Advocate Placement Consultants spend a lot of time on the screening and selection of their candidates. Resumes make a lasting impression on recruiters and employers. Candidates should invest in building a strong resume, one that conveys skills, experience, and character. The following is a list of top resume building tips that will help you create a positive impression.

Organize your information in clear bold headings, including: personal information, work experience, academics, professional memberships/volunteer work and interests.

Tailor your resume according to the specific career opportunity you are interested in. Highlight the requisite skills and knowledge base in your resume to set yourself apart from other applicants.

Present information in your resume in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent work experience/academics.

Leave space throughout the resume so that it is reader friendly.

Use acquired skills that are transferable when describing work responsibilities.

Explain what you did during significant periods of unemployment ex. volunteering, courses, part time work, etc.

Identify what your interests are outside of work so that potential employers get a sense of your personality as well as your skills.

Limit your resume to 2 pages, 3 pages if necessary.

Proofread your resume, and then ask someone else to check it over for both substance and format.

Update your resume regularly so that it most accurately reflects your skills, experience and knowledge base.