Write your resume about what you would LIKE to do vs. what you HAVE done, and remember to include any transferable skills or experience you've acquired in past positions.
All too often, entry level candidates or career-changers submit resumes describing what a great Account Rep they have been and then go on to explain that they're actually looking for a position as a Programmer or a DBA. Don't forget to include any training that you've undertaken in new areas which qualifies you for a position in a different industry.
While a cover letter is certainly an important component in a resume submission, avoid the temptation to re-hash what has already been covered on your resume. A cover letter is intended to highlight information that is not included in your resume. Stick to 3 or 4 paragraphs and try to write the letter in clear, concise language that will eliminate any doubts about your qualifications for the position.
Space on a resume is too valuable to be wasted on a statement like "To Obtain a Challenging Position in an Environment that is Rewarding and Stimulating Where Employees Can Grow and Learn." This adds little value...A professional summary that talks about what you’ve accomplished, or what kinds of industries you’ve worked in would be better.
Make sure to format your resume I such a way that it is E mail ‘cut and paste friendly. This is the most essential element, because if you end up with an unreadable resume due to the html code splattered all over the page, it won’t matter WHAT you have done: the employer simply won’t consider you as a candidate.
Keep your text simple so that you don't have to do too much formatting. This may be counter to everything that you have heard, but the world of resume writing is changing rapidly, to the extent that hiring managers are now no longer impressed as much by the 'look' and 'feel' of a document. What they are looking for is a candidate who stands out: one who possesses differentiating features or characteristics.
Of course, if you submit via fax or have a website where people can view your resume, then you can get fancier, but whatever you do, make sure that your resume can be easily scanned.
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