Job seekers need every edge available to them when submitting their resumes with hundreds of similar resumes.Personal CopySome software will not allow the user the option of saving their work and using it again, particularly if it is one of the free resume on-line varieties. This creates a situation where the user does not possess a copy of their resume; a real disadvantage.CannedResumes produced with resume software often appear exactly as they are: canned. There is no originality, which can leave the employer uninspired when they read the resume; a situation that should be avoided at all costs. The prospective job seeker's goal is to excite the employer enough that they put the resume down and call the applicant immediately for an interview.PrivacyAdditionally, in today's world of the computer virus and hackers, the wise job seeker must also consider the issue of privacy. When using a free resume on-line; especially if the site hosting the resume software offers to promote the resume for the job seeker, the possibility of someone obtaining private information and using it in an underhanded manner must be considered.Resume software can be very beneficial; however it can also be detrimentalIt is up to the job seeker to seriously weigh the advantages and disadvantages..

A cut and pasted sample resume cover letter will not highlight your unique skills and experienceIn fact, a sample cover letter simply inserted with your name and address can have the appearance of a 'canned' letter. Prospective employers can spot a cut and pasted cover letter and it often ends up in the trash instead of the 'call for an interview' stack. What a Sample Cover Letter Can't DoYou do not have much opportunity to give any hints of your personality in a resume; after all it's just a recitation of your education and work experience. In today's competitive job market, many people share similar certifications and occupational backgrounds; what sets them apart is their work ethic, personality, and yes; even passion for the job! Prior to the interview, your unique qualities can only come through in the cover letter. A generic sample cover letter just isn't going to give the employer an idea of what sets you apart from the hundreds of other job applicants vying for the same job.

Sending out multiple copies of the same tired cover letter gives the impression that you are lazy and are saturating the job market with the same sample cover letter. What employer wants an employee who is lazy and doesn't have an original thought in their head? Not many. The Benefits of a Sample Cover LetterBut what if I'm not a creative type of person? That's fine. Not everyone is. We all have our strengths and weaknesses and there are some benefits to using a resume cover letter example.

Using a sample cover letter can give you a foundation to create your own; insuring you stay focused on the task at hand.However, the wording should be your own. A sample cover letter gives you the correct recipe; it's up to you to add the ingredients. If you feel as though you truly need a template use the following hints:

• Address your letter to a real, live individual. Avoid the trap of the "Dear Sir/Madam' that is so common in many sample cover letters.
• Specifically state how you found out about the job or who referred you.

  This will help to liven it up.

• Mention something unique about the company you hope to employ you. Don't use canned wording like 'your successful track record'

The resumes are sorted, categorized and retrieved through data scanning technology and entered into the organization's computing network. Resumes must now be formatted and written in a way so that the initial viewer of the resume, a computer, can read it. The information contained in this article is a guide toward making your resume "readable" by these scanning systems. This type of resume is referred to as the scannable resume.A scannable resume is more focused on the text, or keywords, in the document than the design. The layout is simplified so that distractions such as font or Internet links do not confuse the computer scanner.

In order to convert your traditional resume into a scannable resume, follow these simple guidelines.?Use Arial or Helvetica as your font (10-14 point)?Take out all underlined, italicized or shadowed type?Eliminate pictures or Internet links?Do not include columns or tables?Print it on white or very light-colored paper?Use a high quality laser printer?Include an unfolded original on standard size paper, one sided, with black ink?Add a key-word qualifications summaryBe sure that you place your name and contact information at the top of the page. Scanners assume that the text at the top is your name and contact information. If you have more than one page for your resume then place your name and a page number on each additional page and attach them with a paper clip, do not use staples.Even if the following resume characteristics apply specifically to your industry, you must eliminate them. These include columns, newspaper-style designs, landscape printing, and fancy fonts. Scanning system abilities differ from company to company so it's difficult to set boundaries.

