Too Many Temp Jobs Can Spoil the Resume

"For instance, a network support technician with 10 years of experience would not have to tell the reader they 'plugged in printers.' We hope that after 10 years you can do this," he said.

Worthington said that workers should carefully weigh the value of each bullet point, asking themselves if the information is something that will get them hired. "Don't bore your reader to death with every little detail and duty," he said. "Concentrate on bigger picture issues in terms of what makes you a better candidate than someone else," he said.

Finally, he said, if you've got the space, consider including a brief section under the heading "Selected Assignments." Here you can quickly list a few key company names and assignments, including the assignment length and a blurb describing what you did there.

Colley, president of Chesapeake Rsum Writing Service, also recommended listing the temp agency as your main employer.

Unlike Worthington, though, she doesn't think it's necessarily a bad idea to highlight duties and skills used on the temp jobs, especially if the temp jobs allowed the worker to learn and practice new skills for a desired career change. And don't be afraid to tout your stints at brand-name employers.

But, she said, you can drop the temp listing from your résumé once you've had steady employment for a while. "It's not necessary to include your entire work history," she said.

Now that's temporary.

Join Mary Ellen Slayter for Career Track Live, an online discussion of issues facing young workers, athttp://www.washingtonpost.comon Nov. 21 at 2 p.m.