6 new rules for resume writing

With millions of people on the job hunt, competition is fierce. Now more than ever, you need a resume that stands out. To write one that gets you noticed-and lands you an interview at the veterinary practice of your dreams-you need to know what to include and avoid.

Here are the new rules to resume writing laid out by John Thiemen, career development specialist at Stratford Univiersity.

1. Go paperless.

Trade in the traditional paper resume for a two-to-three-minute online video introducing yourself and telling employers what you have to offer.

2 Forget the one-page limit.

For those who prefer paper to video resumes, don't worry about length. Just make sure to include information that will be of interest to an employer.

3. Unpad your resume.

You don't want to be turned away because you're overqualified. Pick and choose only qualifications that are specific to the position. This will also help you on length.

4. Forego objective statements.

If you're one of the many people seeking employment outside of your chosen field, opt for a professional summary instead of an objective.

5. Check your e-mail.

No one's going to hire hothoneybunz@email.com. Stick with a professional-sounding e-mail address. Create one if you don't have one.

6. Cover yourself.

Don't send a resume without a customized cover letter. It's often the first thing a potential employer sees and determines whether he or she will keep reading.