Q: What is the first thing you notice on a resume?

A:The layout — is it clean and easy to read? Think of some basic questions a recruiter would ask while looking at a resume. "Where did the candidate go to school?" "What job does the candidate currently hold?" Lay out your resume in a way that the recruiter can easily jump around and answer these questions. If you need a magnifying glass to read the font or if everything bleeds together it makes it harder to focus on the experience you have. Bullet points under each job that clearly outline your responsibilities in the role make it easy to quickly gauge your background and skills.

Q: What do candidates absolutely have to have on their resumes?

A:Your contact information. I know it sounds like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many people do not include their phone number or email address. Remember, your resume may get separated from your cover letter. If you want the job you want the recruiter to be able to get reach out to you.

Q: What should they leave out? What are some common mistakes you see on resumes?

A:Make sure you "dust off your resume." What does that mean? Take off information that is no longer relevant. It is very impressive that you got a perfect SAT score, but if you've had several jobs since it is time to take them off. The main focus is the work experience you have had and the job skills you can bring from one organization to another.

Q: Name five things candidates should keep in mind when writing their resumes.

A:1) Spell-check
2) Have month/year on your employment history
3) Include any additional job-related skills you have such as languages you speak or computer programs you are proficient in
4) Move your work experience to the top of the resume
5) Don't lie

Q: What are some common resume myths?

A:When you apply for the position you have to love the city/state/zip code of the job. If you are a qualified candidate and you understand where the job is located we can work with you.

Q: What older rules no longer apply to resume writing?

A:If you have applied to the position and (because you followed these tips) you have written a great cover letter telling us why you are perfect for the position — you don't need to include an objective. We know what you want.

Q: Does the layout/design of a candidate's resume have any effect on an employer? (i.e., if the resume is on colored paper, or sent via video)

A:Ask yourself this question — is my resume professional? Recruiters have to pass your resume (in whatever format it takes) along to a hiring manager who is also one of their colleagues. If your resume glitters, we have a problem. Remember, your resume is a representation of who you are professionally, so make sure you are putting your best "font" forward.

Rebecca Alimena is the Human Resources manager at HarperCollins Children's Books • Learn more about HarperCollins Children's Careers