Saddle Brook , NJ (April 18, 2005) – No matter what’s happening in the economy, something that never changes when it comes to getting a job is the importance of having a smart resume. With the number of jobs being added in the first quarter of 2005 resulting in a roller coaster, the job market continues to remain competitive. Therefore, job seekers can put themselves at an advantage by making sure their resumes are top notch. Ajilon Finance, a professional staffing firm with an expertise in workplace issues -- often serving as an adviser to top talent on how best to package their resumes -- knows there are specific things job seekers can do to craft a resume that makes an impact.

“A solid resume is much more than a summary of your professional experience, it is a tool to market yourself and can be the difference between landing an interview and being thrown into the ‘no’ pile,” said Neil Lebovits, CPA, president and COO of Ajilon Finance. “Resumes are job seekers’ calling cards.”

On average, employers typically spend 15 seconds or less scanning resumes when deciding which candidates to bring in for interviews. Here are ten key tips from Ajilon Finance to help you make your resume stand out from the rest:

1. Looks matter: The first step is to decide the format and length of your resume. There’s a lot of information you need to include, so make sure it’s arranged in an intelligent and reader-friendly manner. Chronological resumes are perfect for those seeking a job in a profession they have worked in for many years. Recent college graduates and those looking to change careers should use functional resumes, which directs attention to skills and abilities rather than experience.

2. Keep it simple: If your resume is difficult to read or key information that is relevant to the job posting is buried, your resume is more than likely to be cast aside. Keep the format clean and professional, and make sure the content is concise. Grab the reader’s attention by using bullet points and bold fonts to highlight key skills and job titles.

3. Stick with the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth: Employers look out for exaggerated skills or results, and easily eliminate resumes that raise a red flag. Grossly overstating accomplishments will not only come back to haunt you in an interview, but it can also set you up for failure by misrepresenting your abilities if you do land the job.

4. Spotlight your potential: For those just entering the workforce or changing careers, an objective can help play up the value that you will bring to the company. Emphasize how you will add worth to the company, not the reason you want the job. Employers are looking for someone to enhance their organization, not their own resume.

5. Showcase how you deliver: The most important content to convey under your previous positions are the details of your performance in these roles. There’s no need to rewrite the job description for each position you’ve had in the past. Remember, you need to get your message across right away to convince employers that your skills and experiences are a match with their company.

6. Play the numbers: Numbers are one of the best ways to showcase your accomplishments, whether you managed a sizeable budget, inked a big deal, supervised a significant number of people or developed different programs. Potential employers will be able to visualize what you can do for them.

7. Go for perfect: A solid and professional resume needs to be well written, and free of any spelling or grammatical errors, which are sure signs that your resume will end up in the wastebasket. These kinds of mistakes alert employers that you are not as detail-oriented or careful as you claim. Make sure you proof your resume and have a spouse, family member, friend or mentor review it as well.

8. Beyond 9 to 5: Highlight any skills, education, volunteer work, awards or recognitions that pertain to your particular job area or industry. Many employers view these types of skills as an asset as well as see how you would fit into a company and get involved in any ‘extra-curricular’ projects.

9. Make a first impression: The purpose of a great cover letter is to persuade the employer to read your resume. Always keep in mind who you are writing to in the cover letter and customize each letter to the specific position and company that you are applying to. The cover letter should be one page and the first two sentences should be strong to catch the reader’s attention.

10. Get in the last word: Following up is an important part of the job search; you do not want to lose a lead waiting around for a response. Typically wait one week before contacting the employer - more than likely your resume has arrived in the right hands by then. A short e-mail message or calling the employer is a great way to follow up on your resume submission.

“You only get one chance to make a first impression with a potential employer, so make it count with your cover letter and resume,” said Lebovits. “Make sure you use power words, such as teamwork, flexibility, detail-oriented and self motivated, since they convey key skills that employers look for when searching through their stacks of candidates.”

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