One of the most important writing assignments you will ever have, the résumé and cover letter act as a marketing tool. Together they form the core of a successful career package. While a job search campaign involves more than simply sending in a résumé, this article will focus on creating powerful documents to make sure you stay on the short list.

Gather your information…
Think back on your academic and work experience. Was there ever a time when you really stepped up to the plate and delivered? Think of anything and everything you have accomplished to get something done:

 Took a difficult assignment…
 Stayed late to finish the task…
 Contributed time, resources, knowledge…
 Received any awards or special recognition…
 Participated in studies or surveys…
 Managed resources or personnel…
 Saved time or money on a project…

Write down anything and everything you did to complete a task or project. Be sure to include specifics such as: dates, times, money, resources and personnel involved. It is better to have too much information than not enough; then, start writing. Organize all of your information into categories: duties, accomplishments, and skills. At this stage, don’t worry too much about the form. You can always edit later. Write in a “conversational tone.” In other words, write as you speak. Keep writing until you have exhausted either your information or yourself.

Choose a style…
There are three basic types of résumé styles: Chronological, Functional, and Combination. Choose the style best suited for you. Be sure to do plenty of research on the internet or at your local library. You will be surprised at just how much free information is out there concerning resumes; Joyce Lain Kennedy and Martin Yate offer terrific advice.

 Chronological: best for people who have an upward, linear career path.
 Functional: well-suited for people who are changing careers, have large gaps in employment or have little work experience. This format focuses on skills and accomplishments rather than employment.
 Combination: Combines the best elements of both. De-emphasizes small gaps in work history and sketchy education.

Components…
There are many components to a successful résumé. However, focus on the specific areas that will maximize your abilities.

 Objective: avoid lengthy, verbose sentences. This is the résumés headline. Tell the prospective employer you want to serve the company as a professional.
 Summary/Highlights: Broad stroke description of your skills and accomplishments as a whole. Use short, punchy sentences peppered with action verbs. Put all the good stuff right up front. Studies indicate you have about 15 seconds to grab her attention.
 Experience: Run down your work history in descending order. Put your current position first. Turn duties into accomplishments. For instance:

Duties: Made french fries at McDonald’s. Worked drive-thru window and made sure food orders were accurately filled; worked at the cash register for six hours.

Accomplishments: Provided courteous, professional customer service at McDonald’s franchise; ensured product quality and accuracy serving more than 1,500 daily customers; successfully handled in excess of $4,300 in food sales during six hour shift. This technique can be applied to any situation, entry-level through professional.

 Education: Include schools, locations, dates and degrees.
A thorough, well composed résumé will go a long way to serving your employment goals. Remember, the résumé is a representation of who you are. It is a living document that evolves with you—always ready to make you stand out.

 Tips from the Pros…
 Research: What the other guy doesn’t do will give you the edge. Find out everything you can about the prospective employer, and organize it into a Corporate Dossier. This information will not only impress the interviewer, but help you target your package to a specific company. A little homework goes a long way.
 Use bulleted points, white space and left justification: These important design elements make your document easier on the eye. It helps the reader zero in on your skills and abilities.
 Proofread and edit: Nothing will kill your chances of an interview than mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and syntax. Use the spell-check feature on your word processor. Hot Tip: read your résumé backwards. Reading backwards will make sure you hit every word and phrase. Also, be sure to have someone else read it—an objective eye can smooth out any wrinkles.
 Read your document aloud: it will give you a feel for cadence. If it sounds good, it will read well.
 Use high-quality 24lb. or 32lb. cotton paper available at any office supply store. This is your career; do not skimp on the details.
 Use a laser printer. Inkjets have come a long way but, nothing beats a crisp line only the laser printer can deliver.
 Beef up your Education: Under the “Education” section, don’t forget to include on-the-job training, seminars, workshops and continuing education courses. Employers like to see that you are willing to learn.
 Provide evidence. Use hard numbers, percentages and keywords wherever possible. Numbers and figures put tangibility into your accomplishments the prospective employer can see.

While the résumé may look complicated, the basics are integrity and common sense. Remember, your résumé is the first thing a recruiter will see and you have about 15 seconds to make it count. A hiring manager will decide whether or not to even call you for a preliminary phone screening based upon how you present yourself on paper. This is your first chance to make a lasting impression; make it count.