Your resume is your most important calling card in your job search. It should include the following information:

Contact information. Include phone, mail and email contact information. In addition, make sure your voicemail message is professional. A message that is too casual can create a negative impression.

Career objective. You may choose to list or not list your career objective. If your objective doesn’t match the recruiter’s needs, you may miss out on a golden opportunity. However, a clearly stated career objective can help your recruiter find your ideal career match.

Summary statement. Your summary should be brief.

1. Include your title and years of experience.
2. List pertinent skills.
3. Discuss your character traits or work style.

Example: “Financial Accountant with over 10 years’ experience with two Fortune 500 companies. Technical skills include P&L, budgeting, forecasting and variance reporting. Bilingual in Spanish and English. Self-starter who approaches every project in a detailed, analytical manner.”

Professional experience. List each position held in reverse chronological order, dating back at least ten years. If you held multiple positions within the same company, list them all to show advancement and growth. The body of each position description should describe your responsibilities and accomplishments.

Other components. Include education, professional training, affiliations/appointments, licenses, technical skills and languages.

Personal information. Do not include personal information such as marital status.

12 Accomplishments Employers Want To See

• Increased revenues
• Saved money
• Increased efficiencies
• Cut overhead
• Increased sales
• Improved workplace safety
• Purchasing accomplishments
• New products/new lines
• Improved record keeping process
• Increased productivity
• Successful advertising campaign
• Effective budgeting

When you decide to take your next career step, write out your personal and professional goals to see if they align. The following questions can help you clarify your objectives:

1. Why are you in the field in which you are currently working?
2. Are your talents and personality traits being fully utilized?
3. Are continuing education and training high priorities where you work?

After you have answered these questions, take the following next steps:

Career management. Take control of your life by taking positive steps to achieve your objectives.

Support. Be sure that your family endorses your choices. You’ll be able to move faster when an offer is tendered.

Networking. Your career network should include friends, current and former colleagues, vendors, industry contacts, recruiters, teachers and classmates.

Skills. Today’s economic environment is constantly changing. Make sure your skills are up-to-date.

Changing careers is a major decision that can affect every dimension of your life. That’s why SCB recruiters spend time getting to know you, your needs and your goals.

How We Work

Confidentiality. Your resume is always treated confidentially. We will not forward it to anyone without first discussing the opportunity with you.

Fees. We are engaged by the employer. There is no cost to you for our services.

Getting Started. Getting started with us is as simple as submitting your profile.

Career Planning Services

We offer the following assistance to help you maximize your career potential:

Career Planning. We help you achieve both your personal and professional goals.

Protecting Your Privacy. Our secure database is accessible only to our professional career consultants.

Resume Tips. Create a winning resume. What to put in, what to leave out.

Interviewing. Preparing for the interview—what to ask, what you may be asked.

Interviewing Do’s and Don’ts. A checklist to help you succeed in the interview.

Resigning Gracefully. Resign from your current job without burning bridges.

Counter-offer. Counter-offers can be flattering, but are they in your best interest?