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"A résumé is an important tool for your job search, serving as a concise presentation of your experience, skills, knowledge, credentials, education and attitude," Christine says.

These tips have helped her clients land new jobs:

Get Rid of the Pitch

You know what this is: the opening line on your resume. For example, "Seeking accounting manager position with a progressive, dynamic organization which will use my CPA credentials and offer rapid career advancement." It's all clichéd, meaningless and overdone. Instead, try filling that space with your target position title or area of expertise.

"Include a brief bullet-point presentation of your skills, expertise, credentials and accomplishments," Christine says. "Your objective is conveyed by what you choose to include in the summary, which can be changed to fit different targets."

Bottom line: Tailor your résumé to each industry you are applying for, be different and really highlight your skills.

Make Your Case Through Examples

Don't tell employers what to think about you. Instead, lead them to make the right conclusions by explaining how you get things done. It's important to demonstrate that you can adapt to any work environment. "Show you can handle change and that you're not set in your ways," Christine says.

Prove You Never Stop Learning

Christine recommends putting an emphasis in your continuing education—whether that's through seminars, workshops, courses or self-study. Sure, advanced degrees help, but you don't necessarily have to have every degree under the sun to prove you're capable of learning. Put those weekend work seminars you attended on your résumé...you were there and you probably learned something that can help you. Or, include a class you took at a community college. Even if it's that once-a-week cooking class, it shows you have the drive and motivation to learn something new. 
 
More essential résumé tips.

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