1. Provide job title plus a detailed explanation of daily activities and measurable results-milestones achieved.
   
2. Document work history accurately, and make dates and places of employment very clear.
   
3. Specify some of the more technical or involved aspects of past work or education.
   
4. Give appropriate attention to jobs or educational credentials according to their length or importance to the reader.
   
5. Only present information that is job related or clearly demonstrates a pattern of success.
   
6. Be explicit, leave nothing to the imagination.
   
7. Try to stick to two pages.
   
8. Create an error-free document representative of an educated person.
   
9. Organize thoughts in a clear, concise manner.
   
10. Looks count so select the proper visual format, type style and stationary.

A few other elements you may want to include:

• Relevant professional achievements - awards received, goals met, people supervised.
  
• Educational accomplishments -special honors or training.
  
• Additional areas of competency - details on computer literacy, other languages spoken.
  
• Professional designations and certifications - such as APR.
  
• Success indicators - anything that distinguishes you as a leader or winner.
  
• Related experience - journalism background.
  
• Security clearances.
  
• Citizenship status, if appropriate.

A Few Don'ts

• Avoid mentioning salary history or requirements.
  
• Only list high impact or well-known professional references. Otherwise " References: Available Upon Request" is very appropriate, or if it's a marketing communications position, you may want to include a portfolio of work you've supervised/managed. Just say: "Portfolio Available Upon Request."
  
• When submitting a resume, enclose only a business card. Save writing samples and the portfolio for an interview.
  
• Leave out personal information. Companies today must adhere to strict Equal Opportunity Employment (EOE) and American Disability Act (ADA) rules and regulations, so personal information of any kind is not appropriate on a resume.

Take a look at the sample of what an effective chronological resume might look like.

Sample Resume