Resume Preparation Tips Do's
• Compose your resume to assure that it can be scanned
   by an employer without editing
• Format using an 8-1/2" x 11" size and 10 or 12 point font size.
• Use an accepted RTF font type (Arial, Tahoma, etc. which is
   readable when scanned) keeping it consistent throughout.
• Keep margins to a minimum of 1/2" to 3/4"
• Include all contact information including permanent and
   temporary address (if applicable) all phone numbers and your
   primary email address at the top of the first page of your
   resume.
• Incorporate a skills summary paragraph near the top of
   your resume.
• Include completed education and / or training and
   degrees earned.
• List jobs in reverse chronological order by date
  (most current first).
• Provide details of past experience and job duties concisely
   and complete using terms that are easy to understand.
• List the name of the company and geographic location for
   each job.
• For contract or temporary assignment experience, document
   these as "Contract Position" and include the name of the client
   company where you were assigned.
• Provide security clearance level and status, if applicable.
• Include your name and page number on each page of a
   multiple page resume

Resume Preparation Tips Dont's
• Don't use columns.
• Don’t use text boxes or non-standard paginated configurations.
• Don't use script or other fancy font types.
• Don't underline words.
• Don’t include cover sheets in the body of your resume. If there
   is pertinent information you wish to share, include it in the body
   of you email when you forward your resume.
• Don't include your social security number.
• Don’t include birthdates and graduation dates.
• Don’t include personal information such as weight, height,
   eye color, marital status, hobbies, etc.
• Don't use your photograph.
• Don't show salary or pay information.
• Don't use a narrow "Job Objective." Use a "Summary"
   format  to identify strengths and benefits you bring to a
   potential employer.
• Don't exaggerate your experience.
• Don't list reasons for leaving prior employers.
• Don't use abbreviations (except those that are acceptable
   in the technology field such as IBM, DBA, SQL, etc.).
• Don’t include the names of professional references and
   their contact information and exclude personal references.

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When Considering Contract Opportunities

1. Research contract staffing firms that specialize in making placements that match your skill sets. A quick review of their open jobs will do the trick. A programmer analyst will experience greater success when selecting to work with a specialized technical staffing firm instead of general staffing organization who specializes in clerical and administrative placements.

2. Engage only with reputable firms and those associated with the staffing industry’s trade associations. These firms pledge to adhere to a code of ethics and good practices, most of which deal with employee relations. Additionally, these firms do not charge their employees fees for placing them in jobs. They promote legal, ethical, and professional practices for the staffing industry and their members are kept abreast of the latest developments in labor laws and human recourse best practices.

3. Enlist the services of just a few reputable specialized firms at one time and be sure to inform the recruiters of each firm that you are working with multiple firms and pass along the names of those companies with each recruiter. This will ensure you will not be double submitted on a position if both firms are working with the same client.

4. Keep your resume up to date and include technical skill sets in detail. For technical contract staffing opportunities, the rule tends to be the more information available on a resume, the better.

5. Always call and confirm that your resume was received by a recruiter after it is emailed to a firm. Recruiters process hundreds of resumes on a weekly basis and all appreciate a personal follow up call from an active job seeker.

6. Keep in touch and make a point to call or email your list of recruiters once a week for the latest updates and job openings. Share personal job search developments and other pertinent information

7. Insist that every recruiter that you work with contact you directly to review potential positions in detail prior to submitting your resume for consideration with one of their clients. A reputable firm will never submit your resume without your final approval.

8. Once an interview is secured, follow the “3-P Rule”, Prompt - Positive - Professional. Research has found that more than 50% of a decision makers’ hiring scorecard is based on 3-P Rule. Your individual recruiter will provide other specific technical details prior to the interview.

9. Call your recruiter shortly before and immediately after an interview. This will ensure your representative can act efficiently to secure an opportunity on your behalf.

10. Inform recruiters when your status changes or when you accept a new position. Recruiters know that they work with small windows of opportunities and it is important to share availability status as a professional courtesy.