Appearance is important. Allow ample white space on plain white, rag-bonded paper. Sharp reproductions from a plain paper copier are acceptable. Never let your resume exceed two pages -- the last five years should be on first page. Keep your descriptions concise and factual.

Education. Include the year of graduation, the school and type of degree. The greater your experience, the less appropriate it is to include academic achievements.

Experience is essential. Clearly identify employers, indicating months and years of employment. Company size, product and/or service stimulates interest. Include descriptive position titles, dates the positions were held, and a brief description of your function and specific accomplishments.

Get organized. A good way of organizing this information is to describe chronologically the project titles, purpose of projects, and your role on these projects. Also, a list of tools and equipment used (i.e., computers, languages, methodologies) helps employers to identify when and where you used a specific set of hardware and software.

Your "track record" is very important! In the final analysis, every hiring decision is a financial decision. Therefore, in order to stimulate an employer to hire you, your resume should always reflect your ability to make a positive contribution to the bottom line and a significant return on the employer's investment (salary fringes, etc.).

Describe your accomplishments using Key Words and Phrases:

Action words: I...planned, created originated, initiated, developed, conceived, implemented, formulated.

Results words: It led to, contributed, demonstrated that, saved, reduced, collected, achieved, provided, increased, shot holes in, evaluated.

Leadership words: I...organized, directed, led, supervised, guided, managed, was responsible for, presided over, coordinated, gave direction to, built.

NOTE: Omit personal information and career objective. Both may preclude you from getting an interview. Always include a separate cover letter to reinforce your skills in the areas the employer is looking for. Many times, your letter, not your resume, may target an opening you were not aware of.

SHOW WHAT YOU CAN DO! Employers want to know the specifics of projects you have worked on and what you have accomplished. They want to know what you are going to do for them. The only way you will be able to do this is to understand what you have to offer and show them..

Emphasize the best you have to offer! If you've achieved tangible results or won any honors, now is the time to show them off!

Interview tips
Evaluating a job offer
Resigning from your current job

staffUP, Inc.
858-240-5005 voice / 858-225-0847 fax
staffUP@staffup.com
www.staffup.com