Your resume is the first interface with your employer, make the most of this opportunity. Here are some tips to create a healthy resume.

Ideally your resume should be precise should be of one page or two pages. Employers have a busy schedule; so don't expect them to read through a long resume. Unless there is absolutely necessity, to describe your relevant work experience.

Use of language is extremely important; you need to sell yourself to an employer quickly and efficiently.

Address your potential employer's needs with a clearly written, compelling resume.

Avoid large paragraphs (five or six lines).

If you provide small, digestible pieces of information, your resume will be precise and neat

Use action verbs.

Verbs such as "developed", "managed", and "designed" emphasise your accomplishments. Don't use declarative sentences like "I developed the..." or "I assisted in.", leave out the "I". Avoid passive constructions, such as "was responsible for managing". Just say, "managed": that sounds stronger and more active.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE

Employers need to know what you have accomplished to have an idea of what you can do for them.

HONESTY IS A GOOD POLICY

Employers will feel more comfortable hiring you if they can verify your endeavours

There is a difference between making the most of your experience and exaggerating or falsifying it. A falsified resume can cost you the job later.

DOUBLE-CHECK FOR MISTAKES

Check your resume for correct grammar and spelling - evidence of good communication skills and attention to detail.

Nothing can ruin your chances of getting a job faster than submitting a resume filled with preventable mistakes.

Make your resume easy on the eye. Use normal margins (1" on the top and bottom, 1.25" on the sides) and don't cram your text on the page. Allow for some space between the different sections.

Avoid unusual or exotic fonts. Preferred fonts: Arial and Times Roman

USE BOND PAPER

Use standard, non-textured, fine-grained paper in white and ivory.

Keep in mind that textured and dark-coloured paper may not copy well when the employer makes copies to pass around to other participants in the hiring process.

If you need to copy your resume, make sure your copies are clean and clear.

TARGET AND CUSTOMISE

Be specific and emphasise what you can do for an employer.

If you're aiming at more than one job opening, customise your resume. It helps tailor your resume for a specific position.

DON'T GET PERSONAL

Avoid mentioning characteristics such as age, height, skin colour and references unless specifically asked to.

JUNK SUPERFLUITY

List your hobbies and interests only if you can relate them to the position you are applying for. Ensure that it does not eat into the space reserved for describing work experience.

Avoid the 'Objective' statement. The objective should be clearly and specifically mentioned in your covering letter. Never, never be vague about your objective. Statements like "looking forward to utilising my sales skills" or "seeking a rewarding position" add nothing to a resume. They not only confuse an employer but also make you seem insincere.

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