How to Make an Impression With Your General Resume

Tailor your resume to the position to stand out.

With dozens and even hundreds of candidates applying for job openings, it's important to stand out. When an employer reviews resumes, she's looking for a candidate who is the best fit for the job opening and the organization. Make your resume stand out and leave a lasting impression by highlighting the skills that are the best fit for the prospective job.

Instructions

1. Read the job description and make a list of the most important skills the employer wants. Then, customize your resume to include experiences where you demonstrated these skills. This will leave a positive impression with the employer and show him you're a good fit for the job opening.

2. Create a resume that is organized and easy to read. First, create an objective statement, which highlights the type of job you're seeking. Then, include a section for your job history. Typically, employers want the previous three to four jobs. Create a section for education, listing information such as degrees and professional certifications. Add a section for other skills, like computer skills, and other relevant information.

3. Use strong action words in your resume. For example, say you executed, supervised, directed and implemented a program that resulted in record-breaking revenue. Using action words will catch the reader's attention and make a better impression.

4. Get help proofreading your resume. Even if you've proofread your resume dozens of times, it's possible to overlook mistakes. Ask a professor, friend or family member to review your resume to find typos and grammar errors.

5. Revise your resume for each new job opening. Use the first resume you write as a template and tailor it to make it relevant to each new job. This is time-consuming, but it will make an impression with the employer.

Tips & Warnings

• Send a cover letter with your resume. A cover letter should briefly tell the employer how you learned about the position and give a short description of why you're a good fit for the position. Even if the job doesn't require a cover letter, sending one will help you stand out.

• Include a variety of experiences that demonstrate your qualifications, not just work history. For example, volunteering and association memberships will strengthen your candidacy.

References

• College Board: Resume Writing 101
• Job Center of Wisconsin: Resume Writing -- A Basic Guide
• Purdue University: What is an Action Verb?
• Ball State University: How to Write a Good Resume

Resources

• Berkeley University of California: Resume and Letter Writing