Resume Tips

Busy recruiters or human resource people don't have time to read long cover letters or functional resumes.  They also, don't have time or won't bother to read resumes with long narratives and filled with cliche.  Use bullet points that are easy to read and comprehend.

A resume should grab an employer's attention in the first 10 seconds.  It should be no more than two pages and easy to comprehend.  Keep in mind that a resume is not a life story, just a short and sweet synopsis of the highlights of your educational and professional career.  An effective resume will show an employer why you stand out from the crowd.  A resume should be compelling during a 10 second scan to get the reader to read your resume in detail.

Resume Organization

Name, City and State (no street address, too personal), cell phone number and e-mail address.
Contact information should always be placed at the top of the first page.

Job Title and Short Summary of Skills
State what job you are looking for; "Chief Operating Officer-Real Estate".  Then below in a Summary of Skills section explain what your skills are and what you are good at and where you fit.

Education
In some cases this should be on the first page and in other cases this should be at the end of the resume. 

Work Experience
Work experience is best given in reverse chronological order (Put the last job first, and the least recent relevant position last). This shows the recruiter what relevant skills were acquired during time spent at a particular position.  Under the job title give a short job description and then list accomplishments in bullet points below.

References
Instead of automatically including reference information on a resume, it is usually best to note it at the end of the resume: "References available upon request."