There're some key topics that your resume should include:

1. Job Objective - This topic allows employers to see that you're interested in a specific type of work. This is effectively done with one sentence that's to the point.

2. Summary of Qualifications - a brief paragraph that summarizes your experience and qualifications.

3. Professional Skills -- This section gives direct details concerning your qualifications.

4. Work Experience -- This section should be a one paragraph summary that highlights your previous jobs. Make sure to include a starting and ending date, your reasons for leaving, a job title and duties did you perform, and any other accomplishment that's job related.

5. Education - This section is a summary of all schools you attended, any degrees that's earned, and special classes and/or training.

6. Honors and Awards - This is the section where you can list honors and awards you've received.

7. Personal - This lists information about what hobbies and activities you enjoy. Keep it to where it's job related.

8. Others -- professional organizations you're affiliated with, computer or programming skills, or any articles or books published.

9. References - This section normally stipulates "references available upon request."

Make sure to include all basic information on your resume. But, don't forget that it's important how you say it. Don't use boring statements. It's better to use action words. Here are some typical action words:

Accelerated, achieved, advised, approved, assisted, built, calculated, completed, conceived, controlled, coordinated, created, decreased, defined, designed, developed, directed, earned, edited, engineered, evaluated, found, generated, implemented, improved, invented, managed, operated, organized, planned, proved, revised, scheduled, tested, trained, verified, wrote.

By using these key words you'll portray an impression that you've been responsible for different kinds of tasks. In other words, this just illustrates that you weren't a follower. Make sure to be truthful. It's not good to oversell yourself by stating falsehoods.

A resume is really a basic document. It's not difficult to write a good resume, if you follow the simple guidelines shown in this report. Dividing your writing into sections will make it a much easier job. These different sections also help you to stay organized. If you've worked on a specific project or had an important position at a previous job, include this information in another section.

Another good way to make sure you incorporated proper resume writing techniques is to read another good resume. Use it as an example. Then write several different resumes until you find the best combination of topics for your specific skills. It's also wise to have a friend to read the resume and scan for any problems.

Uncovering Potential Jobs

There are lots of people that don't have good job-hunting skills. Not everyone is an expert at locating job openings for which they may be qualified. Here are some ideas to help you uncover those jobs.

NEWSPAPER ADS - These usually draw the most applicants, so you'll end up with a lot of competition. If you're not restricted to one particular area, you may want to check out of state newspapers.

Find a way to make your resume stand out so that it isn't lost among the many applicants. Here are a couple of ideas:

(1) Send a cover letter to accompany your resume.

(2) It's best to call before you send the resume. If it's possible, speak with the person who'll be doing the interview or whom you'll be working for. If this isn't possible, talk to the human resource manager about the job and let them know that your resume is coming. This will help them to remember your name and consequently help you throughout the screening process.

PRIVATE EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES -- these are agencies that try to match up employees to employers. These agencies vary in the way they work. Some can be very helpful. Others are somewhat unscrupulous. The wise choice is to stick with an agency that specializes in your field of choice. Beware of agencies that constantly print the same ad because, often, they're only trying to build a list of candidates. Make sure to use agencies that don't require you to pay a fee.

TRADE JOURNALS AND PERIODICALS - These are often the best places to look. These printed materials are often the primary means of job advertisement for certain types of professions.

Other good places to look include: trade shows and professional conventions, personnel offices, college placement offices, and friends you have that are in the same profession as you. Another way is to search through the yellow pages and locate companies that may need a person with your skills. Then contact these companies by using a phone and follow-up by sending in your resume. Job searching is a skill that requires persistence and patience. Don't become discouraged. Keep making plenty of contacts. Sooner or later, you'll find the job that's built for you.

The Job Interview

Most people are nervous when they go to a job interview. However, by preparing beforehand you won't have anything to worry about. Believe it or not, occasionally the person conducting the interview is nervous, too! Most interviewers make their decisions within 10 minutes of the interview. There are many steps that you can do that'll greatly improve your chances of getting the job.

The first thing the interviewer do is check out your appearance. It doesn't matter what type of job you apply for, dress appropriately! Business suits are your best option. Dark blue or gray pinstripes are the best colors. Refrain from wearing a loud tie. Make sure your clothes are wrinkle free and your shoes polished. Women should wear a conservative suit dress. Avoid excessive jewelry, make-up, perfume and bright nail polish.

Things To Do While At The Interview:

(1) Arrive early. If you arrive late, you'll feel as though you're rushing and the interviewer may consider you an unreliable employee.

(2) Walk upright, with purpose, and stand up straight.

(3) Don't smoke cigarettes or cigars, chew gum, and slouch down in the seat. Don't read a novel or engage in other similar activities while you're waiting in the lobby. If some of the company's literature is available, it's best to read that instead. As a matter of fact, this is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the company you're being interviewed for. This will help when you're asked for questions at the end of the interview.

(4) Give the interviewer a firm handshake, and look him or her straight in the eye.

(5) Always be prepared. Carry extras of your resume and a copy of your academic record.

(6) Refrain from talking too much ... or too little.

(7) Above all, remember to be natural and relaxed. Be yourself.

Before And During The Interview

(1) Remain positive about the process.

(2) Focus upon your accomplishments and achievements from your previous jobs.

(3) Know as much as possible about the job duties and requirements of the position you are applying for. This helps you when you're ready to ask further questions.

(4) Research as much as possible about the company.

(5) If you are really interested in the job, by all means let the interviewer know.

(6) Questions you need to ask include: when will the job start? Who will I be reporting to? What would a typical day seem like?

(7) Don't ask questions about salary and benefits at first. If you are selected, they will make you a salary offer. Toward the end of the interview you can ask about benefits.

After The Interview

There are many things that you can do after the interview that will help make you an even more perfect job candidate. Here are a couple of tips:

(1) Write thank you letters. This shows interest about the job and keeps your name circulating around.

(2) If you have not received a phone call or email within 8 to 10 days, you may want to call. Let them know that you are not trying to be pushy, you're just interested.