Your resume plays a central role in launching your career. It is your personal marketing piece. You are the product and the employer is your potential customer. You have a lot of competition out there, so it is imperative your resume stands out, is professional, and adequately summarizes your skills, abilities, and achievements.

Functions:

Your resume is the primary tool for your job search. It should tell the employer what you have done, what you can do, and why you are a match for the job. It should offer a positive first impression and give preliminary indication of your professionalism, organization and creativity. It can also serve as an outline during the interview.

Ultimately, your resume should summarize your skills, qualifications, and experience. It should set you apart from other job seekers (competition), and position you for the interview.

Check out this listing of action words to include in your resume:

Resume Action Words

Check out these links for additional resume advice:

Monster - Resume Center
HotJobs - Resume Writing

Career Journal (Wall Street Journal) - Resumes
Resume-Resource.com

JobStar Central - Resumes

Rockport Institute - Resumes

Riley Guide - Resumes