The objective of writing a resume should be clear. A well-written resume is a personal marketing tool. An employer forms a first impression by looking at a resume. It must display the right message regarding the achievements of an employee. Employers receive a large number of resumes and have a brief time to scan through each. So, the significant information must not be hidden under a heap of unimportant text. The hiring manager must be impressed and attracted in a few seconds. Never begin the resume explaining your aim or objective. The employer does not care for this. What is necessary is what you can do for the organization. There must be a hard-hitting opening statement explaining your skills, personal attributes, abilities, and accomplishments. The most crucial aspect is how the person has contributed to the previous organizations he has worked in. This explanation must not be generalized, but should reflect in numbers and percentages. Employers are interested in the actual responsibilities shouldered rather than job titles. They are reluctant to look at unrelated job titles to try to determine whether you have the skills required for the position you have applied for. Sometimes the official title has to be followed by a more descriptive title in brackets. Finally, mentioning your education will lend maximum credibility to your resume. Resume Outline Basically, a resume should include the following data in the order mentioned below:

• Name and contact details
• Profile
• Major achievements
• Work experience
• IT skills
• Language skills
• Education/Qualification/Training
• Projects
• Interests/Hobbies
• References

Those studying in college/university or applying for their first job must mention their education before their work experience. Name/Contact Details Name, address, telephone number, cell number, fax number, e-mail address must be mentioned. Profile Skills, experience, and capabilities that concern the job are expected. Major Achievements Achievements include those of past experience or jobs. For example, those related to procuring a project on time, enhancing the revenue or profits, optimizing procedures, improving economy as facts and figures, may be included. Work Experience The employment record must be mentioned in reverse chronological order, starting from the most recent job. Language and IT Skills If relevant to the job and if felt essential, these may be included. Education/Qualification/Training The qualifications must be listed in such a way that the most important and relevant precedes others. Chronology is not mandatory. Projects Work-related projects, or those completed in school such as team class projects, academic research, individual class projects, and thesis topics that demonstrate your skills and knowledge of various subjects may be mentioned. Hobbies/Interests Only those pertinent to the position applied for are expected. If the person has been working for a long period of time, then this is not required. References While references enhance the credibility of a resume, this is not a mandatory section. Resume Writing Tips You must pay attention to detail and ensure the data is correct and error-free. There must be proofreading for spelling, grammar, and tone. An efficient resume is created by organizing data in a logical fashion and maintaining clarity. In a cover letter, the hiring manager should be addressed directly along with the organization's name and position you are applying for. Your name and the word "resume" must be included in the email header. Focus must remain on how the employer's job can be facilitated. The entire process must have a professional outlook.