The resume template that you are attempting to create should be able to grab attention, and set it apart from others. There are two aspects which have to be addressed to grab that attention and make that all important first impact on a prospective employer: for one the content should set one apart from the rest. You should be able to bring something more or something different to the table that sets you apart from others in terms of abilities and / or experience and / or qualifications.

Secondly, the format of your resume should be such that it is easy to read, yields its salient points quickly and clearly and is lucid and well set out. Examples of resumes that are properly formatted, free resume samples are all available on the net; however these basic guidelines ought to be followed for the purpose of drafting your resume:

What to Include: Good examples of resumes should always have certain key elements such as:

The Objective which tells the prospective employer immediately what you and your special skills are about.

Qualifications would include training, education, any and all awards or prizes received etc, anything that indicates one’s particular abilities and skills.

Experiences would include previous jobs or positions held, the level of the position (junior, supervisory, executive etc) and the systems with which work experience was obtained.

Any other details and qualifications that are relevant to the job at hand should be included in the resume template. Be sure not to include frivolous details or irrelevant skills.

Don’t Mix it up: The resume should be set out in a single, clear and easy to read font and font size. This is not the time to use pretty or flowery fonts and indulge your whims; it is important to keep it simple, and easy to read. The headings should be in a larger font and be typed in Bold so as to draw attention to the salient points.

Keep it short: Ideally a resume should be a one page affair; it makes it easier to read and assimilate. If you are wondering how to include a whole bunch of information all in one page, you could take a look at a number of free resume samples available which show you how to condense information in a pithy and concise manner. Set out only relevant details which show you in the best possible light.

Make it look good: Make sure that you use good quality printing paper and envelopes; good stationery makes a good impression. Use a good printer to print the resume sample, so that the printed letters are neat and clearly visible. Don’t crowd up the page; spacing of the lines should be done in a way that is clear to read. If you feel you have to include certain details that just will not fit into one page, let it carry on to the second page rather than try and fit it into one which makes it difficult to read. Widely experienced individuals would probably have to do this and their resumes may stretch to more than one page.

So keep these pointers in mind and you will have a resume template that will be able to be modified and altered as you or the job may require.