Resume Writing : How to best proceed writing your resume

• Unless you really are a top expert or recognized authority in something, be sure to sell yourself without exaggerating or overstating. It's always more believable. Use concrete examples. ("At XYZ Co., for instance, I added 400 outlets to their original 65 in just 2 ½ years"). Make absolutely certain that your examples are not vague, general, or insubstantial. (Avoid phrases like "I was instrumental," etc. They're weak and unconvincing.)

• Write in complete sentences and/or statements. You are telling, however briefly, an important story. Everything in your résumé is important so make sure your tone throughout reflects that fact.

• Don't pack in wads of facts - even if you've gotten. Compress. Summarize. Emphasize what's impressive de-emphasize (or leave out altogether) what is not so impressive. A résumé is not an autobiography. It's an advertisement.

• Include the gaps in your employment record if you have them. However, you must be prepared to explain them. It is okay to summarize or lump together a number of positions you may have held within a fairly short time provided you indicate that on the résumé and remind yourself that one day you may have to explain those.

• Never lie on your résumé. Make sure that all you present is the truth and that you can back it up.

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