By Jessica Holbrook Hernandez, Expert Resume Writer
In a time when millions of workers are unemployed and competition for positions is higher than ever, you want to make sure that you’re able to stand out among your competition. But how can your resume make an impact when so many others are applying? Take a look at these three steps to creating an attention-grabbing resume:
1. Start with Visual Attractiveness
It may seem that creating a visually attractive resume isn’t important, but nothing could be further from the truth. While you don’t need to spend your time adding pretty borders or cutesy fonts, you do need to ensure that your document is readable.
Creating white space with the use of bullet points and subheadings improves readability tenfold. Also, ensuring your fonts are professional can make a huge difference in guaranteeing your resume will be read by a hiring manager.
2. Create a Standout Branding Statement
When a hiring manager reads your resume, he or she wants to determine within a few seconds that you’re right for the position. Creating a solid branding statement helps to deliver this message.
The branding statement, which is typically situated near the top of your resume below your name and contact information, allows you to brand yourself by stating your title, disclosing your contributions to other companies, and communicating your expectations of making a difference in the future.
The branding statement can absolutely encourage the hiring manager to read the rest of your resume. In fact, if written correctly, it could help you get the interview call you want most.
3. Add a Career Summary or Certification/Training Section
Another great section to add to your resume—typically directly below the branding statement—is the career summary or certification/training section.
In your branding statement, you’ve outlined your contributions to previous employers. Now you want to highlight top moments in your career that show you’ve made a huge difference—whether you’ve raised tons of money, or perhaps changed the direction of a company for the better. You can also use this section to list your expertise in the form of certifications and training courses.
As you write your resume, you always want to consider qualifications that make you stand out as a top candidate. What value do you bring to the table and how can it make a difference for the company you’re applying with? By making these considerations when tailoring your resume you can prove you are indeed the right person for the job.
About the Author
Jessica Hernandez, is a resume authority for the Job Talk America radio program and multi-published expert author for resume, career, and job search publications. She boasts more than ten years in human resources management and hiring for Fortune 500 companies and utilizes her extensive experience to support job seekers in their quest to move onward and upward in their careers. Find out more at Great Resumes Fast.
Check out the latest Career Insider eNewsletter - May 3, 2012.
