Like an artist with a blank canvas ready for self-expression, your resume is a self-portrait of you. It portrays your professional work, your accomplishments, your skills, your education…it’s a self-reflection. Before you create your masterpiece, consider some of these tips for resume writing:

1. One Size Does Not Fit All - Have a few versions of your resume. You can easily rearrange the sections for emphasis or adjust the words depending on the position you are seeking.

2. Use Action Words - Words like “did, was, worked” are passive. Kick it up a notch and engage the reader with stronger words that help paint the picture. Use words like “performed, initiated, sold, trained or produced”.

3. Focus On You - I see many resumes that read like a company prospectus or a human resources job description. Focus on your contributions to the project or team. What did you do to produce results like increase productivity, reduce waste or retain customers?

4. Action Yielding Results - Consider these questions, Can you describe your contributions and accomplishments? What separates you from the pack? How would you site or measure your value at the company? Be specific by saying that you “reduced customer complaints by 40% in a six month period.” Make it real.

5. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread - Your resume should look flawless…”no runs, no drips or errors.” Read it aloud, let a friend read it for typos and clarity.

6. Keep it fluid - Once you have a resume, you have to maintain it. Review it every 3-6 months. Did you change jobs, take on a new challenge, complete a class, get certified, join a professional organization, change your email, etc? You can save a lot of time for yourself by staying current and be ready to jump at new opportunities.

7. Get Professional Help If You Need It - Sometimes we can write our resume, but it just seems flat or does not have market appeal. You can go from good to better to best and compete in today’s competitive job market with professional help. Do your research, ask for sample resumes and pricing upfront.

Now go out there and create your masterpiece! Remember, your resume is All About YOU!