Since unemployment is at a 27 year high I thought it would be a good idea to
start the resume portal with a summary beginning with the right resume, and
what not to do on your resume. The competition is stiff for jobs in the current
climate of over the top unemployment, but the right resume can put you at
the top for consideration of a job.

A resume is a summary of your work history and accomplishments that pertain
to the job you are applying for. The word resume is French for summary.

Every resume is unique to the individual and the job he or she is applying for.
There are several accepted formats for resumes.

RESUME FORMATS

Two major resume formats are the chronological format and the
merit format.

With the chronological format your employment record is the primary organizing
principle, it list a job-by-job historical narrative of your work effectiveness.

This format is preferred by recruiters and employment counselors since it gives
a snapshot of accomplishments related to the job. It works well for those who
are progressing up a lateral career latter in the same field.

With the functional format, your key skills, knowledge and related accomplishments
are the primary organizing principles of this format, citing relevant examples of
effectiveness as proof and prediction of your ability to contribute.

This format is better for people well established in a career since it emphasizes
skills and achievements. It works better for those who are going into a different
field of work or switching careers.

The third type of resume is the combination of the chronological and format resume.

Many areas have unemployment offices or workforce development offices that will give
you advice on resume writing, job searches, interview techniques and job availability
in your field. Research and take advantage of these services in your area. There are
many resume examples on the internet. If money is not an issue, think about hiring
a professional resume writer.

RESUME OUTLINE

A resume outline includes:

A. A clearly stated JOB OBJECTIVE.
B. The HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS.
C. A presentation of directly RELEVANT SKILLS and EXPERIENCE.
D. A chronological WORK HISTORY.
E. A listing of relevant EDUCATION and TRAINING.

A. Work History

B. Education and Training

C. Job Objective

D. Relevant Skills And Experience

E. The Highlights of Qualifications

LENGTH OF RESUME

Many resumes that are pages and pages don't get read. Usually the first page after
a short cover letter is the most important page and will allow you to stand out from the
crowd. When an employer has 200 applications for only a few spots, the front page of a
resume is the most important page. They can quickly skim the front page for qualifications
and employment history and put your application in the interview pile. If a good candidate
is found in that pile your six page resume may never be read.

DISHONESTY ON RESUMES

One issue that continues to haunt employers is dishonesty on resumes. Dishonesty
is absolutely not acceptable. Tell the truth on your resume.  If you have something in your
past your employer should know about that is not listed on your resume tell them about it.
Many employers are very forgiving for upfront honesty. If they are not, that is ok, just
move on to the next job prospect. Before or even after employers hire you, they will verify
information on your resume with a criminal background check, credit check, and educational
check.

The problems with dishonesty on a resume are:

1. Any of the background checks above will verify that you lied.

2. It is against all company policies

3. It will get you fired from your job after a long hard search

4. You can be prosecuted for some resume lies, especially if the lie
enabled you to make a large sum of money.

5. You will have the guilt of lying  in your subconscious, while doing
your job, this will rob you of a clear conscious, and the ability to concentrate.

6. It is immoral

Msfinancialsavvy

Partial Source: Robert Half International