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1. The best person doesn’t always get the interview, nor the job; rather, it’s the person who markets him/herself with the most impact, clarity and precision.
2. Image is EVERYTHING! Don't let someone else get your job just because they know how to package and sell themselves better than you do.
3. The purpose of a resume is to help you get interviews. Resumes do not “get people jobs,” but they can sure keep you from them!
4. They’re used to “weed people out” of interviews.
5. Not one single format works for everyone; but there are some common themes and practices that recruiters, HR staff and managers look for.
6. Your resume is about the only thing you have total control over in your job search, make it perfect!

1. Do the thinking for the employer!
   That means pre-digest the key points about your most relevant skills and talents right up front in the profile, don't make employers search for that information under your jobs!
2. Employers want to hire someone, right now!
   Don't make them search your resume. Also, never assume they know what you can do; they don't, or they wouldn't be reading your resume!
3. Group like skills together with separate bullet points in the profile, 3-6 maximum!
4. Write your Profile section in the first person, with the "I" assumed!
   Use clear, concise, honest, professional meaning; avoid meaningless "sales-pitch" phrases like "highly accomplished professional," "computer literate," "analytical thinker," or "devotes total effort".
5. This is a writing project and an advertisement of your marketable talents.
   Have your family and friends proofread it forwards and backwards many times!

1. Too Focused on Job Duties
2. Flowery or General Objective Statement
3. Too Short or Too Long
4. Using Personal Pronouns and Articles
5. Listing Irrelevant Information
6. Using a Functional Resume When You Have a Good Career History
7. Not Including a Profile / Summary Section that Makes an Initial Hard Sell
8. Typos

• Name, address, phone number, email address, accurately!
• In general - or specifically - what type of work you're seeking.
• Your most relevant skills, abilities, knowledge and keywords in your Profile section.
• Company names, city, state, and at least years employed.
• Position titles; if possible, show a progression / promotions.
• Your most relevant work experience, quantified where possible.
• Your quantifiable achievements.
• Education and internal/external training, as well as licenses and certifications.
• Foreign languages and professional groups; languages may appear in the Profile section.

1. Salary requirements or salary history.
2. "Resume" at the top of the page, or "References upon request" at the end.
3. Reasons for leaving a job.
4. Age, height and weight, unless you're a model or an actor!
5. Any negative information.

1. Military service: can show leadership, dedication and perseverance.
2. Personal section: can break the ice at interviews with: "Enjoy Golf, Racquetball and Baseball," but keep this to 1-2 lines maximum!
3. Marital status; shouldn't matter.
4. Religious or political organizations; may spark prejudice.