Finding employment can be challenging for anyone, but the job market can be especially tough for recent college graduates, people re-entering the workforce after time away, or someone who has been in a position for a long time.

Competition is stiff; the market is filled with other strong job candidates, too. So how can you increase your chances for getting a great job in the field you love? For almost everyone, it starts with a resume.

Whenever you apply for a professional-level position, you will likely be asked to submit a resume. Hiring managers look closely at certain resumes to see if a candidate is a good match for their open position.

A resume is a document that tells prospective employers exactly what you want them to know about you and why you would be a good fit for their open position. It should advertise your skills in an easy-to-read, logical, and concise format. Its purpose is as follows:

• Hiring managers use resumes to screen potential employees. They typically look at a resume for less than 15 seconds before deciding which pile to put it in. The No pile ends up in the recycle bin. The Yes pile gets a second look, and possibly an interview.
• For you, a resume is a tool that's designed to get you to the next step in the employment process: the interview. It can even help you prepare for the interview by giving you specific items to practice talking about.

• Gives you a polished look
• Sets you apart from competitors
• Gets the attention of the hiring manager
• Markets your strengths
• Sells your strongest skillsets

• It empowers you to take responsibility for your career
• It looks at you as a "whole person”, taking in consideration your total life.
• It gives you confidence
• It helps you improve performance
• Identifies your best skills and aligns your career to match those skills