by G.K. Dickey

Created on: May 18, 2008   Last Updated: June 16, 2009

You want a job, you need it now, and you either have a resume or it is outdated.

Take the time to fix it because your resume is your first impression, and it better be good.

Your one-page resume, with a one-page cover letter, are the only must tools that matter to help tell your future employer that you are the right person they are seeking to hire. Anything beyond that is boring to a busy employer.

First and foremost, do your homework. Learn about the people who will be signing your paycheck and fashion your resume (and cover letter) specifically for the position you desire: No "Dear Sir" nor "Dear Ma'am" nor "To Whom It May Concern." Take the time to find a specific name to address your application. Writing to "Personnel" or "Human Resources" is not good enough.

Everyone likes to see their name in print, and so do you

Create a simple letterhead, including your preferred formal name, complete mailing address, telephone number, cell number and e-mail address. If you do not have all this information, find a friend who does.

This is pretty simple: You cannot get hired if you cannot be found.

Unless you are applying for a high-level educational or corporate position, which usually requires a multi-page vita, a simple one-page, compact, fact-filled resume is not only sufficient but preferred. This approach, in itself, shows confidence as well as clarity of thought and purpose.

Basic structure is straightforward:

OBJECTIVE: "To utilize my experience and acquired skills in . . . (one sentence)."
WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE: Specific duties you have performed.
WORK HISTORY: Chronicle start and finish dates of previous jobs you have held. (No time gaps, please.)
EDUCATION: Graduation dates of schools attended. Also include certifications for specialized training, such as Red Cross, real estate, technical training, etc.
HONORS/ACTIVITIES: Awards won, promotions earned, and community service positions held. This one-paragraph section should include a short list of your hobbies and interests outside of work.

Choosing the right words is critical. Refrain from using careworn words like "goal oriented." Instead "show" in that you mean it when you set out to achieve: ("Named Safety Officer of the Year", or "Successful in 94 percent of engine repair diagnostics.") Take care to make sure your verbs are in the active voice: ("Always pay attention to detail" and "Enjoy the challenge of troubleshooting".)

Technically, whether your resume is presented in print or by computer, avoid getting locked into pre-formatted computer resume-writing programs. Take a look at them for ideas about how to set up your own, but most become more trouble than they are worth when it comes to putting out your own, personalized version.

The main pitfall you want to avoid in preparing your resume is to over exaggerate or be frivolous. Your inclination might be to state that you are "the best thing since sliced bread." This will not fly because it is not true.

A resume is a serious document you want to be proud of in your gut, especially when you know it is truthful.

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