Most gamers do not comprehend the importance of a good resume. A resume is an important marketing tool and the only thing most employers get to see before deciding on an applicant's worth.

There are major key points to a good resume. If you follow these points, you greatly increase your chances of landing the dream game job you've always wanted.

So let's start with the "DO'S":
* Do have a good aesthetic layout to your resume. There are many sample you can find by researching the Internet. There are also resume writing firms that offer free consultations in which professionals can advise you on what is wrong with your current resume. This document must flow from beginning to end.
* Do start with a great objective. Your objective should not only state what you want to do, but rather focus more on what you can do for the company that you're applying for.
* Do tweak your resume so that it fits the job description you are after. This could mean just minor changes.
* Do expand as much as possible on your employment history and the goals you have accomplished.
* Do set up a "skills" section on your resume displaying all of the software & hardware you are competent in using.
* If you're an entry level applicant only keep your resume down to one page.
* Do list education if you have some sort of college experience. Even if you have not completed the courses, you can list your expected graduation/completion date.
* Do try to get some gaming experience even if it is unpaid or volunteer work. This increases your chances of getting a game position.

Now on to the "DONT'S":
* Don't use "I", "My", or "Me". A good resume comes across as a person telling the story of your experience and what you're capable of offering. Try to draft it as if you are not writing it, but a person is asking you questions and writing it for you.
* Don't state in your objective that you wish to further your career or anything of that nature. It only gives the employer the feeling that you're looking for experience and then you plan on moving on to another job.
* Don't list personal hobbies, or any personal information about yourself on your resume. This includes birthdate, social security number, personal interests, marital status, etc.
* Don't list that you graduated from high school and especially don't list the year you graduated. This will only show how old you are before an employer even gets to meet you.
* Unless you've graduated cum laude, do not list education at the top of your resume, it belongs on the bottom.

A good resume clearly tells the employer what your skills & abilities are as well as what you bring to the table and how you will improve the overall company. This goes for any employer whether it be a game company or a major corporation.

Creating a resume is not easy, but it is worth the time & investment in your career.

Lou Garrett