Resume writing tips: Emphasize skills, accomplishments

Most people involved in a job search are looking for resume writing tips. As the economy picks up and businesses begin hiring, more and more people will look for effective ways to get their experience and qualifications in front of prospective employers.

Most people can write their own resume, which is a great plan since the person looking for a job likely knows their skills, abilities and accomplishments better than anyone.

Most well written resumes includes items such as a career objective, professional profile, summary of qualifications, employment history and education. Here are three quick tips to help get your resume noticed by the one reading the job applications. They'll give you the competitive edge that's likely to land you an interview.

• Connect your resume to the position you are seeking. Many job-seekers make the mistake of sending a generic resume with no thought of the job description, job requirements or qualifications needed for the position they seek.

Pat Kendall, a former president of the National Resume Writers' Association, said in an interview with Newsweek that a resume has only seconds to catch a prospective employers eye. Job hunters should make sure that the message in their resume is targeted to the job for which they are applying, she said.

"Job seekers don't want to hear this, because it's not just one generic resume or application for every position. And if you're applying for several positions, then it's a lot more work," she said. "But it's critical to being successful and everyone wants to be successful. To do that you can't take shortcuts."

• Add specific information that focuses attention on you.

David Perry and Kevin Donlin, author and co-author of "Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters," appeared in a Wall Street Journal video focusing on how people looking for a job can stand out in a crowded market.

Donlin said testimonials help a resume get noticed. Such statements can come from an online profile or anyone who has recommended the person, he said.

"It definitely helps," he said.

Donlin also suggested adding a "P.S." to the cover letter sent to prospective employers.

"The P.S. always gets read," he said.

• Empasize your accomplishments rather than just your job descriptions. It's best if the achievements are supported by measurable information.

Penelope Trunk, a career advice expert, was quoted in a Washington Post story that job hunters should focus on their achievements.

"Employers want to know what you achieved in your prior jobs, not just your job title and where you worked," she said.

The resumes of many qualified candidates are never considered because they didn't follow that advice, according to the article. Resumes that get noticed are those that include quantified benefits brought to current and past employers.

These resume writing tips are well worth the effort. Once a prospective employer sees your experience and your qualifications, you're likely to get called in for an interview

Steve DeVane

NOTE — Job seekers looking for help writing their resumes might consider programs such as this one which are available at reasonable costs. Full disclosure: I found the information helpful and will receive modest compensation if you decide to purchase it.