While you may be qualified for a particular position, your resume is a failure if the employer does not instantly come to the conclusion in less than thirty seconds that you deserve an interview. That is why the time it takes to write a good resume is time well spent.

Your resume must answer the following questions for the recruiter:

• How can you be contacted?
• What do you want to do?
• What have you done in the past that is relevant?
• How well did you accomplish your responsibilities in the past?
• What skills and abilities lend you credibility as a potential jobholder?

Anatomy of a Professional Resume

Your resume should include the following:

1. Name & Contact Details (clearly visible)

2. Career Objectives (in less than 30 words)

3. Employment History (in reversed chronological order; the last job first)

            - Name of company and location of employment

            - Dates and Job titles (progression)

            - 2-3 major accomplishments for each company

4. Education and Continuing Education (University +)

5. Professional Affiliations

6. Community Affiliations

7. “References available upon request.”

1. Name & Contact Details

Centered, and in bold type:

·        Name

·        Address

·        Telephone

·        Mobile Phone number

·        E-mail address

2. Effective Career Objectives

This should be written in less than 30 words. It provides clarity on what position you are looking for in terms of your experience and qualifications and motivates the prospective employer to read on.  It must include the following:

·        The title or function desired

·        Skills or qualifications you bring to the position

·        Results (using action verbs) that the employer can expect from you

3. Employment History

In reverse chronological order, start with your last job first:

·        Name of Company and location of employment

·        Years of employment

·        Job Title

·        A few lines about responsibilities

·        2-3 bullet points of major accomplishments

4. Education & Continuing Education

·        Starting with University Degree or High School (when no university degree)

·        Continuing Education

        - Courses, certifications

        - Seminars attended

        - Degree in Process

5. Professional Affiliations

·        Membership in Professional Associations

·        Leadership positions held in such organizations

6. Community Affiliations

·        Involvement in community service organizations

·        Leadership positions in any community-related group

7. References

·        Give references only when you are sure that your situation will NOT be compromised

·        Instead use: “References available upon request”

Important Rules to Live By!

·        Information must be truthful and complete!

·        Use point form - NOT sentences!

·        Use light-colored (bond) paper

·        Staple if needed and present in a clear plastic jacket

·        Print on high-quality printer with effects (bolding & underlining)

·        Include a cover letter!

Common Errors to Avoid

·        Too long and detailed

·        Spotty, wrinkled, not formatted, messy

·        Poor grammar

·        Missing pages / information

Remember these key points:

·        Proofread your CV – no typos allowed!

·        Is the format easy to read? Do not “crowd” with unnecessary words

·        Minimum 1 page – maximum 3 pages