Here's an excellent book on resume writing that pulls it all together: Resume Writing Strategies Revealed
How To Do A Good Resume
Good resumes are often the difference between finishing at the bottom of the pile and actually getting the job. Writing a good resume can seem like a difficult task, because it is not something you will do very often.
As in any other form of writing, there are some general standards that you must be aware of. A well-structured resume always contains certain information, pulling all that information together into a really good CV is where a bit of art comes in.
It is no surprise that there are many professional resume writers and services available. You get much better at the things that are a part of your daily routine.
Reviewing and re-writing your resume is probably not something you do even once a year, sometimes it is best to consult someone who makes their living writing resumes. This is especially true when you are competing in a large pool of applicants for a highly desirable position.
However, hiring a professional resume service for most jobs may be overkill and may not really help your chances of landing the position or getting an interview very much. Businessmen are used to being sold to on a daily basis. Too much salesmanship in your resume can lead them to wonder how much you may have "enhanced" the information.
So one of the keys to a good resume is making it push the key hot buttons a potential employer might have that indicate that you are the right person for the job, all without going overboard in any way.
Each resume should also include a summary of your skills, accomplishments related to those skills and a list of your work history, training and education. A good cover letter can help your resume stand out in the pile as one that deserves a thorough examination, but it is your qualifications, in the end, which will make the difference in securing an interview.
I am not a big believer in reinventing the wheel. Nor should you be. One of the best ways to find a resume format that suits your particular situation is to find several good examples of professionally written resumes and tailor those styles for your own situation. In other words, use other resumes as a template to build your own. But in the end remember the best resumes are normally from applicants with the best qualifications.
