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When writing your resume, keep in mind that the hiring manager may be viewing tens to hundreds of resumes per posting. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that you make your resume stand out somehow. Otherwise, you risk being lost in a sea of paper, or worse, ending up in the circular file.

The best way to stand out is to have a strong title, as well as a strong objective statement for your resume. Each of these tools helps to show the manager why you’re submitting your resume, as well as why you’re right for the job.

Your Title should be short, succinct, and explain who you are. No clever or cutesy titles need apply - stick to the facts. “RN, Pediatrics and Labor/Delivery” is a good title. “Cute Young Nurse Needs a Job” is not.  If possible, use your title to sum up your skills and qualifications, so that the hiring manager knows what they’re getting before they even break into the meat of your resume.

Your objective statement is also crucial to keeping your resume in a prominent position on the hiring manager’s desk. The objective statement shows the manager why you’re sending a resume. It sums up your goal in creating a resume - what you hope to obtain by submitting it. No objective statement =no goals = no interview.  Take the time to carefully craft an objective statement for your resume - it’s essential in today’s job market. If done well, it can make an interview more likely.

In short, be sure your resume contains these two essential components. Next week, we’ll discuss tips and tricks for creating a strong objective statement.