A resume gives a potential employer the cliffs notes version of you at a glance. You want to put enough information in that they get the general Idea, but not enough that they don't need to talk to you. For each job, you should have starting and finishing dates (to the month is usually sufficient), name of the place as well as your position, immediate supervisor(s), contact info, and if there is something interesting or important that you did at that job. For example, I used to work for a CPA. During that time, I helped to edit and assemble the text that is now used world wide to certify valuation analysts. So, under that job on my resume, I have, "Assisted in assembling the text used nationally and internationally to teach classes that certify Valuation Analysts."

Try to keep it down to one page. Anything more than that, and employers are wondering why you have had so many jobs in such a short time (resumes should only cover the last seven years). You become a loss - they pay to train you, you hang around for a few months and are gone. Companies are looking for stability, which you will appear not to have. Also, cut out any jobs that you had for less than three months, unless they are seasonal. People understand needing more money, and it shows that you are versatile and a hard worker.

Use a font that is easy to read, no matter what size font you use. Most of my resume is done in a size ten font. I could use twelve, but it looks messy to me. Play around with the tabs and paragraph settings on your word processor (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Works, etc.). These can be useful in making bulleted lists, or in manipulating the document in general. Your name and contact information should be at the top of the document, easily distinguished from the rest of the document, but in the same font. That may mean using a different size, or using bold, italics, or underlining. When your resume is completed, you may want to center your resume vertically, or you may want it to start at the top. You may want larger spaces around the edges. Most word processors allow you to manipulate these items. Play around until you like what you see.

Most word processors have some templates for resumes. Use these to your advantage, or just look through them for ideas, and create your own. The important thing to remember is that you are selling yourself, and your resume is one of your most important resources to make the sale. It should be clean, concise, accurate, and a reflection of you. Use colored and/or scented paper, a different font (how boring is "Times New Roman"?), switch up the formatting, etc. Have fun with it!

You should have three documents ready for each interview or postion you apply for.  These are a cover letter, your resume, and a thank you letter.  Any professional format is acceptable, so long as all three match one another.

Your cover letter should be about a paragraph in length, and it should state why you applied for the position and what qualities, skills, or qualifications you have that make you the best candidate for the position.

Your resume should reference each of your prior places of employment, including the name of the company and your individual position.  You should also include a brief description of your duties, and any awards or training you recieved.  Remember, you are selling yourself, so even though you are trying to keep this brief, you also want to impress the person reading.  Many people believe that you must also put the address and phone number on this portion of the resume, but that is false.  You should have this information on file somewhere that you can easily access it but not included on your resume.

You should also have a thank you letter prepared, thanking the interviewer for his or her time and expressing your hope that you will hear from them soon.