When you're looking for a job, you're basically selling yourself to potential employers. And when you're selling anything, a presentation of the "goods" best points can go a long way. For job hunters, this means having a proper resume to present to companies that you are interested in.

If you are applying to a number of businesses that deal in your trade or profession, some people will use a "format" resume. However, that can be less appealing when a company gets dozens of these and don't have any openings. The ones who will get attention, and possibly be kept for future consideration, are those that address the needs of that specific company, or what the applicant has to contribute. So when preparing a resume, you can lay out basic information on work history and education, but other areas should be adapted and printed out individually for each job you apply for, placing emphasis on what you have to offer them.

Generally speaking, a resume should start with your name, and contact information. It is not necessary to provide any other personal information such as age, birth date, etc. Cell phone numbers are not recommended, unless that is the only way you can be reached.

Start with a summary paragraph that emphasizes the positives about your background and experience. Use words like "motivated, strong, able, dedicated", etc. Follow that with a paragraph about your skills and strong points, emphasizing those that would be of the most interest to that particular company. Next, give your work history, and then your educational background in bullet point format. There is no need to expand on the basic information.

Keep resumes to one page for college graduates, or those just entering the workforce. People with extensive experience and educational credits, may use up to two pages, but remember that the longer a resume is, the less chance it has of being read.