The hardest part of building a resume can be the start. If you are unsure where to start, talk to friends and family who know you well. Get their ideas. Set a clear goal or objective. Plan to write and rewrite again!

Maintain Focus - Develop a concise job objective or summary statement that shows how the position matches your career goals. It is not vital that you include this statement on your resume, but make sure the rest of your resume reflects this objective.

Be Accurate - Avoid misrepresentation of your abilities.

Target Your Resume to the Position - Your resume is a marketing plan selling YOU! Choose skills and activities most relevant to the job. Include information on how you can contribute to an employer's bottom line. Employers are interested in what you can do for them, not what they can do for you.

Highlight Your Accomplishments - Provide examples of challenges you faced and problems you solved. Quantify your achievements using action verbs. Avoid passive phrases. Emphasize the positive!

Choose Your Words Carefully - Convince the employer you are right for the job. Use readable fonts and make every word count. Learn to pack every word with power.

Be Professional - Proofread your resume several times (and have a friend do the same). If sending a hard copy, print your resume with a quality printer on high-grade paper.

Don't Spam Employers - Sending more resumes does not guarantee more interviews. You have a better chance of winning an interview with a quality, targeted resume sent to a few employers.

Avoid Resume "Don'ts" - Check out this list of possible controversial issues.

Items of Controversy - Avoid listing political affiliation, controversial employers or activities, or religious beliefs.

Personal Information - Listing your age, height, weight, race, ethnicity, or marital status is not necessary. It may provide open invitations for discrimination.

Personal References - Remove personal references from your resume. It is assumed you have references.

Salary Requirements - Do not mention your salary desires or wage history.

Errors - Check your resume several times for accuracy, consistency, correct use of grammar, and spelling. Stick with a single verb tense. Have someone proofread your resume.