The Standard Resume
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1. Keep it concise. Remember that a potential employer has many resumés and applications to look through. A long, wordy resumé will put off someone who is most likely short on time as it is.

2. Resumés should be one page, if possible, and rarely more than two.

3. Avoid large paragraphs over six or seven lines.

4. Use fewer words but make them count. Your use of the language is extremely important. Use action verbs such as "developed," "assisted," and "designed" to emphasize your accomplishments.

5. Check your resumé for proper grammar and correct spelling.

6. Be honest. There is a difference between making the most of your experience and exaggerating or falsifying it. A falsified resumé can be easily spotted by an employer, and if it doesn't prevent you from getting the job, it can cost you the job later on.

7. Appearance counts. Use standard, non-textured, fine-grained paper in white or ivory. Keep in mind that textured and dark colored paper may not copy well when your potential employer makes copies to pass around to other participants in the hiring process.

8. Make sure your copies are clean and clear. Even the best looking resumé can be ruined by a poor copier. Use only copiers maintained for professional copying.

9. If you are going after more than one type of position, be sure to customize your resumé accordingly. Sometimes, it even helps to tailor a version of your resumé for a specific job opening. Remember to only include the experience that is relevant to the job.

10. Keep your objective fairly general and emphasize how your experience can benefit the company, not just what you want out of the position. Avoid mentioning specific job titles in the objective.

11. Do not mention items such as age, height, and marital status under "Personal Data."

12. Listing hobbies (for example, golf or racquetball), or activities that relate in some way to your work, can be a good way to round out the picture of you that the resumé portrays, but leave it off if you need to go to a second page.

13. "References available upon request" is still appropriate at the end of a resumé. It is not strictly necessary, however, and should be left off if you need room to describe your work experience.

14. Use positive language and emphasis throughout the resumé. Avoid words with negative connotations such as "tedious" when describing past work. Make the most out of your experience and put your accomplishments in the best possible light, especially if changing careers. Stress the results and accomplishments that you have achieved.