Remember the purpose of the resume (and the cover letter as well) is to get you an Interview, not a job
- Keep it short - two pages at most.
- Customize every resume (and cover letter) to the position and company.
- Make it simple, clear and to the point.
- Make reading it easy. Keep it neat and well spaced out.
- Use plain white good quality paper.
- No computer graphics (unless it's your field.).
- No fancy typeface.
- No folding.
- Use active words.
- Decide on a chronological, functional or combination resume (a chronological resume is preferred in most cases).
- Place the most important information up front.
- Match qualifications and experience to the requirements (find out from the advertisement or your network).
- Do not merely state duties and responsibilities. Stress accomplishments - be specific and quantify where possible.
- Give a summary at the beginning of the resume.
- Leave your personal life out of it; though if there is space, insert extra-curricular activities.
- Make it e-mail, fax and scanning-friendly.
- Get it edited (by a friend or a professional).