Usually, when you present your resume, it is added to hundreds or thousands of other resumes, which are handed over as well. So it's vital that your resume be as short as possible with the key information that pertains to the job that you are applying for.

A resume that is short and to the point stands a better chance of being read in full than a longer one.

Use the Right Language

While writing your resume, always use active verbs. Your resume should be filled with factual details, so that someone reading it will understand your achievements and know you are a hard worker.

For example, don't say that you were involved in a sales campaign where you helped to sell over 100 flat screen TVs. Instead say you sold 16 flat screen TVs, and you were a part of 30-person sales campaign team.

Highlight Your Successes

When you talk about your past positions, always be positive when you mention your successes. Even if the company you were working failed to make a profit or closed down, you can still prove your achievements in other areas.

In this case, you could mention the positive contributions you made while you were with the company or the good times the company had while you were there.

Don't Overemphasize Your Strengths

One mistake many people make is that they try embellish their strengths and accomplishments.

If you were involved in a successful sales campaign or other project, note your participation in it and the contribution of the whole team to its success.

Point out your exact achievements without being vague or unbelievable.

Good Presentation - A Prerequisite

Remember that you are trying to market yourself with your resume. In other words, you are advertising your abilities and achievements. That being the case, your resume should be interesting.

Remember that your resume has to catch the attention of the employer, who has probably received hundreds of resumes. Your resume has to be clear, to the point and interesting to avoid being thrown into the circular file.

Don't create a flashy resume in the hope that you will make an impact on the employer. Any employer needs a professional resume, not one with lots of bells and whistles. Use only one font and standard formatting. Don't compose your resume with crazy fonts, colors, clichs, idioms, metaphors and so on. It is supposed to be a professional document, not a piece of creative writing or art.

A cover letter should always accompany your resume, and should be clear as to which position you are applying for.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.