Most people don't realize that when it comes to touting their own skills at a six-figure level, presentation is EVERYTHING. When you choose that canned Microsoft Word template for your resume, you are laying the foundation for lackluster results.

Now, opening a new document and choosing a built-in template might work fine if you're sending a quick email message, but it certainly isn't a good way to sell your key competencies if you're an aspiring leader ready to take on the world and boost your salary in the process.

When it comes to writing the most critical document of your career, consider the message you are sending with the actual style of your resume, not just the content.

Now you might ask: what's wrong with using that Word template? Well, first of all, it's made for EVERYONE to use. Can all professionals relate to your level of achievement? I doubt it.

In addition, the font allows for only minimal wording to be used, with very short lines. Now, I don't know about you, but as a professional resume writer, I find it extremely hard to get critical information across in seven-word sentences.

Third of all, the template doesn't convey status or prestige—the very components that drive careers at the upper echelon.

The really amazing thing is that professionals who wouldn't dream of showing up at a job interview in less than a suit are giving a resume presentation that equates to wearing their Saturday jeans. Is this really the impression that you want to give your next employer?

Case in point: Brad, a seasoned operations manager skilled in guiding large construction firms through periods of multimillion-dollar growth, came to me with 30+ years of experience stuffed into the standard Word template.

Not only could he barely fit his achievements into the tight spaces allowed, the grid-like format required a font that didn't represent his stature. After we collaborated to review his work history, it was obvious to me that he could control costs, hire top-producing teams, and institute practices that made his employer very, very profitable in a short period of time.

You can bet that these facts really jumped off Brad's new resume, leaving no doubt as to his career level and focus. Even with tightening up the wording on his accomplishments, I was still able to give the reader two full pages of detailed, concise information about him that would've otherwise been LOST if he'd continued to use the template.

So, the next time you're in the midst of a job search, give your resume style the same attention and focus that you would apply to any business presentation with a professional style that speaks to your status and level of achievement.