If Tory's tips are not enough to put your resume in working order, free advice is also available from Ford R. Myers, a "nationally-known career coach, and author of 'Get The Job You Want, Even When No One's Hiring.'"
Myers first suggestion is to "Be Brief," especially in the summary section. "The summary is a brief statement of who you are, where you are 'coming from,' and what skills and expertise you have to bring to the organization," the career coach suggests. Trust me -- if your summary, no matter how brief, includes the words, "Here's where I'm coming from," your chances of getting that job are less than zero, unless you're applying for an executive position at the International Center for Cliches.
Myers also suggests that "you use strong action words at the beginning of every sentence." One of the preferred words is "launch," as in "Launched a major initiative." Good idea, but in your case, I think you might want to replace "launch" with "lunch," since it's the part of the workday that you care the most about. As in "Lunched for a month without picking up a check."
Both Myers and Johnson agree that "There is no need to focus on our after-school job or high-school accomplishments." Again, I'm going to have to disagree. Your high school years were your best years. Remember all your energy, enthusiasm and potential? Sure, you can focus on the bitter, twisted person you've become, but why not emphasize the positive. And wear your high-school letterman jacket to the interview. Hiring managers will be riveted by your stories of helping your school's archery team win the county conference.
Of course, if none of these resume updates get you hired, all is not lost. As must be apparent to you, there are endless opportunities in becoming an expert on career opportunities. Get good enough at it, and you may never have to update your resume again.
