When you're preparing to make a job application, you'll likely research the business you want to work for. You'll analyze the job description and other company literature find out as much as you can about the position that interests you, the nature of the work and the specific skills required. Then you'll design a resume that highlights your work history and matches your skills and experience with the job specifications.

But have you ever stopped to think that your resume might be saying more about you than you realize? You may have nothing to hide -- but a savvy employer is always on the lookout for those little tell-tale details that give the fuller picture.

Here are five questions that shrewd recruiters may be asking themselves as they read your resume:

'What's my first impression of this candidate?' Have you kept to the highest standards in the presentation of your resume? Errors of spelling and grammar undermine your professional image. Impress your reader with a document that's accurately written, cleanly printed and easy to read.

'What does this applicant bring to the table?' Your resume may be all about you, but you need to select the information that's most appropriate to the role you're aiming for. Show how you could help solve the employer's problems by matching your unique combination of talents and experience to the requirements of the job.

'What's this person trying to hide?' Have you chosen a functional format to draw attention away from gaps or inconsistencies in your history? You may be inadvertently raising a red flag if some details of your previous jobs are vague. A previous career change may highlight your resourcefulness and determination, as well as providing evidence of valuable transferable skills.

'Is this candidate a drone or an achiever?' When you describe your employment history, are you just listing duties and roles? Try not to give the impression that you merely see your work as a sequence of tasks to be accomplished. Explain how you've achieved results in your work and how they have benefited your previous employers. Substantiate these results with figures, percentages or other statistics where you can.

'Has this candidate's career stalled?' Explain how the desired position represents an opportunity for your professional growth. Don't leave it to your reader to deduce whether your previous work has prepared you for this next step. Identify ways to show how the job represents an exciting challenge that you're well suited to meet.

It's easy to understand how a recruiter might become a little skeptical after reading through hundreds of applications for a vacancy. So take a moment to stand back and 'read between the lines of your resume -- you may be surprised at what you discover!

Nigel Patterson
http://1stClassResume.com