An initial focus

A resume needs an initial focus created to help the reader. The reader will not want to read through every word in order to figure out what your profession is, and what you can do. Think of the resume as an essay with a title and a summative opening sentence. An initial focus may be as simple as the name of your profession ("Commercial Real Estate Agent", "Resume Writer") centered under the name and address; it may be in the form of an objective; it may be in the form of a summary statement or, better, a summary statement beginning with a phrase identifying your profession.

Liberal use of power words. For every skill, accomplishment, or job described, use the most active impressive verb you can think of (which is also accurate). Begin the sentence with this verb, except when you must vary the sentence structure to avoid repetitious writing.

Results-oriented.

Wherever possible, prove that you have the desired qualifications through clear strong statement of accomplishments, rather than a statement of potentials, talents, or responsibilities. Indicate results of work done, and quantify these accomplishments, whenever appropriate. For example: "Initiated and directed complete automation of the Personnel Department, resulting in time-cost savings of over 25%." Additionally, preface skill and experience statements with the adjectives "proven" and "demonstrated" to create this results-orientation.

Writing that is concise and to the point.

Keep sentences as short and direct as possible. Eliminate any extraneous information and any repetitions. Don't use three examples when one will suffice. Say what you want to say in the most direct words possible, rather than trying to impress with bigger words or more complex sentences. For example: "coordinated eight city-wide fund raising events, raising 250% more than expected goal" rather than "was involved in the coordination of six fund raising dinners and two fund raising walkathons which attracted participants throughout St. Louis and were so extremely successful that they raised $5,000 (well beyond the $2,000 goal)".

Vary long sentences (if these are really necessary) with short punchy sentences.

Use phrases rather than full sentences when phrases are possible, and start sentences with verbs, eliminating pronouns ("I", "he" or "she"). Vary words - don't repeat a verb or adjective twice in the same writing "block" or paragraph. Use commas liberally, to clarify meaning and make reading easier. Remain consistent in writing decisions, for example, use of abbreviations and capitalizations.

Production

Use a laser printer or another printer that produces high quality results. It should look typeset. Do not compromise. Do not use a dot matrix printer unless you are applying for a burger flipping job. Your resume will look pathetic next to ones that have a typeset appearance. Use a standard conservative typeface (font) in 10 or 11 point. Produced to the sharpest printing quality - no faded or broken letters; Off-white / cream or bright white 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper, in the highest quality affordable. If you are applying for a senior-level position, use Crane's paper. An absolutely clean paper - no smudges. No staples. Generous border. Don't have your resume look like you sqwuz too much on the page.

Length

Everyone freely gives advice on resume length. Most of these self declared experts say a resume should always be one page. That makes no more sense than it does to say an ad or a poem should automatically be one page. Your resume can be 500 pages long if you can keep the readers undivided attention and interest that long, and at the same time create a psychological excitement that leads the prospective employer to pick up the phone and call you when they finish your weighty tome. Don't blindly follow rules! Do what works. Sometimes it is appropriate to have a three pager. But, unless your life has been filled with a wide assortment of extraordinary achievements, make it shorter. One page is best, if you can cram it all into one page. Most Fortune 500 C.E.O.s have a one or two page resume. It could be said that, the larger your accomplishments, the easier to communicate them in few words. Look to others in your profession to see if there is an established agreement about resume length in your field. The only useful rule is to not write one more word than you need to get them to pick up the phone and call you. Don't bore them with the details. Leave them wanting more.

Length of consulting resumes

In a consulting resume, you are expected to shovel it as deep as you possibly can. If you are selling your own consulting services, make it sizzle, just like any other resume, but include a little more detail, such as a list of well-known clients, powerful quotes from former clients about how fantastic you are, etc. If you are seeking a job with a consulting firm that will be packaging you along with others as part of a proposal, get out your biggest shovel and go to town. Include everything except the name of your goldfish. A full list of publications, skills, assignments, other experience, and every bit of educational crapola as you can manage to make sound like it has something to do with your work. The philosophy here is: more is better.

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