Typically yours is one of dozens (if not more) resumes that a potential employer is sifting through to short list candidates for the interview for any job. So if your resume is not able to say anything special or if it does not set itself apart from others on a qualitative basis, then chances are you’re never going to get that interview call. So what are the features of a winning resume that you should adopt in order that your resume doesn’t end up with all the others in the ‘discarded’ pile?

1. The resume should be clearly printed and easy to read and skim information from. Make sure the font is large and clear (Arial 12 point makes for easy reading). Even if you are emailing your resume, make sure that the formatting is clear and not crowded.

2. Use good quality stationery. Don’t use your current employer’s writing paper or envelope. Don’t use metered postage. It’s just cheap and will send out a bad message about you as an employee; that you are the sort of sponge the office can do without.

3. Proof read your resume, or have your resume sample proof read by someone else. Make sure no spelling errors have crept in, that all the contact details and personal details and dates are accurate. An error free resume points to a worker’s work qualities such as meticulousness and attention to detail. A resume with typos, grammatical errors will simply give the impression of the person being careless, and someone who cannot be bothered to produce quality work.

4. Also errors in contact information may prevent a prospective employer from getting in touch with you! And make sure that your contact information makes it simple to access you. Don’t give an email address that you don’t check regularly. Also don’t offer a switchboard number with an office extension; offer a cell phone number instead. No employer is going to be willing to be put in hold while trying to get in touch with you.

5. Create a ‘career highlights’ sub section in your resume template. This offers a comprehensive, at–a-glance look at the experiences and abilities of a prospective employee. What are the qualifications, job experiences and other things that set one apart from all other applicants? A gist of your special qualifications should find place in your resume.

6. Don’t forget educational qualifications. These are of course important when a person is entering the job market; but they do not cease to be important later either; they can be as important for a prospective employer as your on job experiences.

7. Include mentions of awards or special recognitions you may have won. They will add to impact that your resume formats make on prospective employers. All other things being equal, they may be more inclined to a higher achiever.

8. Having a general resume is a good idea, but it must be customized to dovetail with the precise requirements of each different job that you apply for. Appropriate modifications/changes must be made as required.

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