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Five Resume Tips for a Tough Economy
In today’s extremely challenging economy, competition for jobs is fierce. This means, not surprisingly, that employers can be very choosy when hiring. It also means if you're looking for a job, you're going to need a high-quality resume to compete. Here are some tips to help ensure that your resume is up to the task.
1—Include quantifiable achievements. Noting general attributes, such as "excellent interpersonal skills," has value. However, be sure to include wherever you can quantifiable achievements—such as sales results or cost savings—as these can make your resume especially powerful.
2—Watch those employment dates. The dates "2000-2001" can literally mean you held a job for less than a month, or for nearly 12 months. If you have one or more jobs where you worked for a very short time, include the month and year. You'll earn points for honesty and you can explain the details if asked.
3—Edit thoroughly. Extra words make resume reviewers work harder—which can jeopardize your ability to get interviews. Edit your resume ruthlessly. If a word does not carry its weight, delete it.
4—Proofread carefully. Proof and double-proof. Any error, no matter how minor, takes on greater significance in a competitive job situation.
5—Use active verbs. Active verbs like "directed" or "spearheaded" have greater impact than expressions like "responsible for" or "maintained." Use active verbs to energize your resume and help it stand out.
Make your first impression a great one!
