5 Ways to Improve Your Current Resume

"You have a great resume."

Those were the words my wife heard recently after her first job search in some time. She had an old resume that was pretty boring. You know the type (you probably have one yourself right now). It starts out by listing your experience, your education, your hobbies, your titles.

Only one problem with that - way too much YOU.

While I believe resumes are slowly on their way out - it doesn't change the fact that employers still request one. And, in today's job market they get a LOT of them. So you have to stand out. Talking about yourself and boring the employer to tears is NOT the way to do it.

Below are the basic steps I used to improve her resume, get her noticed and get her the job.

You can do the same.

1. Improve the Format

I've had the best success when I've shortened people's resumes. Don't make it a diatribe. Employers and executives are busy. The front and back of a single sheet of high quality paper is plenty if you set it up right.

The second format mistake - and it's a very common one - is to start out my simply listing off your work experience. Instead it's much more powerful to start out with what I like to call a Power Benefit Statement. Essentially, it's a short paragraph at the top of your resume that succinctly tells the reviewer why they should take the time to look over the rest of your resume.

Because, I hate to tell you, that's the question they are asking themselves anyways. So you better help answer it right away.

The benefit statement, as the name implies, also focuses on the employers need - not yours. Show them how you can solve their problems. Of course, the rest of your resume will prove, and follow up on your benefit statement. But start out with a bang.

Are you applying for a position where there tends to be a lot of turnover or unreliable employees? Address it:

"Tired of unreliable employees? Babysitting adults? Constant turnover and stress? Let me help. I'm a [blank] qualified by 7 years of experience as a [blank]..."

2. Learn to Tap Into Their Ultimate Desires

It sometimes hurts client's feelings when I tell them that the employer really doesn't care about them. But, what they do care about is what you can do FOR them.

In the benefit statement I gave you above you found out (either through research or experience) what the employer's biggest need, desire, frustration or fear was. Then, you addressed them by saying you could solve or, at the very least, help those issues. Then, in the rest of your resume you go on to prove your benefit statement.

But be very careful not to just 'list' your experience. Turn everything into benefits that the employer can relate to and satisfy their desires.

So, rather than say, "I have a typing proficiency of 70 words per minute." Ask yourself, why does the employer care? Well, they care because you get work done faster. Which means they are less stressed and working fewer hours. So, you could say, "Benefit from my typing proficiency of 70 words per minute which is 10% faster than industry norms. Get the work you need done quicker and with less stress."

Granted, that's probably not the best example in the world but you have to be able to turn what it is that you bring to the table into a tangible benefit for your employer.

3. Lose the Hobbies

Another thing that might hurt your feelings. Yes, it's great that you have hobbies. But, frankly, bluntly, employers don't care. Worse yet is that this information takes up valuable real estate that could be much better used to go over how you can benefit their organization. Unless it's a company that sells knitting supplies or fishing lures, the fact that you enjoy knitting or bass fishing is irrelevant.

4. Hit Hard - Show Confidence

As with a lot of things in life, there is a fine line between confidence and 'cockiness'. I advise you to walk right up to that line in your resume. As I mentioned above, in today's work environment employers can pick and choose more. And they want applicants who they know will be able to take the bull by the horns and get the job done. Someone they won't have to babysit and watch their every move for eight hours a day.

Are you that kind of person? I hope so. And I hope you're not shy about letting the employer know your confident in your abilities.

5. Start A Website

I mentioned above that I think old fashioned resumes are going the way of the Dodo Bird. While we aren't quite there yet it doesn't hurt to stay ahead of the game.

So, what's ahead mean? It means starting a website.

Let's not get into the technical aspects of starting a website right now (there are all sorts of resources online to help you there). Instead, think about everything you know about the subject at hand.

Let's say your an accountant. I bet you know a heck of a lot about the subject, right? If so, start writing about it on your blog. Better yet, put together a short video and post it on YouTube.

Now, after just a few months you're going to have a lot of your thoughts and opinions on accounting floating through the internet. If you're any good at all you'll start attracting attention. And then, something neat happens. Instead of you chasing jobs people in the blogosphere start taking a notice in you and approaching you .

You can see what a superior position this puts you into.

My only warning is to start now. With more and more businessfolks headed online it's imperative that you get an early start. You could also mix in a Facebook Page and a Twitter account. You don't have to be some social media whiz. Just include them as part of your marketing arsenal. Did you post a new article on your blog? Great, put a link to it on your Twitter and Facebook account.

Yes, there are other things you can do to improve your resume and give yourself a leg up in your job search. But these things are a pretty good overview of how to improve things and should be a good start for you.