Your resume will be the first product of your work that prospective employers see. You will want to spend time making it effective ... and making it look good. Use these tips to create a winning resume.

Appearances count

Use good quality paper stock. Don't print your resume on cheap copy paper. Check for typos and grammatical errors. Use the spell-checking feature on your word processor and ask a friend to review your resume to find mistakes you might have missed.

Keep it short

Try to keep your resume to one page if possible. But if your career warrants a two-page resume, then go ahead and create a document that reflects the full range of your experience and accomplishments. Don't reduce the type size so that your resume becomes difficult to read.

Truth or Consequences

Don't fudge over dates or titles on your resume to hide the fact that you have been unemployed, that you switched jobs or that you held low-level positions. Being upfront and honest is the best policy.

State Your Case

If you are seeking a job in a field in which you have no prior experience, don't list your job experience by date. By choosing a functional or skills-oriented format, you can present your relevant experience and skills up front.

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Don't simply copy the job description jargon from an HR manual. Do more than simply list your job responsibilities. Present specific accomplishments and achievements: percentages increased, accounts expanded, awards won, etc.

No Excuses

Don't include the reasons you are no longer working at each job listed on your resume. The phrases "company sold," "department relocated" and "left for a better opportunity" have no place on your resume.

Target Your Audience

When writing your resume, keep the position you are pursuing in mind. Then include the career experience that most suits the job you are after.

No Extra Papers, Please

Don't include copies of transcripts, letters of recommendation or awards with your resume. If you are called in for an interview, you may bring these extra materials along for show-and-tell.

Don't Get Personal

Personal information does not belong on a resume. Don't include information on marital status, age, race, family or hobbies.