In January of 2011, the unemployment rate was at 9%, the lowest it has been in 21 months. Although the unemployment rate has decreased over time, there are still many people out there searching for jobs each day. With the job market being so competitive these days, you need to pull together a resume and cover letter that is eye-catching and draws the attention of a potential employer. How do you make your resume stand out from the rest?

Resume Writing Advice and Tips

The first thing you can do is draw potential employers in with an engaging cover letter. It should go without saying that you should always include a cover letter whenever you send your resume. Yet, your cover letter is not just a required document, but a piece of the puzzle which will give employers a full picture of your capabilities. So it’s important to pay attention to this document and make it compelling, concise and engaging. Try to personalize each cover letter to best fit the company and position you are applying to. Explain how your skills and qualifications match up with the requirements of the job for which you are applying.

You should also make sure that your experience is relevant. Not all job experience needs to be listed on your resume if it’s not relevant to the job you are applying for. In other words, each resume and cover letter should be specifically tailored toward each position and company you are applying to. Also, adding relevant action verbs can further enhance your accomplishments on the resume.

In addition to only mentioning work experience that is relevant, you should also include any relevant volunteer work, leadership roles or community involvement on your resume. Even though these may be unpaid positions, potential employers may be impressed with your commitment to the well-being of your community. Many companies are looking for well-rounded candidates and adding any bit of community involvement speaks to who you are on many levels to companies.

One last bit of resume advice is to stay focused and positive. Potential employers will appreciate a candidate with a positive and enthusiastic attitude. Don’t be afraid to include a little bit of your personality into your cover letter or resume. Try to convey the traits that make you "you" and what you can do for the potential employer in your cover letter. If you can communicate your confidence and enthusiasm through your resume and cover letter, prospective employers will have confidence that your positive attitude will carry over into the position you have applied for.