Tips: Do's and Don'ts

Content Do's

Present yourself accurately and positively.
Include only enough information to encourage an employer to find out more.
Put education first
List your most recent (past ten years) positions or areas of expertise first, and work backwards. Work from strengths.
Include brief descriptions, when appropriate, of the companies where you worked: size, sales, volume, products, etc.
Stress accomplishments. Include figures to substantiate claims.
Leave out data that might result in discrimination (e.g., age, race, marital status, religion, etc.) Omit your photograph.

Use strongest action words (e.g., "designed" not "worked" on formulation of...")
Make the resume attractive to the eye.
Use a format appropriate for the kind of job you are seeking.
Have two others proofread and critique your resume for accuracy and impact.

Don't include salary requirements. You don't want to over or under-price yourself before the job is yours. (However, have an acceptable range in mind to discuss during the interview.)
Don't include references, unless requested. Reference requests generally are made when there is actual hiring interest, not before.
Don't lie or exaggerate.
Don't use pronouns, abbreviations, conjunctions, jargon or buzzwords unless terms are widely known and accepted as in the case of AFL-CIO, UNICEF.
Don't have someone else write your resume. (You can ask for advice, but you know yourself best and will have to defend the contents.)