The professional arena is a highly competitive one and when it comes to searching for jobs, you really cannot leave any stone unturned. You must make a constant effort to stand out from the crowd, to be unique, to have that extra something that will make an employer choose you over somebody else. The resume is the place to start. It's your foot in the door, so to speak, to landing an interview and possibly the job!

In a concise document, you must convince a potential employer you are a perfect fit with the company. It is the first impression your employer has of you. When it comes to constructing a resume there is no stereotype or standard format. However there are several things that need to be considered.

Some helpful tips for resume writing are-

* Ensure that your qualifications match the needs of the employer.

* Your resume needs to be short and to the target, with correct grammar and spelling.

* It is not necessary to include your marital status in a resume these days or your birth date but you may feel that this is helpful information for your potential employer.

* Make sure your contact details are up to date and clear and that your email address name sounds professional.

* Make it simple, easy to read without fancy fonts, colours and busy pages. Use dot points and bold type to emphasise but don't overdo it.

* Start with your most recent place of employment and work backwards. State your employer, job title, dates and be specific with the responsibilities and roles you had whilst working there.

* It is not necessary to go back to your very first job if you have been in the workforce for some time, unless you think it may be of relevance.

* Unless you have just recently graduated you do not need to include your school details but do include your tertiary studies and any relevant courses or seminars you have attended.

* Include any memberships of relevant organizations.

* Referees can be added at the very end of your resume and should include their role and a contact phone number (make sure your referee is aware that you have included them on your resume.) Indicate that a written reference can be produced if necessary.

* Say a lot about yourself - in a few but powerful and impressive words that will leave a definite impression on your potential employer. Include any achievements or extras you have done whilst employed at your previous jobs.

You are what the company wants, so go ahead and make your resume get that job for you!

I have been on interview panels and read many resumes over the years in my role in the Education system.
For more information on resume writing and employment process please refer to my website on this topic http://www.cityservicedirectory.com.