There are numerous online resources for resume writing; online templates and builders are helpful and there are also books that will guide you through the process. http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Resume is one of the more helpful sites.

Resume styles will vary based upon the industry you are applying for; know what is expected and do your research. Most importantly, a resume must be flawlessly edited. Nothing is more distracting to an employer than having to read a sentence twice while stumbling over a typo. These resumes ultimately end up in the circular file.

Generally, it is only necessary to list the last 10 years of employment history. And unless you have just graduated, a brief mention of your highest level of school completed is sufficient. If you are over 40 and have a long employment history, don't make the mistake of chopping off the last entry and adding the most recent at the top. Your resume should be reworked each time you need to use it. The entries you used 10 years ago to describe your experience may very well be obsolete.

As for that Objective Statement; don't use it. Your objective is to get a job. Save that space for more pertinent information. Try to avoid a two-page resume.

You don't need to list salary information on your resume, but you may wish to create an addendum that lists your salary history, to satisfy any requests for this information. Generally, you have more leverage in negotiating your best possible salary when you do not disclose this information up front.

For more help with resumes, try these links:
   http://www.e-resume.us/ma/resume.asp?ref=g_uscvc_reswing_s
   http://www.jobhuntersbible.com/
   http://www.resumeimproved.com/?gclid=CI3vmoHLpJoCFctL5QodSVko8w

A few Dos and Don'ts

DO your homework! Know the company you are interviewing with and have some intelligent questions prepared for your interview. Asking good questions will set you apart from those who have put less thought into preparing for their interview. It shows that you are thinking ahead.

DON'T ask questions about salary or benefits in the first interview unless the interviewer brings them up.

DO dress the part. If you are interviewing for a position in the corporate environment, dress professionally. Jangly bracelet's, strong perfume (a job interview is not the place to wear perfume), scuffed shoes, threadbare briefcases or portfolios - these are little details that will make big impressions. And those impressions won't be positive.

DO listen. Listen and listen carefully. When you are in an interview, it is important to answer questions directly and to stay focused on the interviewer. Stay on topic and answer the question you were asked.

DON'T lie. Thorough background and employment reference checks should mirror what you bring up in the interview. Be up-front about everything; honesty is the best policy.

DO thank your interviewer for the meeting and follow up with a Thank-you note.

There are some questions that should NEVER be asked in a job interview. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are prohibited by law from asking applicants any medical question that could reveal a disability. Further, they are cautioned to avoid questions about:

Age or date of birth. If state or federal law has set a minimum age of 18 for certain occupations, the appropriate question is "are you over 18?"

Race or nation of origin. "Are you eligible to work in the United States" is an acceptable alternative.

Marital and family status. Keep the question centered on the job. "Can you be here from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.?"

Arrest record. Arrests aren't convictions, so it's best not to ask about them. On the other hand, an employer may ask about felony convictions.

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