Your resume is a critical tool in your job search. The design of your resume should highlight the most important information about your work experience, skills and education. A resume should be up-to-date and concise with relevant information relating to your background. The main selling points of your resume should be clear and quick to scan. Highlight your strengths and what is most relevant to a potential employer.

Contact information.Your resume should include all of your contact information including: name, phone number, home address and e-mail contact information.

Career objective. It is recommended to clearly state your objective. A career objective can help you find your ideal career match.

Professional experience. List each position held in reverse chronological order, dating back at least ten years. If you held multiple positions within the same company, list them all to show advancement and growth. The body of each position description should describe your responsibilities and accomplishments. Resume design should get attention but it's really the content of your resume that will sell and highlight you as the best candidate for the job which includes descriptions of your skills and abilities. Remember to use metrics and numbers to quantify accomplishments. Some things to highlight in the body and content of your resume include:

• Management responsibilities
• Career advancement
• Increase in sales or production
• Increase in efficiencies across different business units
• Success stories with internal/external clients
• Reduction in costs and expenses
• Financial/Budget responsibilities
• Project highlights

Education/Certifications. Be sure to include all of your education, professional training, certifications, professional affiliations, skills and languages.

Personal information. It is not recommended to include personal information such as age, marital status, etc.

Personal interests. Keep personal interests to basic things such as golfing, chess, and volunteer activities.

References. Be sure to include that references will be provided upon request.