The Professional Resume Writing and Research Association has declared September "International Update Your Resume Month," and Cal State Northridge management professor Jay Christensen said now is the perfect time to take a look at your professional history and make sure that the right information is presented in the right format.

"When you prepare a resume, always ask this penetrating question: What am I going to use this for?" Christensen said, adding that once you figure out the answer, the rest will fall into place. "In a sense, the answer will provide you with a 'road map' of what you should put on your resume."

With that in mind, Christensen offered some advice for updating one's resume:

• Omit all mention of duties and responsibilities, and instead concentrate on accomplishments. When presenting accomplishments, make sure to include figures, percentages, time savings and other supporting data. For example: "Moved 14 products through the store inventory last month, resulting in a savings of $4,000."
• Keep your resume to no more than two pages.
• Make sure the data in your resume is ethically accurate. For example, do not include that fantastic but top secret new marketing campaign without getting permission from the organization first.
• Take a look at your job objectives and qualifications and make sure they are compatible.
• Consider hiring a professional resume service for a more polished look.
• If a professional service isn't possible, you might consult books on resume preparation.
• Use headlines emphasizing special, work-oriented keywords. For example, "Brand Transformer," "Powerful Negotiator of Contracts," or "Internet Startup Entrepreneur."
• Consider an informational interview with a potential employer, which provides the opportunity to show your resume during the conversation.

Christensen said his tips are designed to provide focus for someone drawing up or updating their resume, but do not limit the possibilities of how to sell your qualifications on the document.

"Probe deeply into how your resume can sell your accomplishments, results and practical work knowledge," he said, adding that he believes all resumes could use some improvement. "Resumes are tools like any other business communication. They allow the individual to focus on a particular result, the ability to gain that interview."