Resume Week II - Tips to make your resume stand out

So you've learned everything there is to know on how to create a successful resume and cover letter. You should be able to grab the potentials employers attention with ease now that you will be attaching a cover letter to your resume as well, but to make an even better lasting impression follow these next few tips to be as successful in your job hunt as possible in regards to your professional profile.

Tip #1: Use cream, gray, off-white or white colored resume paper. It's a different texture than the boring copy paper everyone else uses and will make you stand out. The employer will remember you better because your resume is different than all the others.

Tip #2 Use a professional email address on your resume. Do Not use emails like "hot_gal@yahoo.com", etc. This also goes for your voice mail message that is connected to the phone number you are using on your resume.

Tip #3 Use a contemporary clean font. Times New Roman is used way to much. Grab your readers attention with fonts like Arial or Helvetica in 11px or 12px. These fonts are really clean, simple, and professional.

Tip #4 Use "power" words when relaying the skills you possess. If you are applying for a clerical position you would use words that are "clerical oriented". For example instead of saying:

Greeted clients, answered a multi-line telephone and directed calls properly, completed tasks as assigned, worked within the company’s database to add, update and delete records.

You would say:

Reflected a professional image for the company through phone, email, and direct interaction with the companies clientèle. Completed filing duties and data entry with strict attention to detail to efficiently file and enter data accurately. Maintained excellent time management to complete assigned tasks and meet deadlines.

Using these power words actually strengthens your image and shows the employer that you can do the job. As you can see the second example says the same thing, but it gives a much stronger impression.

A resume is not something you just throw together. Take your time to make sure that your resume makes the strongest, positive impression of the image you will like the employer to see you as. Tune in tomorrow for more resume week and learn the final step of making that lasting impression.

Happy Hunting Tampa!

Samara Bowling

Job Fair: January 23rd, 2008 at Raymond James Stadium from 10am-3pm