Creating a resume is a very important task in the journey of getting the job you are looking for.

In any industry, the appearance and content of your resume is a defining factor in the process of applying for an interview. Therefore it is very important that you create a resume that reflects a professional image.

Although there is no single resume that is better than others, nor a concise rule that dictates the 'taste' of the employer - there are guidelines which are common to any resume-based application. These guidelines reflect the need for conciseness, practicality and effectiveness in the fast-paced business world we live.

With that in mind, we've compiled a list of tips based in two categories: content and structure. These should assist you greatly in developing your resume, and taking a step ahead of your job-hunting competitors.

Content

The content of your resume must be simple and concise. Here are some guidelines to effectively select the content for your resume:

1. Research your prospective employer(s) and find out what are the requirements for the job you wish to apply.

2. Include only relevant information for that job application. Tailoring a resume is a successful recipe for job applicants.

3. Choose a formatting, structuring and wording style and maintain that throughout the whole document. Consistency is a key to the formula.

4. Make sure you check for any spelling errors before submission.

Structure

The structure of a resume varies in focus and style. There is no single 'right' structure; therefore it is important to concentrate on maintaining your preferred structure in the most professional manner:

1. One option of structuring is based in three main focuses: chronological, functional and a combination of both.

- Chronological resumes list work experience according to date, with the current job appearing first. Chronological resumes work well if your career has been progressive and you plan to continue in the same line of work.

- Functional resumes describe the skills you've used on the job. Functional resumes work well if you're contemplating a new career, don't have a lengthy work history or have held a number of different positions, because they sell your abilities based on the skills you've acquired during your career.

2. A professional appearance is the first impression an employer will get reading your resume. Keep discrete colours and do not abuse the use of symbols, tables and other graphical components. Visual simplicity is what they are looking for.

Pedro Gondim