The average time a manager or human resources professional takes to scan a resume is 20 seconds. That's right, 20 measly seconds. No matter how perfect you are for the job, how long your list of qualifications, the depth of your training and experience - it's just 20 seconds.

It's that fact that makes having a really great resume even more critical to your success in the job marketplace. It's important to remember that your resume is a personal marketing document, not an application. A well-written resume will portray you in the best possible light. A hastily-prepared or poorly written resume, however, will almost certainly jeopardize your chances of getting the job you really want.

One of the most important components of your resume is the "hook." It may be an energetic, but provocative objective statement... a unique format... an unusual way of stating your qualifications... What is important is that you get the attention of your reader quickly. An effective "hook" plays a central role in breaking the barriers created by the "20 second rule" mentioned above.