DO'S

• Use short phrases rather than complete sentences. Consider using bullet statements.
• Open with a career objective.
• Keep the resume to one page. Employers simply do not have the time or patience to read a lengthy document. Make it easy for them to read yours.
• Make it visually appealing. Use lots of white space and wide margins, which makes it easy to scan.
• Use the present tense to describe your current job. However, if describing something already implemented or achieved, use the past tense. All previous positions or activities should be described in the past tense.
• Use capital letters, underlining, bullets, and bold letters to emphasize certain items to make them stand out. But use them sparingly or they lose their effect.
• Be sure your resume is neat and well laid-out with no spelling errors.
• Stress you accomplishments and the benefits of your contribution.

DON'TS

• Don't use abbreviations or professional/technical jargons.
• Don't include any personal information such as age, martial status, and number of children, health or anything that does not support your career objective.
• Don't use odd-sized paper; overly fancy stock, color, style or anything considered eccentric. Use white 81/2' X 11" paper.
• Don't include a photo of yourself.
• Don't list a minimum salary requirement.
• Don't include reasons for leaving other jobs. A review of your work experience should give the impression that the reason you left one job was to take a better one.
• Don't include "references available upon request". If an employer wants references, they'll ask.
• Don't send out a resume that isn't spotless.
• Don't use "I" to begin sentences that describe your work experience or activities. Instead, begin with words that convey action.