When you use a resume, you should use one that specifically targets the job you are applying for. Don't recycle the same old resume that you've been using for the past 2 jobs and just tack on the most recent job experiences as you go along. If you are applying for different types of jobs, you need to update your resume to reflect that difference. Effective resumes are not "one size fits all", and you should target the particular company and job you want with your resume.

That may mean revising it multiple times, or creating a totally new one. But it also may mean that you get the job because you used a more effective and appropriate resume. For example, if you used to run a real estate office and then you worked as the manager of a restaurant but now you are applying for a job in human resources at a hotel, you will want to create a new resume. Your new resume will be intentionally designed to showcase all your people skills and abilities to hire and manage employees. You can explain how you've had a variety of experiences with different kinds of people in different professions -including hospitality - and how you've had human resource responsibilities at other jobs. A fresh resume, designed to highlight your transferable skills and talents as a hotel's human resource person - as opposed to someone who has specific restaurant and real estate skills - will speak more to your current career interests.

By speaking to the job you seek, and drawing on experiences from past jobs to highlight how those jobs taught you the skills you need for the new position, you enhance your chances of getting noticed when a potential employer reads your resume. Keep in mind, employers often think - and hire - outside of the box. Just because you don't think you have the right background for the job, don't throw in the towel. A good resume writer will tie your past talents and skills in nicely to the new role despite areas where your experience is distinct from the role in question. If you're concern about your ability to do this, consider some help from a pro resume writer.. Many people get hired across professions and a good resume writer can help you design a resume that brings out your best qualities for the job.

For resume samples of each of the below, please visit CareerMogul.com's Resume & Letters Portal in our Free Virtual Career Center. Still not sure which format fits your background? CareerMogul.com's Certified Professional Career Coaches will help you write your resume with the most appropriate format for your background.

Melanie Winograd
http://www.careerMogul.com