If you're entering the job market and need to to start writing a resume, then listen up because the times have probably changed a bit since days gone by. While the very basic rules of resume writing have not changed, the look and feel – the ability to reflect your personality in your resume has changed.

If you're entering the job market and need to to start writing a resume, then listen up because the times have probably changed a bit since days gone by. While the very basic rules of resume writing have not changed, the look and feel – the ability to reflect your personality in your resume has changed.

It is almost certain that since you last wrote your resume, much has been learned and even more has been changed. This is as it should be, for everyday, very creative people are adding to the resume and cover letter writing arsenal. And YOU have changed as well. What you bring to the HR table this time around, may not be what you brought last time.

For years, we have been told that to be most effective, a resume should be only one page. This just does not apply any longer! Today’s resume is creative and unique. It needs to be. With so many applicants for so few job openings, you need to stand out from the crowd. You have about 30 seconds to impress your readers and you need to take full advantage of those 30 seconds.

Aside from the most essential and key elements, a resume should reflect the personality and need of the job seeker and not be some cookie cutter rendition of what is "acceptable and expected."

Standards in resumes and cover letters have changed dramatically, but, only so far as the job seeker has the creative expression and know-how to pull it off! Everyday, employers read all of the resumes. They are required to go through each and every one! But, which one will catch their eye? Which resume will they really read?

Formatting in resumes has expanded, too. When you consider that your resume will be your own, personalized form of marketing yourself -- this lends itself to all manner of unique communication and expression. I recently came across a resume on legal sized paper that was folded to look like a sales brochure. And that, my friends, is what you must do – sell yourself by writing a resume that follows the basic forms – but is unique to you.

Again, so long as the essential elements are included in each resume and cover letter, you have the freedom to make certain that your resume will impress - and with a bang too!

Just how, exactly, does one do this?

First of all, learn about the most basic principles involved in writing a highly effective resume and cover letter. Once you have this down, the creative expression can begin!

Your most basic purpose in writing your resume and cover letter will be to be noticed among the many. You want to stand out as not just a good candidate but as "the" candidate they have been looking for.

When you consider that next to your well written resume, not even one hundred other resumes will be written as well as yours, you can see the odds will be in your favor. Your salvation here is in writing a resume that will compel a perspective employer to notice your credentials. If you can master this technique, the rest will be frosting on the cake.