Techniques for Sharpening Your Resume's Focus

Here are ways to consider sharpening the focus of your resume:

• Use a branding statement or headline or both atop your resume.
• Add a profile/qualifications summary with keywords relevant to the job you seek.
• Add a keyword section relevant to the job you seek.
• Beef up portrayal of accomplishments and transferable skills. Be sure to spotlight skills that apply to what you want to do next.
• Use our Cover Letter and Resume Customization Worksheet to help you sharpen your focus.
• For college students and new grads: Consider adding class projects in your major (or other classes) that are applicable to what you want to do upon graduation.

Riskier options for sharpening your focus:

• Consider a chrono-functional format. Organize your resume around skills clusters that directly apply to the job you seek.
• Use an objective statement.

Read more in our Frequently Asked Questions About Resumes: The Complete Resume FAQ.