Never include personal information such as your picture, weight, or marital status.

Make sure your name is on every page you submit.

The recommended font size is 11 or 12 point. Keep in mind that different fonts and styles will affect the size and readability of your text.

Avoid repeating the same word throughout your resume.

Never omit or lie about employment dates.

Your employment must be listed in reverse chronological order. In other words, the first place of employment listed on your resume will be your most recent going in order backwards to your first position.

You should use past tense when describing your responsibilities at your previous positions. The only responsibilities that will be described in present tense are your current responsibilities.

Your resume should be tailored to a specific position, so you may need more than one resume.

Make sure you have a professional e-mail address to use on your resume. Also, make sure your e-mail address doesn’t reveal information you don’t want to include on your resume e.g., momof9@yahoo.com.

Do not use contractions in your resume.

Do not include unnecessary information such as your reason for leaving the jobs, non-value adding hobbies, political and religious affiliation, and other information that has no bearing on your ability to do a job.

List your computer skills and all relevant certifications.

Include specifics in your responsibilities and accomplishments. What information can you provide that sets you apart from the other applicant who held the same positions?

The placement of your education on your resume will depend on your level of experience. If you are currently working on your degree or are a recent graduate, your education information should probably be listed before your work experience. Once you have received your college degree you no longer need to list your high school degree.

Double and triple check your contact information.

Every error on your resume is another reason why you shouldn’t be hired.

If you have to explain your resume, it needs to be rewritten.

Do not use personal pronouns in your resume.

A resume should never have anything on the back of the page. If your resume is longer than one page, use a second piece of paper.

Mail your resume is a large, sturdy envelope so that it arrives without folds and creases.

Do not send presents or trinkets with your resume.

Your resume should be attractive and easy to read. Attractive does not mean fancy fonts, etc.

Do not write “Resume” on the top of your resume. It should be obvious that it is a resume, and it will distract from what you have to offer.