the degree you were awarded. Write your cumulative grade point average if you eared above a 3.0.

Career Objective

The resume objective section can be the most challenging part of making a resume. Your statement should be short, concise, and direct and take the job you are applying for into account.

Experience

This section requires the most attention. Here is where you can really shine. Do not be shy or modest in this part of making a resume. Organize your past jobs either chronologically (with the most recent listed first) or functionally (by skill). Include the company’s name, the past employer’s name, and the length of time you worked at the company.

Under each listing, provide three to four concise statements about the skills you acquired at the job and the contributions you made to the company. Begin each statement with a power word to make the biggest impact! They should be in past tense. Also, avoid using “I” or “me” in these statements.

Skills

Express your resume skills with power words and back them up with examples of your accomplishments. Create a separate section to highlight any special skills (technical, language, etc.) that you want to emphasize.

Honors and Awards

List scholarships, academic honors or any other awards of special recognition that you want to include.

Activities/Volunteer Experience

List any activities that relate to your prospective position. Include your leadership positions and responsibilities as well.

Now you have a basic outline of an outstanding resume. This cheat sheet can be your guide to making a resume that really stands out. The process of making a resume can be even easier with a friend – ask a trustworthy friend or family member to take a second look at your resume. This person might be able to give you a different perspective. With their helpful input, you are well on your way toward the next stage in your life. Courtney Rakers is a freelance writer, ghostwriter, and contributor to http://www.employersecrets.com

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