How to Effectively Market Yourself on Your Resume !!!

With the unemployment rate over 8% and a very competitive job market, how does your resume stack up in comparison to others. Your resume, simply put, is a marketing tool that you use when seeking employment. Whether you are unemployed, underemployed or just looking for a career change, this tool is very valuable. What is on your resume and how the information is presented (appearance) can either help or hurt your chances of getting that interview.

So how do you make sure that your resume is an efficient marketing tool. Here are some things you should consider when putting together your resume.

Your resume should be a polished, professional document tailored to showcase your strengths for the positions(s) that your a looking for. It is possible to have two or more resumes that are modified to showcase you skills for a specific position. Each should be tailored to the specific position that you are apply too, and not too generic.

1) Overall appearance- Are you mailing or handing out hard copies to prospective employers? If so, make sure it stands out. Make sure you use good quality paper. Have you tripled-checked the spelling and grammar? Is everything in proper tense? Is the resume free of smudges and printed on good paper with cover letter and envelope ( if applicable) to match.

Is the typeface and font appropriate for the document. Is the font the right size, not too small or to large? Is the document readable. Are the headings, job titles and other important information easily seen.

2) Objective- I have personally seen resumes with no objective at all. It should be a one sentence description of your job hunting goals. It should be broad enough to spotlight your qualifications.

3) Organization- Is the resume presented in a simple, straightforward manner that makes it easy for the prospective employer to get all the pertinent information they need at a glance. Keep the organizational style of the resume consistent.

4) Professional Experience is what is most important to your prospective employer, so make sure that this area is legible, clear and concise. Avoid vague and ambiguous phrases and terms. List all achievements, successes and accomplishments.

5) Make sure you include education: colleges, degrees, certifications, advance training , etc. This also includes on the job training. Emphasize the education and/or training that will be most useful to the job you are applying to.

6) Although not mandatory, you may want to include other activities such as special achievements outside of work, community involvement, interests, etc. This will help your resume stand out and persuade the reader to want to meet with you, in other words, interview you.

Always remember to not flat out lie about skills and education you do not have. Do not claim that you did something you did not do. This includes stretching the truth just a little bit. As tempting as it may be, do not do it. Chances are you will get caught and if you get caught after you get the job, it could lead to termination for falsely representing yourself.

Applying this information will help you efficiently market your resume. Good luck and great success in your new endeavors.