3. Make resume easy to read

Don't print your resume in any font size smaller than 11 pt. Be liberal with white space and remember that bullet points in a list help a reader to absorb information.

You can emphasize headers and key points by discreet use of bold type, capitals or underlining -- but don't overdo effect.

Consider going on to a second sheet if a single page is crammed.

4. Seize reader's interest in first few lines

If your application is one of dozens or even hundreds received, you need to capture attention of reader in just a few seconds. The best way to focus interest at start is with a powerful objective -- or, if you prefer it, a skills summary. It's place to emphasize your key achievements and core expertise and identify specific job goals.

The employer wants a straight answer to question 'What can this person do for me?' -- so make your profile easy to read and give a clear statement of what you can bring to job.

5. Don't underplay your achievements and experience

You've already imagined what perfect candidate for job would be like. So now focus on those aspects of your own background and skill set that best illustrate those attributes.

Highlight your key accomplishments and areas of authority and, wherever possible, use action verbs and statements that quantify what you have achieved. But don't get creative here: make sure you give evidence for your claims.

6. Order your information according to what reader wants to know

There's no single correct order of elements in a resume. Everything depends on what employer or recruiter is most interested in finding out.

In general, put your most relevant material first! Many recruiters like a reverse chronological order of dates.

Also be aware that some employers dislike a purely functional resume format and feel that it glosses over gaps in work history or other shortcomings.

7. Check your spelling and grammar

There's no substitute for careful proofreading of your resume. Use grammar and spell checking software by all means, but be aware that it may not always pick up contextual errors.

Print document and check it on paper rather than on screen. If possible, ask a reliable friend or relative to double check for mistakes. Don't forget to check that you have spelled names correctly.

Conclusion: keep developing your resume

Your resume is a powerful marketing tool. It will always be a 'work in progress', constantly needing updates and refinements according to changing circumstances. If you're planning or conducting a job search, redrafting your resume could be one of best investments you make towards your future career success.

Nigel Patterson is a business writer and publisher of http://1st-class-resume.com/.

There's a story I like about Phidias, a Greek sculptor working on Acropolis. As he was finishing a statue of Athena, which would stand a hundred feet high next to a marble wall, an onlooker asked, "Why are you chiseling strands of hair on back of her head where no one will see them or even know they're there? "I'll know," replied Phidias.

I wish I would have found a cabinet maker with that same attitude when we were building our home. When we moved in, we discovered tops of cabinets uncapped and unstained. It's true no one would see them. But, it was not quality of work we expected, paid for or wanted. The cabinet maker had settled for mediocre. But we didn't. We had him do them over.

People who are winning at working know when good is not good enough. They operate like Phidais, not our cabinet maker. They understand that quality work is not an accident. It's a deliberate focus that starts with high personal standards. People who are winning at working don't settle for mediocre. Not in others. And not in themselves.

(c) 2005 Nan S. Russell. All rights reserved.