The average job application may generate 200 responses. The reader may spend 30-60 seconds per resume. Yours has to meet the following marketing criteria to stand apart.

• What is most important should be stated up front.
• It must be easy to read.
• It must be brief.
• The appearance must be professional.
• Specific accomplishments are the focus.

The following points may seem like common sense, but don't overlook them:

• Printed with black ink on 8.5 x 11 white bond paper (view sample resume).
• Margins at least 1 inch all around.
• Format is commonly recognized.
• Typeface simple and easy to read in a single size.
• Bullet points and white space are accents; no lengthy paragraphs.
• Use active verbs (view sample list).
• No pen or pencil marks or correction fluid.
• No typing errors, misspelled words, or grammatical mistakes.
• No irrelevant and "fluff" information – no high school information if college graduate, go easy on hobbies.
• Don't lie or embellish the truth.
• Have at least two people review your resume and provide feedback.