Human Resource Professionals, hiring managers and recruiters rarely have too few candidates. If you want to get their attention, it is imperative that you get the resume right.

If your resume doesn't sound like you're the perfect candidate, you're not going to get the phone call to talk about the job.

It should go without saying, but we feel obligated to say it anyway: carefully proof read your resume. Correct all spelling and typographical errors and ensure proper grammar usage. And above all, don't exaggerate your qualifications. Tell the truth!

Chronological Order

While there are several acceptable resume formats, we generally recommend a chronological listing. This format highlights your career accomplishments, starting with your most recent position, and lists each previous job in reverse order. It is an easy-to-read and easy-to-comprehend way to format your resume.

Resume Sections

Resumes differ depending upon your industry experience and the type of job you are seeking. For example, a scientist's resume is likely to highlight very specific technical skills and accomplishments. The resume of a business executive is more likely to feature bottom-line results.

In spite of these differences, most resumes share a number of similarities. Therefore, we recommend that you start your resume by including the information that follows. If it turns out that you have a genuinely unique situation or very specialized requirements, we'd be happy to provide some guidance, or steer you to one of several excellent books that can help you write a better resume.

Include the following information and sections in your resume:

Personal Information

• Name
• Addresses
• phone ( including area code)
• cell or mobile phone (if you have one)
  
• email address

Profile

Provide a brief summary of your career and accomplishments. List specific areas of responsibility using a bullet-list format.

Objective

You may choose to write an objective instead of, or in addition to, your profile. How to decide? If you have little professional experience, if you are trying to change careers, or if you are applying for a specific position, then include an objective statement. Otherwise, go with the profile alone.

If you decide to include an objective, describe the target industry and the type of position that interests you. You may also include a brief summary of the skills that make you suitable for the position.

Professional Experience

Provide the following information for each position you've held. List your most recently held position first.

• Company Name (or Organization Name)
• Location, including city and state
• Title and department
• Starting month/year, ending month/year
• Responsibilities
• Accomplishments

Writing About Your Accomplishments

When writing about your professional experience, focus on accomplishments! Use an active voice. Write short, keyword-rich, factual statements. Here are some examples of accomplishments employers like to see:

Also highlight skills and characteristics important to your accomplishments. For example, highlight your leadership and teamwork talents, verbal and written communication skills, or research specialties.

Education

Use the same reverse chronological format as your resume. Provide the following information for each degree you've earned, starting with your most recent degree:

• College or University
  
• Location
• Academic major(s), minor(s), and course concentration
• List any extraordinary situations, such as international study experience. Also provide any special course work, lab work or training that is pertinent to your profession.

Additional Information

• Honors or awards you've received
• Languages you speak or write fluently enough for business communications
• Publications
• Professional presentations