Create Your Professional Resume for Free

OK, so the unemployment rate is finally dropping. But that isn't necessarily because folks are finding jobs: many job seekers are actually giving up on the job search because of dried-up prospects. If you're currently looking for a job, I'm sure that you are looking for an edge over the competition.

A great resume is one way to showcase your unique skill set, and the good news is that you can develop your own professional resume for free. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), I've managed to help hundreds of people get hired through originating crisp and consise resumes. Here are some foolproof tips for creating a prosperous resume on your own.

Numbers, numbers, numbers: Whether you are a math guru or numerically challenged, quantifying your results should be at the top of your resume-writing list. I know, I know - it's hard to estimate what YOU saved or how YOU helped, but you've got to do it to show potential employers what YOU can bring to the table. Take a few minutes and think about what you've done to deliver financial savings and/or productivity gains to current and past employers. Add these successes to your resume in flowery language such as "Boosted team effectiveness by 10% via insightful project management tool" or "Delivered $50,000 savings through originating new sales process." Even new grads can get into the game: detail your results during internships or coursework (if you're in the Top 10% of your class, add this information too).

Put it all out there (within reason): By all means, list the important certifications and coursework that you have completed. If you are a member of professional organizations, you can add this to your resume too (being an officer in your local group can earn you extra points, so be sure to add this too). Stay-at-home moms who are looking to transition back to the paid workforce should certainly highlight volunteer work on their resumes, adding a career note succinctly covering the family leave that they have taken. Beware, through, listing religious affiliations or hobbies on your resume. Being a marathon runner may be a big personal success to you and certainly shows great discipline, but could signal to potential employers that you're apt to duck out at 4pm for an afternoon jog.

Look outward: Think about your resume as a marketing tool; just as great advertising sells a product, you need to sell yourself to the company. Do some research on potential employers and consider your know-how in the company's key areas. Maybe your targeted companies are into environmental (aka "green") technologies and you've taken a course in "green" design. Have you worked for a Fortune 500 company? If you don't know, do a Yahoo! search on Fortune 500 to take a look. Play-up this great corporate experience to show what you know.

As you can see, you don't need to pay hundreds of dollars to develop a professionally-written resume that will generate interest from potential employers. If you take some time to think about your past successes and consider what employers in your industry are looking for, you can create your own professional resume for free. Best of luck in your job search!

More from this Contributor:

Tips for Getting Hired by a Fortune 500 Company

How to Survive the Corporate Hiring Process

5 First Job Tips for Women