The resume is the hardest working item in your tool kit to secure a new opportunity. In most instances, this document will touch more people than you will speak to and certainly more than you will interview, during your job search.

This 2 dimensional document has a challenging job. It must effectively represent a person, and help the reader understand "why you" should be considered for the opportunity. Additionally, the resume needs to differentiate you from other talented candidates.

There are three things that you can do to make your resume work harder.

Begin your resume with an objective statement. An objective statement will share with the reader what you would like to do next. It sets the stage for the balance of the document which will reinforce "why you" should be considered for an opportunity in line with your objective.

A few examples of objective statements are:

-- Executive with over 17 years of achieving revenue and profit growth in Retail and CPG environments. Seeking opportunity to develop and market consumer goods in large and emerging retail channels.

-- Seeking a Senior Talent Acquisition role in which acquired expertise, creative talents and commitment to excellence will have valuable application. I am a seasoned recruiter across multiple industries and functions. I have worked in a collaborative team environment and as an individual contributor.

-- To secure a leadership position that will leverage my experience in the retail industry across marketing/merchandising at both headquarters and store level.

-- To utilize my fourteen solid years of direct to consumer marketing experience to grow and revitalize businesses.

-- Seeking position as Vice President of Business Development that utilizes my proven track record of generating incremental revenue and margin though identifying and accessing new profit pools, strategic planning, strategic investments, licensing, acquisitions and follow-on sales goals.

Demonstrate the unique value delivered in your jobs by using quantitative accomplishment statements. Hiring organizations are looking for talent that has shown an ability to deliver results and value. A means of communicating this is through statements that capture these results in a quantitative manner

A few examples of effective accomplishment statements are:

-- Increased new business by nearly 30%.

-- Improved adjusted EBITDA from $11 million to $30 million and cash flow loss of $11 million to positive $12 million.

-- Developed an innovative pricing structure with major retail customers that resulted in a 20% price increase and reduced discounting practices.

-- Restructured and consolidated U.K and US plants respectively; savings of $1.5 million plus $2.5 million of capital.

Skew the space allocated to each position most heavily to accomplishments versus responsibilities. The responsibilities are not unique to the person with the role, but their accomplishments are. Therefore, place the greatest emphasis on your unique contributions.

Sharing your desires and helping the reader understand "why you" can advance your candidacy from the large pool of applicants to the smaller pool of active candidates.