Building a resume is only part of the job hunting process. Howard Dowding has written an excellent guide covering all aspects of finding a new job. Some of this great advice appears here with his kind permission.

Taking care
Take a copy of the form and fill that in first, then copy your answers to the actual form. In this way you can avoid mistakes, alterations, etc. Read the form through carefully from start to finish. This will avoid putting points in early on, which should have been left until later. Note the order required for your first name and surname.

Being neat
Use a pen not a pencil. Make sure that your writing is neat and easy to read. Place a lined sheet underneath the form, so that your writing is straight and even. Look out for those answers to be given in BLOCK CAPITALS - usually name and address.

Answering every question
Answer every question and if it does not apply to you, put 'Not applicable'. This will tell the reader that you have read the question, but have decided that it does not apply to you.

Taking note of the order
Unless specified differently, put schools and colleges attended and examination results in chronological order. However, when giving details of vacation or part-time jobs, put the most recent first, since these are the most relevant. If the names of your next of kin are required, put those of your spouse, parents or brothers/sisters.

Hobbies and interests
Just list, briefly, two or three hobbies or interests with any special attainments. A long list of every sport and pastime that you have ever engaged in does not look convincing.

Dealing with a disability
If you are required to state any disabilities, then be positive and explain what you are able to do. E.g. If you are partially sighted, explain what you can see and under what conditions. This will enable the reader to assess you fairly.

Additional information
Under the space for additional information, list those activities or jobs, which are relevant. Include any positions of responsibility, e.g. team captain, handling money, etc. If there is any additional information which you want to add and there is not enough room, then write it on a separate sheet and staple it to the back of the form.

Choosing referees
Always ask permission of referees before giving their names. Choose one referee who can attest to your academic abilities and one who can give you a more personal reference.

Final check
Check through the form, to ensure that you have answered all the questions and that there are no mistakes, then sign and date it, if this is required. Return the form with a short covering letter, which specifies the job for which you are applying and states that you would be pleased to supply additional information, or attend an interview. Do not force the form and letter into a small envelope - use one that is large enough to take both, with a maximum of two folds.