Every fresh new year, job seekers pound the pavement in earnest, dreaming of those greener pastures. Yet, for a surprising number of people, this activity quickly comes to a screeching halt.

The main reason? Lack of a powerful résumé--believe it or not.

Failing to capture your strengths can kill a job search faster than you can say “failed interview.” Since most people create résumés without a clear idea of what they really offer, they walk unprepared into interviews that are either over their heads, or worse, beneath their skills. And how do you think those interviews turn out?

Shave hours off your search and grab more opportunity with these secrets:

1) Make your interviews golden by presenting a great résumé.

Your career isn’t just made up of words; rather, your talents represent a SOLUTION to an employer’s NEED. When you can name and present that solution (what I call your Unique Value), you have some talking points to make your case—and land a better salary as well.

2) Prove your value in a compelling way to show that you are prepared for the hunt.

Top players consistently show that they know how to manage not only their work, but their own careers. They demonstrate focus on the goal, and achieve it through diligent preparation and research.

3) Remember that communication is the name of the game – if you intend to advance in your career.

What do most top executives have in common with the rising stars at their companies? The ability to communicate clearly and deliver a message that is easily understood at all levels of the corporation.

You, too, can deliver a strong message of Unique Value to drive home your point!

In short, it is definitely worth your time to deliver a clear message about your performance to bolster your interviews—BEFORE you ever step foot inside the prospective employer’s office.

Laura Smith-Proulx, CPRW, CIC, founder of An Expert Resume and creator of the upcoming book, “Solve Your Toughest Resume Challenges to Win More Interviews! 25 Secrets to Achieving Fast-Track Career Success,” has achieved a 98% success rate landing interviews for fast-track professionals.

Get Laura’s tips on creating a knockout resume and advancing in your career with a FREE 7-Part E-Course on “The 7 Biggest Resume Mistakes That Can Keep You from Your Dream Job… And How to Avoid Them” by visiting www.AnExpertResume.com.