A résumé briefly summarizes your work-related skills and accomplishments. It describes your educational background, relevant experiences, achievements, activities and interests. It should present information logically, enabling the reader to glean the facts quickly and easily. The language must be succinct, expressive and action-oriented to create the most positive effect with the least number of words.

The résumé serves most often as a tool for screening job applicants to determine which applicants are to be interviewed. Because it is one of the first things a potential employer sees, it is imperative that it calls attention to the most significant and positive aspects of your background. In addition, the résumé can be used to inform personal contacts, and those who might recommend you, of your qualifications and experience.

An effective résumé is crucial to a successful job search. It's worth investing the time to develop a document that showcases your qualifications effectively.