Resume Writing Guidelines

Writing a résumé isn't exactly a speedy process. First there's the brainstorming. Then, you have to write -- and rewrite,
and rewrite -- your educational and work histories until it perfectly boasts your background.

Plus, there's all that proofreading. Even though your résumé took you hours to write, hiring managers will typically spend less than one minute reviewing
it. If it contains any glaring mistakes however, employers will waste no time deleting it. To ensure your résumé gets proper attention, please note the following;
Write a cover letter. Cover letters are so important to the application process that many hiring managers automatically
reject résumés that arrive without them. Make the most of your cover letter by expanding on a few of your qualifications,
explaining any gaps in employment or providing other information that will entice the employer to read your résumé.
Do not give your résumé format a little "flair". Unusual fonts or fluorescent pink paper will certainly make your résumé
stand out -- in a bad way. Keep it professional looking by sticking with standard white or cream-colored paper, black
type and a common font like Arial or Times New Roman.

Don't go long. Your high school job scooping ice cream probably isn't relevant to your career anymore, so there is no
reason to include it. Your résumé should be no more than two pages -- and no more than a page for most
professionals -- so only include your most recent and relevant work history.

Focus on accomplishments. Instead of writing a list of job duties, demonstrate how each duty contributed to your company's
bottom line. For example, anyone can plan the company fund-raiser, but if you note that your fund-raiser brought in 50
percent more money than the previous year's event, the hiring manager will be more impressed.

Try not to have a selfish objective. Employers are trying to determine whether you're a good fit for their organizations, so everything on your résumé
should point to your experience. A summary of qualifications that conveniently displays your accomplishment and
background is far more effective than a generic objective statement ("To gain experience in...").

Don't be generic. Always customize your résumé and cover letter for each job and employer to which you apply. This way, you can tailor
your materials to show how you will be a perfect fit for the position.

Don't "Guesstimate" your dates and titles. With the proliferation of background checks, any "upgrades" you give your titles or stretching of employment dates to cover gaps will likely get caught -- and you will be eliminated from consideration.
Don't include additional personal information. It's fine if you enjoy fly fishing on Sunday afternoons, but unless your hobby relates to your career, it doesn't belong on your résumé. The same goes for your height, weight, religious affiliation, sexual orientation or any other facts that
could potentially be used against you.

Never assume spell-check is good enough. Spell-checkers can pick up many typos -- but they won't catch everything (manger vs. manager, for example). Always proofread your résumé several times, and ask a friend to give it a final once-over.

Most importantly, never ever put anything negative on your résumé. If you left the position due to a layoff or you were
fired, bring it up only if asked.

Make several drafts and print them out to compare and contrast. The combination of these elements will improve the effectiveness of your résumé.