Discuss Reginald Harper's answer to: Resume Writing

Job changes are the least favorite thing most people ever contemplate.  It means that you are unhappy with your employer or he is unhappy with you.  That always goes against you. 

Resume' writing is not as easy as it sounds if you are trying for a senior position.  Junior positions are usually filled by less qualified persons, therefore junior level resumes are not expected to show the polished perfection of a senior aeronautical engineering consultant.  However, the better you polish your resume' the more professional you will appear.

Use 12 pt Courier, Pica, or Roman for your resume.  Avoid any "fancy" type font such as script.  Once you print it on your word processor, put it on a CD and take that to a professional resume' editor.  A phone consultation will reveal any weak points in your resume' and how to correct them.  DO NOT use email as it can be hacked very easily.

Name, address, phone number, cell, email, and call sign (if applicable) should go at the top of the page.

Next, the position sought.  Be specific but not limiting. 

Date you will be available.

Reason you wish to change jobs.  If the contract is due to expire on a given date or you intend to retire from the military then say so.

Education.  Just your degree and date of award will suffice.  There is no reason to go back to to kindergarten. 

Working back three jobs, start with your present position, what you are doing, and why you intend to sever from your present job.  Month and year you were hired and separated will do. 

Professional license(s).  Date of award.

Security clearance.  Level and date of award. 

Specialized training (instructor pilot, CAE, other certification).

Health (always say "excellent").

Personal.  Marital status, home ownership, ability to relocate, etc. will be part of the equation.

Patents, recent publications, civic organizations, community involvement, charities you have helped, etc. 

Hobbies, pets, physical fitness activity, etc.

Now, having listed all that (and anything else that would help you get that sought after job offer) find out who is hiring and tailor your resume' to that specific employer.

Under no conditions waver about your abilities, NEVER exaggerate, and say what you can do.  Say why you can do it, show what you have done, and show what you are willing to do to tailor yourself to the new job. 

Go about it diligently, plan your campaign, time your shots, and realize that the competition is willing to fudge their resume' to get that foot in the door -- even if they get the door slammed on it a few weeks later.