What gets a resume read? Most job seekers know to include essential items like an introductory section, work history, and education/training credits, but that's just the tip of the iceberg! Strategy plays a huge hand in garnering recruiter/hiring manager attention, and that means NOT tailoring it to your own preferences, but rather those which are currently in demand within the marketplace. Keep these tips in mind to ensure a reader-friendly resume:

1. BEING OBJECTIVE IS KEY

Of course you're emotionally connected to the details of your resume: it's you, after all! But a large part of what makes a resume successful is including ONLY those details/accomplishments recruiters/hiring managers are looking for, and eliminating extraneous items. While you may be especially proud of the number of college memberships you've held or hobbies you're currently engaged in, these have NO PLACE on a resume! Of course, these are relatively easy items to delete. Where things become difficult is within your actual work history. If you're struggling to determine what's necessary and what's not, seek out a second opinion.

2. USE A STANDARD STRUCTURE

Recruiters/hiring managers prefer to see work credits listed in reverse chronological order. Also, NO FREE-FLOATING ACCOMPLISHMENTS! This is largely perceived as a candidate lacking confidence in their entire work history. Integrate accomplishments directly within the pertinent positions.

3. ADDRESS CAREER GAPS

Forget about trying to hide gaps in your work history. Recruiters/hiring managers are trained to spot them. Instead, include a brief Career Note that outlines what you did during this period. Correctly worded, it will go a long ways towards keeping it from becoming a negative in your candidacy.

Anish Majumdar is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Owner at http://resumeorbit.com. 95% of clients report a significant increase in interviews within 30 days, and all work comes backed by a 100% Satisfaction or Money Back Guarantee (in writing).

Please submit your existing resume (as an attachment) to anish(at)resumeorbit.com for a FREE CRITIQUE spanning structure, language, and content.