Now that so many people have lost their jobs in today's economic crisis, and so many people are out there looking in the field, it is more important than ever to stand out in the crowd when presenting yourself. With so many people applying for jobs, a typical resume is only looked at for about 15 seconds before a decision is made whether they are to be considered or passed over.

Because of this it is essential to make a powerful resume, one that stands out and expresses what you have to give to the company that you are applying for that is unique, that will fill their need. There are volumes written about writing the perfect resume, and many different techniques, so it cannot all be covered in one short article. But here are a few pointers.

* The first question to ask yourself when sitting down to write a resume is: "What skills to I have to offer?"

Write everything down, trivial or not. When sorting through your notes later you will want to have a lot to work with.

* Next, ask yourself: "What is the company that I am applying for looking for in an employee?"

* Finally, ask yourself: "What experience do I have through which I can emphasize these skills?"

Keep these answers in mind when writing your resume and they will help you keep your resume focused and will help you leave a more powerful impression.

While there are many tips for writing the best resume possible, the most powerful resumes are targeted. If you follow the suggestions above, your resume will stick out. It will be as if your resume is addressing the needs of the company you are applying for, and you will be increasing your chances of being called in for an interview.

The author, Jack Reichert, works as a life and career coach and is founder of http://www.howtoreachmygoals.com