Some are able to read just about anything and others are confused by the smallest detail. So if you are unaware of the limitations of the system then play it safe and follow the simplest guidelines.It is not a good idea to fax your resume to the employer. Faxing can reduce the clarity of the text. Unless the employer uses OCR-capable equipment, then avoid faxing. If you are not certain of what equipment they use then send a hard copy in the mail or send an ASCII version by e-mail.It may seem boring to simplify your resume, but at least it will be easily searchable and hopefully placed in the firm's database to be read.

You do not want to take the chance of having your resume thrown out due to a scanning problem. We can only hope that as technology advances the scannable resume will not be so limited!.

It's almost like having a winning poker hand, but giving away your possible win, by betting in haste. Often, it is a better strategy in the job search, to ask if you can present the resume during the interview, or to write an inquiry letter to get you in the door and a possible interview. Resumes are dead trees, in my opinion. ALWAYS, the best strategy is to use a personal avenue to get to see the employer in person, then leave the resume behind. Ask, if you can do that! Better that, than to send one in that gets to the bottom of that file 13..

Look At These Resume Objective ExamplesA resume objective does exactly what the name suggests; it highlights your objectives and states the type of job you are seeking. Here are some examples of career objectives:

• To obtain an elementary education teaching position with upward mobility to a principalship.
• To obtain a position in manufacturing operations and development which will utilize acquired knowledge and collective experience.
• Public relations writer for a large metropolitan hospital.
• Auditor position in the public accounting field in the Philadelphia area.

Doorway To The Interview... ResumesWhat is a resume... usually it is the first contact you have with potential employers. It is also where you list your skills and create a marketable presentation so that companies understand the benefits of employing you. Your resume is also the first (and possibly the last!) opportunity you have to persuade your prospective employer to give you an interview.

Clearly... it is in your best interests to ensure your resume is compelling enough to leave the recruiter with no other option but to invite you to an interview.If you want to learn more about writing resumes that get interviews, visit a site such as Top Career Resumes where you will find numerous articles and tips. Or, if you prefer... a cost effective alternative is to use a resume writing service to prepare your resume for you. Pitfalls of Using Resume ObjectivesYou may have noticed that all previous references to objectives focus on you and therein lies the pitfall ! Employers are not interested in what you want ...If your objectives fail to match those of the employer, you will not even get to first base ! So keep your options open until you find out more about their objectives.

Some people decide to omit the objectives section and use that space to highlight other abilities and accomplishments. Whether you choose to use resume objectives or not will depend greatly on your particular situation. Reasons Against ...A few experts feel that the resume objectives section can be limiting to job seekers. It makes you be very specific as to your goals. This may be constraining if you want to be general and leave your options open.

Employers on average take only 30 seconds to look at a resume. The objectives section is the first thing that catches their eye. If you have a specific objective written, for example to obtain a managerial position, the manager may pass on your resume if he was looking for some other position. If you are thinking about getting a professionally written resume, now would be a good time. However, remember that the objectives section can disqualify you for jobs different from your stated objective...

if you are not looking for a targeted job you can skip the section without many negative consequences. It would be advisable to skip the resume objective section rather than be too vague. Unfocused objectives will put off many hiring managers. They may not end up looking at your experience and skills, which would of shown you to be a suitable candidate for the job.Reasons For ...If you do include your resume objectives, you should construct several different resumes, each specifically tailored to the job you are applying for. You will want to make your resume relevant to each job.

The objectives section may be the best way to create job specific resumes. A draw back of not including the objectives section is that a hiring manager may not be willing to search your resume to figure out your job objectives and goals... and may bypass your resume. If you have a specific job position in mind and are clear about your objectives, this section can be useful in informing potential employers about your reasons for applying. In either case, it may pay you to seek professional advice before you make your final decision.

The modest cost of doing this pales into insignificance compared with the cost of making a poor career decision. Stating Your Resume ObjectivesThis has greatest benefits for career changers and recent college graduates. Your objectives should be concise and to the point, to quickly inform employers about your background and goals. Entry-level workers can state in their resume objectives that they are recent graduates looking for positions in their particular field. Career changers should state how they can use their previously earned skills to make a transition into their new career.

