The U.S. unemployment rate has recently jumped to a 14-year high. At the same time, we are being told to prepare for a long, drawn-out recession. If you are currently in the job market or expect that you may be in the not-too-distant future, you are certainly aware that the job market is fierce. But even in the fiercest of job markets, hiring continues. The challenge, of course, is to get YOUR phone ringing and to get YOU in the door to interview for these positions.

Now, more than ever, you MUST find a way to stand out and to break ranks with all the other candidates in the hiring line. Your resume–your first introduction to those with the power to hire you–doesn’t merely have to be good, it has to be incredible.

Step #1 – Know your goal
Step #2 – Know your audience
Step #3 – Know your competition
Step #4 – Clearly identify any challenges or problem(s) that your resume must address
Step #5 – Be willing to throw the rules out the window and think outside the box
Step #6 Differentiate yourself
Step #7 – Reframe, reposition, reformat, and redesign

If you aren’t sure what the best resume writing strategy is, create several versions and ask your friends and family for feedback before choosing the one you use in your search. And, if you get stuck, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional. Professional resume writers can often provide solutions that you would never have thought of on your own.