Format

• Use a font size of at least 12. A resume could get faxed from HR to a traveling hiring manager to the corporate office. You want to be sure that it remains readable throughout the entire process.

• Keep an eye on length. A resume does not have to be limited to one page. It is important that all accomplishments are included but don’t write a novel.

• Consider using bullets. It quickly highlights the important information and is easier to read than paragraphs.

• Be creative with the style. Use a layout that is visually appealing while still being neat and organized.

Contact Information

• Be sure that name, address, and telephone number are included and easy to find on your resume.

Objective

• Replace the Objective with something more beneficial. Try using "Professional Summary" or "Summary of Skills". Highlight your uniqueness, what makes you qualified for the position, or traits that are important but may not be covered in other parts of the resume. This could be in bullet form or a few brief sentences.

Education

• This could be located at the beginning or later in the resume. This depends on where you want the hiring manager to focus. If you are still looking to establish yourself, the education is important. If your experiences demonstrate a successful track record, the education is not as important.

• Include graduation date.

• GPA is optional.

• Include continuing education programs. If you are attending school now include this information. Be sure it is not written in a way that could suggest that you have already completed the program.

Professional Experience

• List experiences in reverse chronological order. Put your most recent experience first. Include all dates with the experiences. Don’t leave any gaps.

• Provide company name. Provide a brief description of the company to familiarize the hiring manager. List each different company only once. If you worked in more than one position with a company, then these could be sub-headings. If the company is listed every time you changed positions, the hiring manager quickly skimming your resume may get the impression you change companies every couple of years.

• Be specific with your accomplishments. Use dollars, percentages, or numbers to show increases in sales, company savings, increased production, etc. The hiring manager wants to know what the return on the investment in you will be for the company.

• Describe awards or honors. If you have received any special recognition from your company, describe the award and the criteria for receiving the award.

• Include supervisory skills. Give the number and types of people you have been responsible for as direct reports.

• Describe your territory. If you do not work directly at one facility, describe the size of your territory and who are your contacts.

Miscellaneous

• List any professional affiliations. Include any office you may hold or other activity with the organization.

• Interests are optional. If you do provide them, list those that enhance your career and personal development.

• Try to update your resume yearly.

• Do not include personal information like age, weight, and family.