Shecky’s

Include a profile or summary statement. A two to three sentence sales-y statement at the top of a résumé gives your reader an overview of the skills and experience you’ve listed beneath it. Think of it as a more sophisticated version of an objective. Since most people don’t spend a lot of time reading a résumé (and you can never assume that anyone will read your perfectly crafted cover letter), you’re focusing their attention. This is especially important if you are making a career change. A summary statement can briefly connect your past experience to the new path you want to pursue.

Use keywords. Not only will online job sites search for keywords on your résumé, but potential employers will also. Employers’ eyes are naturally drawn to the words they’re looking for—the brand names, skills and experience they need. The best way to find the right keywords is to look at online job listings for the kinds of positions you’re interested in. Then, include some of the prominent words and phrases in those job listings on your résumé.

Quantify everything. Make sure your résumé is as specific as possible. Employers love to see phrases such as “Managed a team of three salespeople,” “Improved event attendance by 50% in 12 months,” or “Raised $11,000 through solicitation of alumni donations.”

Prioritize. When you list bullet points under each job, be sure to list the most important task, accomplishment or responsibility first. It’s highly unlikely that a potential employer is going to read every bullet point under every item on your résumé, but most people will read the first or second. You don’t have to list accomplishments chronologically; list the most impressive first.

Customize. Employers can tell when they are seeing a generic résumé. Customize yours with a different profile statement and different keywords that fit with the individual companies to which you’re applying. For instance, if you’re applying for engineering jobs at corporations and government agencies, one résumé may highlight your experience in public service, while the other might refer to your desire to increase a corporation’s bottom line.

Take it for a test drive. In addition to customizing, make sure your résumé will shine in the specific industry you want to join. What’s impressive on a banking résumé is different from what’s required on a journalist’s resume, or a social worker’s curriculum vitae. If you haven’t already, show your résumé to people you know in your desired field and get their opinions.

Don’t lie, exaggerate or stretch the truth. This happens way too often, and it’s never a good idea. By all means, cast your skills and experience in the most positive light, but never, ever lie. Remember, too, that your résumé needs care, feeding and daylight to stay alive. Add updates whenever you gain new experience or skills, and keep your eyes open for additional tips to make your résumé the best it can be. Your résumé may never achieve Saturday-night-entertainment status, but it does have the power to make your Monday through Friday a whole lot more fun.

-Lindsey Pollak for WORKS by NicoleWilliams

Photo credit: WORKS, WORKS by NicoleWilliams

Nicole is the bestselling author of three books, the latest of which, Girl on Top: Your Guide to Turning Dating Rules into Career Success, has been optioned by Bruce Cohen, the producer behind the Academy Award winning films American Beauty and Milk. The company she founded, WORKS by Nicole Williams, is the go-to resource for career-minded young women and was named one of Forbes magazine’s Top 10 Career Websites for Women. You’ve seen her on TV—as a regular guest on Today, Good Morning America and CNN—and in print, where her advice has appeared on the pages of ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Marie Claire and the Wall Street Journal. Nicole’s career clothing picks are available at The Limited stores across the country and she is also the career contributor for Shape magazine, where she’ll continue to spread her sexy mix of dating tips turned career strategies to young women everywhere.

GIRL TALK TIME: Have you applied to any new jobs recently? How do you make your résumé stand out? What do you think of these tips?