Your resume above all must look professional. Use black ink printed on standard 81/2 x 11 white or ivory bond paper with 1 inch margins all around. Choose a simple, unadorned typeface and keep graphic flourishes such as bullet points and boldface to a minimum.

Also keep in mind that the trend toward computerized resume screening is likely to increase over the coming years. You will want to use keywords in your resume that the applicant tracking system has been programmed to find-nouns that represent job titles, departments and organizations that reflect specific aspects of your work background.

Chances are your resume will be one of several reviewed by the hiring manager. Nothing sends a resume into the recycling bin more quickly than one filled with typos, misspellings and grammatical mistakes. A simple way to avoid these blunders is to proofread carefully and enlist the help of a friend or relative to review your document. An error-free resume will send the message that you pay attention to details.

The heart of your resume-your skills and experience-should be written in straightforward language avoiding slang and business jargon. Most important to an employer is not only what you did, but the impact of your work on the business. Above all, do not lie or add any kind of embellishment regarding your work history.

By taking some extra time choosing a resume style that works well for you, formatting like a professional and focusing on your specific accomplishments, you will have a resume you can be proud to send prospective employers.