Be Employer FocusedAn alternative to resume objectives might be the ?Qualifications Summary' section. This is a section where you can briefly discuss your skills and how you intend to use them. This can make your resume more employer focused, as the employer wants to find out what you can do for them. This might be more beneficial than having a self-focused resume, simply listing what you want to do. Many employers prefer to have employees that are focused on their goals and motivated to achieving them.

A well presented objective can be just the high-impact tool that can get a hiring manager's attention from the start. Finally ...When writing your resume objectives you have to consider your career plans. If you have not already done so, now would be a good time to get assistance with career assessment and planning. When you have completed your planning and taken some time to match your interests with your chosen career, your resume objectives should complement the results you obtained through your searches..

Resume writing software practically does all the work for the job seeker.AffordableResume writing software, such as a free resume maker, can be irresistible. The idea of obtaining a resume that is quick, easy and free can be hard to pass up, particularly when professional resume writers charge a fee to craft a personalized resume.GuaranteeOne further benefit of using on-line software is that it is instantly available as a download onto your computer. In common with most on-line products they normally have a no questions asked 100% money back guarantee..

If you submit a resume that piques the curiosity of the reader, he or she most likely will ask questions based on the information you provided on the resume as opposed to relying on a pre-packaged questionnaire. That's how you know you have an "interviewable" resume, when it assists in shaping the course of the interview.The challenge is, How does one create an "interviewable" resume, one that isn't boring or sterile? How does one write a resume that motivates the reader to give you a call? Write with the employer in mindCast aside the belief that the resume is about you ? because it isn't. Though the resume is your "story", the heart of it should focus on the needs of the employer. When developing your resume give thought to the person who will be reading it. What are his or her immediate concerns? How will you be able to solve that person's problems?Though it may be difficult to pin down a company's immediate concerns before an interview, the reality is that organizations recruit candidates for one of the following reasons: they need to replace an unproductive employee, a peak performer was promoted or left, or a new position has been created.

A recruiter usually searches for a candidate who will produce certain results, one that is a skilled communicator and has a strong work ethic. If you are able to target your resume toward these key areas, you will, without a doubt, tap into the organization's concerns. Choose your phrases carefullySentence starters and appropriate use of action words all determine whether the resume is "interviewable." Instead of using predictable phrases, think of ways to add punch to your resume. For example, instead of using increased sales by 250%?write delivered a 250% increase in sales?; instead of using ability to effectively?write demonstrated ability to effectively?; and instead of using reduced costs?write slashed costs. When your resume doesn't "sound" like all the others on the recruiter's desk, he or she will take notice.

You will be remembered when your resume breaks the monotony of the recruiter's day. Guaranteed. Have a consistent messageDon't try to become all things to all people. If you are a CEO, don't add a statement that indicates that you are willing to be a Business Manager. If you are a Sales Manager, don't indicate that you are willing to take on a position as a Customer Service Representative.

Get the picture? Determine what you are selling (and looking for) before you put one word to paper. Determine your major selling pointsThough you may share the same job title with many other people, your accomplishments and how you carry out your responsibilities are what distinguishes you from all the other qualified candidates. Focus your resume on not only what you did but also how well you did it. By design, what makes you "interviewable" is how you market your strengths on paper..

Some people, such as those with experience in graphic design or desktop publishing, may be able to produce a great-looking resume on their own. But most people need a little help. If you don't have the innate talent or desire to play around with resume design, you have 2 basic choices:

• Use a resume template
• Hire a professional resume writer

Plus, a professional can help you zero in on a well-focused resume for your desired career path, given your skills and experience. It's a great way to go, but it can be pricey. If you can't afford to spend the money right now for a professional writer (no matter how much value it may be worth) OR you're one of those "do-it-yourselfers," then a resume template is another way to go. You can buy resume template software, but it's not necessary. If you know how to use Microsoft Word, then you can whip up a striking resume! Many experts warn against using MS Word resume templates.

