Include introductory information

• Begin with a header that includes your full name, address and telephone/fax number(s). List email and Web site addresses, if applicable.
• Consider placing a 1-2 sentence targeted description of your professional objectives at the start of your resume.

Provide detail

• Include detailed information about your skills, not just a vague overview of past responsibilities.
• Under education, include only the most recent degree you have earned.
• If you have certification relevant to the position, remember to include it.
• Never rely on a job title to relay your expertise in a given area. Provide as much detail as necessary for the client to make an informed decision.
• You needn't keep your resume under two pages in length.
  Omit personal information (e.g., your age, marital status, or Social Security/Insurance Number).

Maintain multiple resume versions

• Customize your resume to the company and position to which you are applying, based on your research.
• Help the potential client or employer see your relevance to the position.
• Take the time to understand each client's or employer's requirement and tailor your resume to highlight required skills.

Review your structure

• Document experience in reverse chronological order with your most recent work at the beginning.
• Each job should include the company's name, all positions you held there, and the years and months.
• List your greatest strengths up front in point form so the reader's attention will be captured early.
• Describe your skills and achievements using descriptive, action-oriented language.
• Provide a Technical Summary - technical skills and the amount of experience you have with each - at the end of your resume.

References

• Don’t include references in your resume – note that they are available upon request, and then send them when asked.

Set yourself apart

• Describe significant accomplishments, tangible results, or awards of recognition that set you apart from others with comparable experience.
• Explain how you provided added value beyond your employer's or clients' basic expectations.
• Include non-work activities where they reflect positively on your skills and abilities. (E.g. programming you voluntarily contributed to a non-profit organization.)

Check your presentation

• Keep your resume looking aesthetically pleasing by keeping it clear and simple. Choose an easy-to-read, 10 pt. typeface in black.
• Many prospective employers will scan your resume.
  Avoid using tables, borders, columns, or graphics which can interfere with scanner readability.

Proofread!

• Careless mistakes on your resume may lead a potential employer or client to assume you will be careless on the job.
• Never rely on computer spell-check or grammar-check functions to proofread your resume.
• Carefully reread a hard copy of your resume.
• Ask someone else to review it to catch any errors you may have missed.

Deliver the finished product

• Email your resume as an attachment in a widely recognized file format, such as text (.txt) or rich text format (.rtf).
• If you must fax your resume, send it from a PC fax board so that it comes out as clear as possible.
• If neither of these options are available, consider sending an electronic copy on diskette or a laser printed original document via courier.