But one fact is for certain. Resumes are not about YOU. They're about what you bring to the table that will convince the reader that you can make a contribution to the organization.

In short, if you forget that your first resume has to written for the reader, then you become just another piece of paper on the reject stack.

So, before you do anything, take a long hard look at what you've got going for you that would be of interest to an employer. Don't consider only jobs you've had or activities you've engaged in. An employer is much more interested in what you have going for you that can make a difference going forward . . . not backward.

In other words, employers are less interested in what you used to for someone else than your proposal for what you can do to make the employer's job easier

Don't think of preparing a resume till you've sorted out your strengths, capabilities and assets. When you're ready, here are some general rules for your very first resume:

1. Stick to one page and use a simple layout.

2. Create an attention-grabbing headline that alerts the reader to your main strengths and capabilities.

3. Below the headline write an assertive summary statement that establishes the kind of results-oriented qualities you bring to the table. Do NOT write an "objective statement." Employers could care less what you hope to get out of the job. They want to know how you can make a difference to their organization.

4. Don"t indicate your GPA unless it is 3.5 and above.

5. When you identify your work experience it's very important to quantify what you've done, e.g. "I developed a very successful project on a limited budget. I was able to attract over 300 attendants and realized a profit of $2300."

6. Be sure to indicate particular skills and training you've received, e.g. computer programs, second language fluency, CDL license, wood-working, etc.

7. Identify extra curricular activities that set you apart from the competition, e.g. awards, athletic prowess, volunteer work, tutoring, specialized training, eventful vacations and travel experience, etc.

So, if you're ready to head into the marketplace with your first resume, you should also have a job campaign plan. Your resume is part of that plan. Without a carefully thought-out plan you're going into the job marketplace blind. The biggest mistake most first-timers make is to think their resume will get them job.

Look, there's a lot to do to prepare yourself for the job marketplace. An attractive, assertive job search resume is only one step. With a carefully-crafted job search plan can launch yourself into the job marketplace in a matter of hours and be entertaining a job offer in just days!