Imagine a potential employer looking over your CV. Will he spend two or three minutes reading it? Not likely. Thirty seconds, maybe -- or less. If you've got a CV with page after page of lengthy job descriptions, you'll need to do some revising. That just doesn't cut it with a U.S.-style resume. Brevity is key.

U.S.-style resumes typically run one to two pages in length, rather than the five pages, or longer, common for CVs. The resume should telegraph its information, rather than offer in-depth detail. Keep that image of a time-crunched personnel manager in your head. You want to attract his attention, but you don't want to put him to sleep.

Will it be an ordeal, turning your CV into a U.S.-style resume? It shouldn't be. The revisions required will largely be a matter of trimming what you've got, rather than adding new information. U.S. employers want to be able to scan a resume quickly, rather than feel compelled to read page after page about every project you've handled during your career. Again, be brief and clear, with just enough detail to convey your message. Refer to our sample resume as you revise your CV. Here is a how-to guide to help you in the process:

1) Begin your resume with a your name, address, and phone number, generally centered on the page. Marital status? Date of birth? Not necessary. Prepare to use that delete key.

2) Describe the type of position you're seeking in a sentence or two, under a heading labeled "Objective."

3) Depending on your experience and field, you may want to include a "Skills" section. Employers looking for technical workers find this particularly useful, as it gives them a quick read on an applicant's experience. It is not mandatory, however, and you can dispense with it if your job descriptions provide enough background about your skills.

4) Trim lengthy job descriptions. In contrast to a CV, a U.S.-style resume emphasizes brevity. Try to pack as much detail as possible into a sentence or two for each job description. Consider the differences between these two job descriptions. The first is quick and snappy, with just enough information to give a potential employer a clear idea of the applicant's responsibilities, while the CV description adds details typically not included in a resume.

Resume-style:

Ecco Software Enterprises, Inc. (Feb. 1997 to March 1999)
Software Developer
Created Java applications for client Web sites, including database-driven programs to allow clients to update Web pages. Worked with project manager to assure quick response to client-requested updates.

CV-style:

Ecco Software Enterprises, Inc. (Feb. 1997 to March 1999)
Software Developer
Served as lead developer on a six-person team charged with building a suite of Web applications for use by Ecco clients. Ecco provides its clients, including several Fortune 500 companies, with high-end Internet tools, consulting and services for maintaining and updating Web sites. As lead developer, tasks included working with the project manager to assess goals, interpret client requests and construct a plan for meeting deadlines. Project included the use of Java, DHTML, SQL Server, and JavaScript. Managed pre-launch testing with non-technical end users at Fortune 500 financial company. Project delivered two weeks in advance of deadline. Following project delivery, work continued on fine-tuning application and testing with additional clients. Delivered presentations to small groups of end users on use of application.