Do a "mind dump" of things you've done at work and how you did them, suggests Los Angeles career coach Daisy Swan. Write down everything you can think of, even if it seems insignificant. This will help you focus on your skills and pinpoint what you should include in your resume.
You're likely pinched for cash, so go to the library to find an assortment of books chock-full of tips. Career counselor Nancy Collamer, author of "The Layoff Survival Guide," says there are hundreds of resume books out there and that you can learn just by looking at good examples. Local bookstores also have a wide variety of guides and how-to's to make re-styling easy and painless.
For those who prefer using the Web, there are countless online resume resources with downloadable samples and templates for free or for a small price. At VisualCV.com, you can create an online resume and add multimedia features, such as a PowerPoint presentation.
Look at examples of resumes that are job-specific so you can cater yours to your desired profession. And if the thought of styling your resume on your on your own makes you cringe, simply download a template from Microsoft.
Edit, edit and edit again. It may seem overzealous to say a resume must be flawless, but it isn't. A simple mistake can land your resume in the garbage bin, so it is crucial to find all mistakes and fix every sentence.
Resume exchanges are a great way to get feedback and see what other people are doing says Pamela Skillings, certified career coach and author of "Escape from Corporate America: A Practical Guide to Creating the Career of Your Dreams." The more eyes that view and critique your resume, the better it will be. Just make sure the feedback is constructive, says Skillings, because hearing your resume "looks good" as-is won't help you.
Reach out to family members, friends, and even old bosses and co-workers. E-mail them a copy of your resume or meet with them in person, because every little suggestion can make your resume stronger.