HIRE ME: Tips for writing the perfect resume

(WTSP) Tampa, Florida - People have made careers on it. Books have been written on it.

But writing the perfect resume is harder than it sounds, even for the experts. 'I wrote a book on writing resumes, but even I've found that writing my own resume is tough,' said Robert Meier, director of workforce talent liaisons for Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance.

And the stakes are even higher in this economy. Job candidates have ten seconds for their resume to make an impression on a potential employer.

When it comes to writing the resume, Meier suggests starting with what you've accomplished. Employers want to know what results you've brought, especially in this economy.

Think about what sets you apart. Were you involved in something that was the first-ever for the company? Did you do the best-ever in a particular task? Were you involved in something that got a novel response?

Not only should those answers be listed prominently on your resume, they should be accompanied by how much money that made for the company. An example would be "instituted new advertising campaign that netted the company $2 million in 2007." As much as possible, tie yourself to the company's revenue stream. Use dates, numbers and key words.

"In general, employers want to know that you will make them ten times more than the salary you're asking for," Meier said.

Also, let the position you're applying for dictate what work experience you list first. For example, if you're applying for a receptionist job, list your receptionist experience at the top, even if it was five years ago.

Contrary to the popular notion, your resume doesn't need to be one-page. The professionals 10 Connects talked to, who have together helped more than 1,000 people get hired, say they've seen two- to three-page resumes most often get people the job.

'The key is results,' Meier said. 'If you're showing results, the resume can be longer than one page.'

Also, be creative in the design of your resume. It doesn't need to be a plain white sheet of paper.

If you're looking for a job in the photography or marketing industries, design your resume as a color brochure.

If you've worked with big companies, showcase that by putting colored, company logos on your resume.

If you're looking for a technology job, create your own website and even add a video resume. The video resume should not take the place of the written resume, but it can be a venue to showcase your personality.

Even your emailed cover letter can be a chance to 'wow' an employer. Instead of putting 'Job opening' or another mundane phrase in the subject line, convey enthusiasm with a subject like 'Your next marketing team member: Tom Smith.' But don't be tacky, Meier warns.

The Tampa Bay WorkForce alliance offers free resume critiques and resources for job hunters, including fax machines, internet access and phones. Job counselors can also help refer jobs.

Janie Porter, 10 Connects