What are you looking for on a resume

[john e. rocket]

Hey this is to any of you who do the hiring or maybe you are the initial person who looks through the resumes and passes them on to the next step.
Eitherway, I'm just curious as to what you are looking for. I know that sounds funny initially, but more specifically I'm wondering is it the content on the resume, or the design? On the subject of content, in your eyes, what is your ideal resume to look at? Do you want to see the information simply listed or descriptively written out? I've gotten so frustrated in trying to pin down one that best covers all bases, but am being told different things. I spoke with a career adviser who said I should list ALL my ***, even if they don't pertain to the exact position i'm applying for. For example, I have many years previous to coming to the design world doing customer service and sales related jobs as well as retail store management. She has said I need that on there, because even if they are looking for a jr. designer, they can see I can move up, or over to other positions as well. This all makes sense, but is it taking away from or distracting from the design side? Also should I put that after or before the design related experience.

Please let me know what you think as well as feel free to send me links of good examples or even your own.
I'm pulling my hair out on this (currently unemployed and have been for a year, other than a few freelance jobs) and would like to get back in action, before I'm bald.

john