Job-search time is a stressful time. You can alleviate some of that stress by preparing an effective resume. While the order in which the information given may vary, and additional information (such as a work summary or professional licensing information) is sometimes included, any resume will include essentially the same five key elements:

• Your name, address, and phone number; e-mail address is optional (Note: Because it's now so easy to do using word-processing software, this information is usually put in “letterhead” format.)

• Your work experience

• Your education

• Your related activities (Note: The key word here is “related.” Unless these experiences highlight your work experience, omit this category.)

• Your references

The way that information is organized and presented will depend on the resume format you choose. That format depends on a number of factors that will become apparent as you progress through this chapter.

Show Your Energy and Resourcefulness

You don't intend to find a job just so you can be lazy once you do. Don't “slack” while you write your resume either. That's the impression you'll give if you oversimplify your previous job responsibilities and accomplishments. Now is the time to toot your own horn. Be descriptive. Use action verbs. Your resume is your advertisement for you.

Use the Appropriate Format

Keeping in mind that your resume is an advertisement, determine which format will best showcase the talents you wish to emphasize for the position for which you're applying: chronological, skills, experience, or CV (curriculum vitae). Choose the format that best lets you prioritize your information so that your prospective employer can see that you possess the skills needed for the job.

Use the Appropriate Style

Most occasions call for a resume that is direct and to the point, including the paper (white twenty-four pound bond or better) and font style (nothing fancy, black ink in Times New Roman, Courier New, or Bodoni). As in anything in life, there can be exceptions — such as if you're applying for a position for which you're expected to showcase your creative personality. In such instances, you can be a bit more daring and go with some colored paper or fancier fonts. Just be sure that whatever style you do use, your information is presented in that all-important “easy- and quick-to-read” format. A potential employer faced with a huge stack of resumes in front of him or her will only spend about twenty seconds scanning each one. Your objective is to make sure yours stands out in that amount of time!

Proofread, Then Proofread Again

You want your resume to be free of spelling and grammatical errors, and formatting inconsistencies.

Fiction has no place in a resume. Stick to the facts. Avoid the temptation to embellish your skills or the scope of your education. Misrepresenting your credentials can be grounds for an employer to terminate your employment.

Stick to One Page

Most human resources directors say they prefer a short, concise resume. (Remember: That first “glance” at your resume is only going to be a twenty-second one!) If you have lots of experience, list the pertinent details and then summarize by highlighting one key accomplishment per position. If you have less experience, you can include as many important details as it takes to fill the page. A one-page resume provides enough information to pique the prospective employer's interest, while letting you hold back additional details with which you can razzle-dazzle during the job interview. However, if you're submitting a CV or resume geared toward garnering an education-related job, two or more pages are acceptable — or even expected.

When your resume goes beyond one page, use the name line from your “letterhead” and the page number at the top of each subsequent page:

Pamela Rice Hahn — Page 2

Resume Action Verbs

In any situation in which they are used, action verbs convey more impact. Impact is especially important in a resume, the purpose of which is to command attention. Here's a list of some good verbs to use: