Punching up your resume to stand out

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - You're looking for a job and you're trying to figure out how to build a resume' that will land you that job.

Ann Byars is a communications expert who agreed to provide tips to improving your resume. 24 Hour News 8 showed her some resumes people submitted at a recent job fair. They wanted tips to improve their resumes, and these are their questions:

• "I don't look good on paper. I don't know if it's because I've had many jobs or it's just the way I've got the resume set up. (edit white flash) Are there some things I should eliminate or some things I shoud add? Is my format wrong?" - Grant Shriver, Kentwood
• "What's another way I can put my resume together where it's going to stand out. How can I quote - punch it up - so that it looks better and I might get noticed sooner than someone else." - Diane Rudnik, Walker
• "I went to a general template and just kind of filled in my information and so an employer might look at it and say well he's just a regular person. I want to make it look like I'm something special." - David Bolton, Kentwood

Resume basics:

Four types of resumes:

Chronological - shows work history from most recent to least recent; most popular type, easiest to read for potential employers

Functional - showcases skill set. Can be difficult for employers to understand. Best choice for those who have employment gaps or are changing careers

Combination - combines functional and chronological. Includes a summary of skills and then employment history where those skills were used

Targeted - composed specifically for the job to which you are applying. Tailors skills and work history toward future goals.

Proofread your resume and have at least two other people proofread as well. Invest the time and energy needed to have a strong resume. Sources of support include:

Colleges and trade schools - most have career placement departments where you can bring your existing resume for critique

Employment agencies and placement firms
Professional resume writers
Community workshops and seminars

Your resume is a live document - it should be updated regularly to include any changes. Have it ready to go at all times as an employer may call you and ask you to email it immediately. It's a good idea to email it to yourself so that you can forward it from any computer with internet.

Resumes should be one page. Two page resumes tend to be redundant or contain unnecessary information.

Sections to be included on a resume:
1. Summary (a specific statement regarding your professionalism) - this is in lieu of an objective
2. Education and training - do not include high school
3. Work history and experience - use action words to highlight accomplishments
4. Affiliations (civic, volunteer, etc.)(optional)
5. Awards (if applicable to your career)
6. Technical skill set (optional)

Do not include hobbies or personal interests or information.

Do not state that references are available and do not include references - the employer will ask if they would like to see them. You may, however, state that a portfolio is available for review.

All sections of the resume should be clearly titled, and use bullets to highlight areas. Be concise and clear in all of your statements. Remember, the average resume gets 11 seconds of attention. If the employer needs to struggle to find what they are looking for, they will disregard your resume.