As a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) I work with clients spanning all major industries in developing resumes, cover letters, executive profiles, etc. that will land them the position of their dreams. No matter the specifics of a client's qualifications, or how big of a career transition he or she wishes to make, our job is to help get them there. However, to stand a realistic shot at landing the job you want, there are certain questions you MUST ask yourself. Furthermore, the more honest you are in answering them, the greater your chances of success.

1) AM I TRULY QUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION?

While you may possess all the enthusiasm in the world for a particular job, qualifications are another matter entirely. Yes, we all want a leadership role with all the perks it implies. But the difference between a Software Engineer and a Director of IT is vast, and if you're looking to make a jump of this magnitude, be prepared for a fight. Understand going in that you're competing with candidates who have at least one, and possibly several Director of IT jobs under their belt. What makes you a viable candidate? Perhaps more accurately, what do you have that they don't? If you can't answer these questions satisfactorily, then you're probably aiming too high.

2) AM I PREPARED TO SPEND AT LEAST 3 YEARS IN THIS JOB?

Don't make the mistake of thinking, "I'll try this job out and if it doesn't work, leave after a year". What makes a resume great is quantifiable accomplishments. They're one of, if not THE most important thing recruiters and hiring agents look at when assessing a potential candidate, and rare is the job that will allow you to rack some up in less than 2-3 years. By all means research new career paths and potential positions. But when it comes time to find a job, be prepared to make a commitment.

3) DOES MY RESUME PRESENT ME AS AN EXCELLENT CANDIDATE?

Never underestimate your instincts when it comes to evaluating a resume. Having an effective structure, utilizing industry-specific keywords, and highlighting concrete successes are just one piece of the puzzle. Actively solicit feedback from colleagues to discover whether the language is ACTIVE instead of passive, whether there's a nice flow from one section to another, and whether it's obvious that both resume and cover letter are two parts of a whole. Investing the time to perfect your resume and cover letter will pay off in the form of a drastically shortened job search.

Anish Majumdar is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Owner at Resume Orbit. 95% of clients report a significant increase in interviews within 30 days, and all work comes backed by a 100% Satisfaction or Money Back Guarantee (in writing).

Please submit your existing resume for a FREE CRITIQUE http://resumeorbit.com/free_critique.php spanning structure, language, and content.