To land a job, you have to get an interview. And the best way to get an interview is to have a resume that works--one that makes you stand out from the crowd.

How do you design a resume to do that? TheLadders.com sought input from the experts, surveying 564 recruitment professionals on the top criteria they look for in every resume. They also asked certified professional resume writers to give their advice on how to best package that information. Here are their answers.

1. Areas of Expertise
Demonstrating a strong area of expertise is what sets you apart from the pack.

2. Relevant Industry Experience
Recruiters want to know instantly that you have a solid track record of success.

3. Leadership Capabilities
Have you managed a business unit? A sales team? Recruiters in the $100K+ job market are looking for proven leaders.

4. A Strong Professional Summary
Akin to the liner notes on a best-selling novel, a succinct and engaging professional summary is one of the first things recruiters read on your resume.

5. Education Credentials
Recruiters want to know where you went to school and how well you did when you were there.

6. Professionalism in the Presentation
An effective, well-organized resume helps recruiters quickly and easily focus on your qualifications.

7. Strong Quantitative Accomplishments
You must demonstrate quantifiable accomplishments and results that show how they contributed to the bottom line.

8. Technical/Business Skills
What certifications do you have? If you have a strong skill set in a particular area, make sure the recruiter has the technical details.

9. Stability at a Company (Tenure)
Have you job-hopped every other year or do you show a consistent track record on tenure? Commitment is important.

10. Summarized Job Descriptions
Rather than providing a bullet list of duties, summarize your key responsibilities and focus on measurable results.

"The job search has never been more competitive and a generic, passive 'job description' type resume simply will not make the cut in this job market," said Tina Brasher, certified professional resume writer. "Due to the large number of resumes they receive, recruiters need to see an instant connection when reading your resume. What are your quantitative results that set you apart from your competition? What have you accomplished and for whom? How did you positively impact the bottom line? These are the most important points that you need to show to make your case."

Most people who face career changes are better qualified than their resumes reveal. "An important key to writing a successful resume is to tell the reader what you have accomplished that makes you a better candidate for the job than others in your field," said Bryan Newman, certified professional resume writer. "Recruiters look for candidates whose resumes are crafted around a solid list of career achievements."

--From the Editors at Netscape