“Résumé” is from the French word for “summary.” Your resume should only contain experiences that are relevant to the position you wish to fill. To maximize your chances for an interview, your resume should capture a person’s attention within 30 seconds. Here are some tips to help you write a successful resume.

1. Research the job you are applying for and tailor your resume to fit its description. Visit the company’s Web site and learn as much as you can about its history, culture, and products. Note the kinds of language the company uses, and try to imitate it in your resume so your employer can see you fitting into the company’s corporate culture.
2. Be as specific as possible. Use words that describe the size and qualities of your projects. For example, “Supervised maternity unit” doesn’t tell a reader anything about the results you produced or about the size of your staff. “Supervised 15 nurses; repeatedly promoted for excellence in management and patient care” is a much more specific, descriptive statement.
3. Quantify your accomplishments. Potential employers are looking for results-oriented employees who save time and reduce costs. Never include job duties on your resume if you cannot follow them up with the result that was produced. When listing your duties, try to answer the following questions:
   • How large was your department’s budget?
   • Did you standardize procedures?
   • Were you or your team commended on patient safety?
   • Did you consistently meet tight deadlines?
4. Use only past-tense verbs. Follow this rule even when writing about your current job. This creates consistency throughout your resume.
5. Use different verbs throughout the document. Use a thesaurus or a dictionary to come up with different verbs to describe your abilities.
6. Do not exceed two pages in length.
7. Have someone proofread your resume before you send it in.

Source: www.wetfeet.com