On resume writing PRIME: Can you give us some concrete tips on how a boomer's resume can stand out in the crowd? Nichols: When a resume pops up in front of a reviewer, whether it is a boomer or anyone [as the applicant], there s about 30 to 60 seconds [to make an impression]. Key words and accomplishments are very important to having a resume go to the next level. Nichols said jobseekers should follow these guidelines: Resume writing guidelines 1. Write your resume to show three things: --the amount and kind of related responsibility you have handled; --the results that you have achieved; -- the relevancy of your past responsibilities. 2.Be sure to include these elements: -- List your achievements and how you produced them . -- Use statistics or numbers that reflect your accomplishments. -- Keep brief, clean, and easy to read. -- Be specific. -- Be selective. Doff: You don't have to pack your resume. It s more about the need to represent you well; to be professional, relevant and intriguing so that they want to call you in for an interview! 3.Match the style of the resume to the style of the company. Nichols: For example, maybe you have done work with several departments -- that's called cross functional. You may not have thought to use that word, but in doing your research [ about the company you re applying to], you find that the word [cross-functional] is important to that company, or that kind of company. You want to be sure to include it. 4.Be creative but always professional. Doff: It s all part of having the competitive edge. Being intriguing is doing things like using [dynamic] verbs ones that are relevent to the company you are applying to, quantifying your accomplishments [and] using key words that tie into the position the company is trying to fill. 5. Make several drafts before going to final print. Get feedback from your support system. 6.Create an electronic copy. 7.Always send a cover letter. PRIME: Are there some things you shouldn't do on a resume? Nichols: Yes. Here are my suggestions: The resume dont's -- Don 't include names of references on the resume. -- Don 't mention salary. -- Don ' t make it too long.Try to accomplish a resume on one page.