Creating an Effective Resume

A resume should be used to showcase your strengths and achievements, but in a manner that is easy to understand and easy to read. Don't use your resume as a way to show off complicated language or uncommon words.

Kevin Donlin, owner of Guaranteed Resumes, says to make sure your resume highlights positive contributions you've made to past employers and/or while in school. By listing your job duties from a previous job, employers have to decipher what kinds of qualities you can bring to their company. Be clear on what you offer. For instance, if you met a sales goal, say so and how much. If you cut costs for your company, say by how much. Use your resume as a way to showcase specific results, not as a laundry list of job duties.

Because you've focused so much time on the content, you may forget that the appearance of your resume is important to. Don't submit a resume to a potential employer that is hard to read. Stick with a common font, like Times New Roman in an 11 or 12 point font. Avoid using capital letters often, which can be hard to read.