The economy is tight and the competition for jobs is tough. You may be in the running for a job along with people who have college degrees, but you can still deliver a stellar resume and give yourself a leg up with your job experience and skills.

Lead your resume with your work experience accomplishments. Instead of just making a bullet list of all the duties you performed at each job, write statements that demonstrate what you accomplished each day. Describe what you did, how you did it and what the result was each time. You can show how you streamlined a process, created a convincing report or calmed down an irate customer..

Try your hand at volunteering to boost your resume. By getting involved in a cause you care about, you can get out there and meet new people and also build your skills. Volunteer experience also shows a strong work ethic because you're willing to put in your own free time for something other than fun.

You may not have a college degree, but you may have alternative education that you can list. If you've attended seminars or specifc work trainings or earned certification in a specific field, those things should be included on your resume. List classes that you've taken at a community college such as computer or web design courses. Consider going to school part time to show employers your dedication to learning and improving yourself.

Have strong references. Having past employers and coworker who know you professionally and can speak highly of your qualities will boost your chances of landing a job. Talk to your references and get their permission before giving an employer their contact information.

Read, reread and proofread your resume. Give it to a trusted friend or take it a professional resume writer. Ensure that your resume is free of typos and grammar errors to show how detailed and precise you are.