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WRITING a great resume does not necessarily mean that you should follow any hard and fast rules. Every resume is a one-of-a-kind marketing communication with one specific purpose: to win an interview. Instead of merely sticking to a bunch of rules or a strict format, it is more important to be acquainted with the basic principles of writing a highly effective resume and then tailoring it to suit your needs. Resume writing, is not just about doing things right but also about not doing them wrong. Here's a checklist to guide you in dressing up your resume:

* Do use a standard word processing programme, like Microsoft Word or WordPerfect, but do not use the wizards or templates for resumes! Their formats are not the best, and the template is difficult to modify. Use simple fonts like Arial or Verdana.

* One-page long resume is recommended for graduates applying for jobs, although most employers don't mind two pages of important information. Be as concise as you can, but don't leave out the essentials. Stick to a plain, heavyweight resume paper, white or light beige. For the hard copy, use laser printing or a very high-quality photocopy but remember not to use ink jet.

* Do give your name and contact information at the very top of the page. This will get the rid of superfluous headings such as "Name" and "Contact Address". It also makes it more likely that the recruiter will remember your name.

* The sequence should contain most important items first: education if you're still in school or have recently graduated; experience, if you have significant relevant experience. Also, state your case - if you're seeking a job in a field in which you have no prior experience, don't use the chronological format. By using a functional or skills-oriented format, you can present your relevant experience and skills better.

* Do write a proper covering letter to go with your resume. A covering letter provides a short introduction of you, the position you're applying for, and the skills, qualifications, and experience you possess. Restrict it to half a page. Don't use cliches like "I am enclosing my resume for your kind perusal and consideration". Most recruiters will just skim over all that.

* Do try and find out who will be reading your resume and then address your letter to them. This will give your resume a better chance of being read.

* Ensure you do proofread before you send your resume. Make sure you have a printed copy of your resume and give it a thorough read. Spelling and grammar mistakes show that you can't be bothered about reading your resume carefully. Some recruiters won't even call you for an interview if they find spelling mistakes. Don't create a negative impression at the beginning itself.

Here's a brief list of some common errors that could make your resume plummeting down the round file! Avoid these errors while resume writing and half your job's done!

* Don't create "fill-in-the-blanks" types of covering letters. Letters that have blanks for positions and company names like "Application for the position of ———" create the impression that you have been sending them out to plenty of companies, and are not bothered to create an individualised letter.

* Don't ever write, "application for any suitable post" in your covering letter. If you can't decide where you will fit in, don't expect your potential employer to think of a position for you.

* Don't include too many personal details. Exclude information irrelevant to your job such as:

• Parents' name — your parents have nothing to do with your job.

• Family history (employers are more interested in what you can do, not whether your father is with the government or if your sister is married), height, weight, blood group, and health (not required unless you are applying for the job of a fitness instructor)

• Nationality: Not required unless you're applying for a job abroad.

• Languages known: once again, unless it's a job requirement, it's a waste of space.

* Don't write volumes about the companies where you have worked previously. While it may be good to have worked at a reputed company, a half-page description of the company's activities should do the needful. Your resume should sell your skills, not your previous employer. Do point the skills you acquired at your previous jobs.

* Don't give a long list of job responsibilities that you were entrusted with. Give results, instead of writing, "In charge of training of employees in computer applications". Instead say, "Trained 35 employees to use Windows 95, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel within 4 months". This will help your potential employer assess you by what you have done and is more likely to get you an interview.

* Don't give details of more than the last three to four positions/ companies where you have worked. Either omit the rest or put them in a section called "other positions held". If you've got 10 years of experience, writing about your first job as a trainee is not required and only makes the resume long. Recruiters who often have to look through tens and hundreds of resumes may skip through yours, which is not what you want.

* References — it's not a good idea to list out references that you have. You may instead just say that 'references can be furnished if required' etc.

* Salary — while resume writing, never mention the salary you expect or the salary you were previously getting. There is a chance of your resume getting trashed, either for too high or for too low. So, stay clear of pay talk!

* Even if you have looks that can kill, ensure you don't attach your picture unless specifically asked for. Passport photos have their way of turning bright, cheerful people into sulky, grumpy, stone-faced people and the recruiter may form a negative impression of you before he/ she even meets you.

Ensure you keep these do's and don'ts in mind while drafting your CV. Happy resume writing.