Résumés are used for three things: to get an interview, to introduce yourself, and to provide a documented, factual work history. You may not like it, but you've got to have one, and if you don't have a great résumé, you will be lost in the quagmire of job search.

What are Résumés used for?

1. To get an interview - Your potential employer will look at your résumé for 10-20 seconds (if you're lucky). If your résumé doesn't stand out, it's almost guaranteed to go into the "circular file" (shredder), never to be seen again. CAP Systems tries to keep your résumé to one page whenever possible (unless going into upper or executive levels) and we use specific key words to quickly show the potential employer your transferrable skills and abilities.

2. To introduce yourself - Tell the potential employer where you live, how to contact you, where you've worked, what you've done, your educational background, and your community involvement. CAP Systems sorts through what you need to tell and, more importantly, what you don't need to tell.

3. To provide a documented, factual work history - Don't lie. Don't embellish. Keep it simple, but impressive, focusing on transferrable skills and abilities. Try to use the standard "rule of thumb" which is to go back 10 years or 4 jobs - whichever comes first. Then include your educational background including recent seminars and workshops. CAP Systems stands behind our clients - if you tell us it's true, we believe you - but if you stretch the truth, outright lie, or embellish who you are - we are not responsible for the trouble you'll be in when you get to your new job and can't do the work!

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