Make Your Resume into a Hiring Manager's Dream

Now more than ever, it's important that your resume stand out from the crowd. With record unemployment, hiring managers have thousands more resumes to flip through. Here are some tips on how you can make your resume stand out and snatch that dream job.

Don't Use Word Templates

Everyone has seen the Word resume templates available in the software package. Don't use them. They are very busy and they scream inexperience with making a resume.

Use Resume Paper

Make sure you don't send in your resume on regular white paper. Special resume paper shows the hiring manager that you are serious about getting the position.

Make Sure The Watermark Is in the Right Direction

Making sure that the watermark goes in the right direction is crucial. It shows attention to detail. It is my personal pet peeve for the watermark on expensive paper to be upside down. Some hiring managers might think that if you don't take care to ensure that your watermark goes in the right direction, you won't pay attention on the job.

Stick to Neutral Colors

Unless you are applying to a graphic design or visual arts position, stick to either white, ivory or light gray resume paper. Stay clear of fancy blues and pastel colors, since these may send the message that you are not serious about the job.

Mail Flat

If you are sending your resume in to a hiring manager, send it in an envelope that is the same size as the paper. This will make it easier for the hiring manager to handle the resume.

Send Your Resume via FedEx or UPS

Send your resume in via FedEx or UPS. There is a slight chance that the hiring manager will actually sign for it, in which case he or she may open it up and pay more attention to it than if it comes in with a stack of 100 other resumes. This isn't foolproof, but it's worth a shot.

No Clip Art

Do not put any clip art on your resume. Unless you are a graphic designer or looking for a creative job, photos and logos are just an added distraction. You want the hiring manager to focus on the content of your resume, not the way the resume looks itself.

When in Doubt, Hire It Out

There are many consultants who will make you a resume. Hiring a professional can help ensure that grammar, punctuation and formatting errors are at a minimum. At the very least, you can make your own and have them review it.

Don't Include All Your Work History

Unless you are right out of college or need to explain a long period of no relevant work, you don't have to include that you worked at McDonald's or the Gap. Leave off irrelevant work experience that doesn't meet the skill set for the job you are applying for, unless you just got out of college or need to explain a long period of time when you were unemployed.

Include a Great Cover Letter

Your cover letter can make or break your resume. Make your hiring manager crave your resume, and you might get more attention than if you had a boring cover letter. Highlight why you are perfect for the position and the company.

Hopefully these 10 tips will help you get that job you desire. The job market is tough these days, so don't get too discouraged if you receive rejection letters. Look at it like this - rejection for one job makes you available for your dream opportunity.