Ré-su-what?

Um, that's résumé. You know, that one page'r where you get to dissuade a hiring manager or perhaps knock their socks off. All jokes aside it is a very important piece that sells yourself long before you arrive for your interview...so use it to your advantage!

List your contact information. This one is pretty basic.

• Don't forget to include the best phone number to reach you at. If you have any ringback tones that can work against you, you may either a) want to suspend it or b) give a different number altogether. An HR manager for, say, Bank of America may not appreciate hearing "Mo' Money, Mo' Problems."
• Include an email address that works. If you're proud of your alma mater, rock your .edu email account! Just keep in mind that a lot of university-affiliated email systems have aggressive spam blockers, which may inadvertently block out important emails....like the one requesting that you show up for your EcoChat Interview on The Rainmaker Network Web site at 9am tomorrow.
  
• Appropriate email handles may be in the eye of the beholder. However it's usually safe to err on the side of caution. Instead of sxyqt_nyc@hotmail.com, why not try mary_q@hotmail.com?
• Include your Rainmaker URL. It's a great way to get their attention once they click on your link. You'll have all of your information ready to download at the click of a button and they can view your introductory video as well!
  

State your background of study. This is a great place to mention your major(s) and/or minor. Make sure that you state exactly what you're studying, the way it would read on your diploma. For instance, a BA in Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design is much different than a BA in Graphic Design.

State pertinent work experience. Here, it's best not to creatively re-word your experiences or titles at any prior job or internship. Make sure to include the people of authority of which you worked with (i.e. Worked with the Assistant Managing Editor to secure cover stories and interviews). Unless you can make a case for it, I would leave off unrelated jobs (i.e. video store clerk, retail associate, Santa's little helper) unless they directly tie in to what you're looking for...or unless you've performed above and beyond your position and it resulted in some significant savings or profits for your company.

State honors or awards you've received. Again, keep it related to the line of work you're interested in. Only state awards older than a few years if you were recognized on a national level.

If you're still having problems, there are tons of sources online. The Rainmaker Network provides tons of templates and support for their members. Learn more by logging in and checking out the Tips and Tools!