Within the first few seconds of meeting someone, that person has formed an impression of you. Fair or not, accurate or not, they've made a judgment...and once they've done so, it's very difficult to change their view of who you are.

What kind of "first impression" does your resume make?

What does it say about you?

How will the hiring manager evaluate you based on those first few seconds she spends scanning the document? Will she look at anything other than the first few lines? Will she be interested enough to read it in more detail? Will she throw it in the trash?

You need to consider the first connection between your resume and the reader as carefully as you do the first face to face meeting you have with any hiring manager. If your resume fails to make a good first impression, you're not going to get the chance to interview.

You've got to make sure your resume makes a winning impression.

While the entire document is important, when it comes to that crucial initial impression, it's the top half of the first page that's most important.

Obviously, you'll lead with your name and contact information. Following that, though, what's the first thing the reader will see? Is it some bland, generic objective statement, or is it a succinct, compelling, and effective summary of your qualifications? Does it contain relevant keywords (remember, a machine may be the very first "reader")?

Look at the front page of any newspaper. The headline and accompanying stories considered most noteworthy appear "above the fold." The editor wants you to pick up that paper from the newsstand and buy it, so careful thought is given to how that headline is written and which stories they're going to lead with.

You should approach your resume in the same way. You want the hiring manager to be interested enough in what she sees "above the fold" that she'll give your resume more than a cursory glance. You want to make a good impression. You want to give yourself the chance to be considered for an interview.

Pass the first test. Command the hiring manager's attention by making the best possible first impression with the "lead" on your resume.

Rebecca Metschke is the author of The Interview Edge, a comprehensive career guide for those who are serious about their careers. Gain a professional advantage using proven tips, tools and strategies that will help ensure you're as marketable as you can be. http://www.TheInterviewEdge.com