There are many books and websites that suggest a multitude of ways to write a resume. It becomes confusing and frustrating for people looking for a job.  Everyone knows how important an effective resume is - but how do you know if yours is good when there is so much contradicting information!

Wouldn't you agree that in this competitive job market, the only reason an employer hires new people is to utilize their abilities to make money, save money or improve productivity?  If you agree with this statement, then you will agree that your resume has to represent you as a problem solver who clearly understands you are hired to impact the bottom line.

If you are not getting good responses from your resume, then probably it reads more like the white pages of telephone book instead of a billboard.  Most peoples' resume are a list of the companies they have worked for, their duties and education. Your resume should be a marketing tool, which highlights your key skills, abilities, personality traits, achievements and experiences.   

The best way to persuade an employer to call you is to step into the employer's shoes and try to understand what his/her needs are.  Here are some important employer perspectives to consider:

• Employers usually spend less than 30 seconds scanning your resume.  First impressions are everything.  The first 15-20 words on the resume will make it or break it for you.  A resume must begin with an impressive heading that catches attention immediately.
• Employers are primarily interested in your last ten years of employment.  Technology has changed the way we do our jobs so drastically that previous experience is obsolete and no longer relevant.
• It is true that an employer will throw a resume in the garbage if they have a spelling or grammar mistake in it.  Once the resume is complete, have several people proofread it.  Ask people if your resume sends an inherent message that you are a problem solver.

To get results from a resume, it will take your time to effectively state what you have to offer.  If you put that time in, the outcome will be interviews for potential jobs.  Invest your time and energy to create more opportunities!