What A Former Stay At Home Mom Knows About Creating A Stunning Resume That You Dont

Recently I was asked to touch up a friend's resume. Her challenge was simple. She was a stay-at-home mom who had not worked in four years. A difficult task however, with the information in this section, I generated a listing of skills she did not know she had. Here is a partial list. (Organized, patient, detail oriented, energetic, ability to multitask, works well under pressure and capable of meeting deadlines) Now ask yourself, what company would not want their new employee to showcase these skills?

The resume is a job search tool that highlights accomplishments by stating your

profile, experience and education in a brief, yet concise, summary.

Why A Resume?

The resume is your first introduction to the employer. It is the first work sample they will see. Your resume should interest the reader to the degree that he or she wants to interview you. Remember the process of selection is first a process of elimination. Employers use the resume to determine whom they will call for further consideration.

For the resume, select white, cream, beige or gray colored paper. Brightly colored paper does not enhance a resume! A good bond is preferable over color. Buy envelopes to match the paper you select. Never handwrite your address; a handwritten envelope is very unprofessional. If you have spent time preparing the perfect resume and have printed it onto quality paper, don't blow it with a poor presentation. By sending your information in a cheap envelope that you have scribbled an address across, the whole positive effect is destroyed. KEY POINTS TO CREATING A WINNING RESUME

? Resumes do not get job offers; they are successful if you are offered an interview.

? Describe your experience, not the job.

? Keep terminology simple and direct. Avoid technical jargon unless the resume is specifically targeted to a company or industry that understands the terms. Remember, the first person who sees the resume may be a clerical person and may not be familiar with the terminology. Use sparingly.

? Your resume is a personal marketing brochure, be sure to highlight relevant work experience and accomplishments.

? Support your profile throughout your resume.

? Resumes are not read ? they are skimmed. Often, first impressions are made within 10-20 seconds.

? Appearance is paramount! Neatness counts. The resume must be perfect. No typos or misspelled words. (Don't rely on spell checker). A proofreading hint: read the document backwards.

Tip: Make sure your resume has a clear focus. Like many, you probably have experience in more than one field. Be careful not to sue one resume for all situations. Instead, create two or more resumes that show your abilities as a?and another that stresses your experience in?Target each to the specific companies that are looking for those specific skills.

Tip: Stress your achievements in your resume. Support your profile by providing specific (use numbers of sales made or people recruited, etc.) evidence of past and future accomplishments that prove you add value. Outline how you have made improvements, saved your former employer money, done innovative work, or solved problems. Do this and companies will want to interview you because they believe that you can do the same for their enterprise.

Brian Stephenson is the author of, "Job Search Boot Camp", the most hard-hitting, step-by-step job search course that takes each student by the hand and shows them how to create powerful resumes that get results, stunning cover letters that command interviews, and winning interview thank you letters that get you hired? Imagine for a moment what is possible for you if you had access to these forbidden secrets. For more information on the Job Search Boot Camp course, visit http://www.JobSearchBootCamp.com

---

Do You Have What it Takes to be a Successful Petite Model?

Want to break into the petite modeling industry but wondering... Read More

Hey! - Are You Being Paid What You Are Worth?

Are you being paid what you are worth? Has anybody... Read More

Beat the Crowd with Winning Resume Cover Letters

Far too many people underestimate the importance of resume cover... Read More

Continuing Professional Development

Continuing professional development (CPD) is promoted by the CIPD to... Read More

How You Can Find Freelance Writing Employment

How can you find writing jobs? Do you have proven... Read More

Are Your References Ready?

One of the most common forms of background check performed... Read More

3 Secrets to Landing a Home-Based Position

Landing a telecommute position isn't easy. Finding them in the... Read More

Recovering From a Career Crisis

If you have ever experienced any of the following, you... Read More

Resume Writing - Get That Job

Looking for a new job, whether it is with a... Read More

Rev-Up Your Network!

Whether you are looking for a job, new clients or... Read More

Work In Dubai

Dubai is home to an exciting, diverse, multi-cultural blend of... Read More

Losing a Career When Youre Moving for Love

Those who watched HBO's Sex and the City (SATC, now... Read More

Changing Careers? How to Get Around the Three Major Mental Roadblocks to Success

A part of you can't wait to dive into your... Read More

Find Those People

"The Emperor's New Clothes" was a favorite childhood story of... Read More

How To Get a Job Offer From Every Interview

About four years ago a friend told me one night... Read More

Professional Moms: How to Get Ready to Re-Enter the Workforce

Finally! Your youngest is in school and you are ready... Read More

Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: Try, Try, Again

This article relates to the Career Opportunities competency and explores... Read More

Career Change Is Not For Wimps! 3 Powerful Steps to Do Work You Love

Tough words... but I truly believe that folks who make... Read More

How To Establish Trust, Credibility and Enthusiasm To Your Interviewer

If you use your voice to get attention, you use... Read More

Job Interviews & the Magic of Music

Can music help you with your next job interview? It... Read More

How To Win the Job-Hunting Game

When I got over the initial shock of being urged... Read More

How To Become A Computer Consultant

Have you ever wanted to become a computer consultant, but... Read More

Career Change - Is Your Career A Good Fit Or Is It Causing Pain?

Do you leap out of bed in the morning looking... Read More

Waiting for Lightening to Strike

Author and management guru, Peter Drucker says, "People adjust to... Read More

Looking the Part

I don't know his name and he wasn't trying to... Read More