They argue that your resume will look like many others that were also prepared using Word. But what they're really referring to with those comments are the 3 standard Word formats that come with the program. It's true, they're not particularly inspiring in appearance. However, here's another option. Use an MS Word template that is different from the standard ones.

There's nothing inherently wrong with using free resume templates. The key is to find unique templates. Here are some of the benefits of using templates:

• They guide you in the correct format and organization, with the right headings and sections in the right order.
• They come preset with fonts, formatting, and white space for a pleasing and sophisticated design.
• They're easy to use. Just type in your personal information, save and go. Also, if you want, it's easy enough to change fonts or almost anything else to get a more unique design--if you wish.

There are many sites that offer sample resumes that they call templates, but you'd have to cut and paste them into Word to use them. Other sites, such as www.Powerful-Sample-Resume-Formats.com, provide true "click and type" templates that are all set up for you to start filling in the content.Ultimately, how you prepare your resume is a personal decision. But, if you're looking for an economical solution that still gives you a measure of control, think about free resume templates. If you choose the template wisely, it's still possible to have a standout resume that is uniquely yours..

• Screen Applicants ? Most employers will only look at a resume for about 30 seconds to determine whether or not an applicant is a good fit for their organization.
• Develop Interview Questions ? Statements on your resume can be used to formulate questions they may ask during an interview.
• Communication Skills ? Employers want to see how well you express yourself.
• Qualifications ? Employers will reference your resume when making hiring decisions based on how closely your qualifications match their needs.

To build your resume you can use free resume forms located on the web. This can provide you with directions if you are having trouble building your resume. A sample resume outline would include the following sections:The HeadingYour resume should start with the heading. You can list your basic details so the employer can contact you. You can include your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address.

NAMEADDRESSPHONE NUMBEREMAIL ADDRESSJob ObjectiveThis is an optional section of your resume outline. Here you can tell readers what the objective of your resume is and what you are looking for.Example: Entry-level accounting position with medium to large public accounting firm. The "Body" is the largest section of your resume outlineThis is where you can enter details about your education, work experience and additional information. The body contains: EducationHere you can list your educational background. Educational Background Format: College, Degree, Major, Honors, Relevant Courses Sample Education Section: Drexel UniversityBA Educational Leadership, May 2000If you have a college education, do not list your high school information.

You can also list any honors for academic excellence in this section of your resume outline. If you are a graduating senior or looking for an internship, you can add a relevant courses section to your resume outline. Employment HistoryThis is an important part of the resume. Here you can list your previous employment history. If you are using a chronological resume format, you should list the most recent job positions first on your resume outline.

Example: Drug Emporium, Wayne, PACashier, June to September, 2001Supervised customer check outHandled the cash registerManaged and stocked merchandiseYou can also list relevant volunteer activities or work experience programs if you do not have much job experience. AchievementsIf you have any special achievements you would like to announce, you can use this section. Maybe you made a suggestion that saved your previous boss a ton of money. You can list it in this section of your resume outline. Special SkillsThe remaining sections of the resume can include additional skills such as fluency in a foreign language.

ReferencesYou should leave this section out altogether. References are not required at this stage and stating that 'References are available upon request' is assumed anyway... so you just end up wasting valuable space! Additional Optional SectionsYou can add additional sections to your resume outline such as volunteer work, community involvement or honors. You also have to decide on the layout of your resume. Choose a common font and medium range font-size, such as 12.

Decide how you want to highlight the headings of the different sections. You can use bold, italics or underline to highlight section headings. Some people use bold and a larger font size to highlight their name on the resume. The last part of your resume will probably receive little focus, so if you have a marketable skill or outstanding honor you should try to incorporate them in earlier sections of your resume.You can find a lot of resources on the web that can provide you with free outlines and sample resume layouts. Usually an outline will differ if the resume is for a recent college graduate or a long time professional.

Choose a resume outline that is specific to your career field and you can build your resume around that outline..