jobsDB’s guide to writing your resume properly

CREATE THE BEST RESUME
Hundreds, if not thousands, of resumes pass a tired, but thorough HR manager's desk at any given day. Experts say that it takes him or her all of two seconds to size up if a resume fills the job requirements.

Hold that thought for a minute. Two seconds. That's a patch of air inhaled and exhaled. That's two digits drop down for your PC chronometer. You rarely feel it. But those critical two seconds are all it takes for your resume to either be lined for an interview, filed for future consideration, or be relegated to the dustbin.

The moral here is that your resume should immediately catch the attention of the HR manager. The first time he or she sees it. Otherwise, it may never have a second chance. That's how tough the recruitment market can be.

Here are few tips on how to write the best resume:

KEEP IT CLEAN AND BRIEF
Four-to-five page essays might literally scare the recruiter away. These very busy people simply have very little time to go through each, and not necessarily vital, information. The rule of thumb is one to two pages - or two and a half, if all of the essential data really can't fit in. Use clear, readable font that should convey an impression of efficiency and decorum. Erasures (from written corrections to snow-pated ones) and dirt smudges at the side are a no-no. They communicate sloppiness, haste, carelessness - which can turn recruiting managers off from the prospective resume owner.

GIVE YOUR CAREER OBJECTIVE PROMINENCE
Why are you applying for this job? What can you offer the company? What do you hope to attain? What career path have you set for yourself? All these questions should be answered or at least hinted at in the two-to-three-liner header that we call the "Career Objective."