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Resume tips (by Kim Isaacs, MA, CPRW, NCRW) Here is a link to help with your resume: www.10minuteresume.com Q: What resume format should I use? A: Resumes come in a variety of formats, including reverse chronological, functional/skills, combination and CVs. The best resume format varies from job seeker to job seeker: Use a reverse chronological resume, which leads with your most recent position and goes back in time, if you have a strong career history and want to demonstrate how your career has progressed. A functional or skills resume highlights your functional skills and abilities instead of a chronological work history. Many hiring managers report being suspicious of this format, because functional resumes are often used by people trying to hide some aspect of their work histories. Since hiring managers do not prefer this format, use a functional resume with caution. Job seekers with little or no work history, spotty employment records and/or career changers might benefit from using a functional or skills resume. One of the most effective formats is the combination resume, which leads with a strong summary section (highlighting functional areas of expertise and accomplishments) and follows with a reverse chronological work history. This format allows job seekers to place their most marketable skills and experience at the forefront of the resume. People in medical, academic and scientific professions primarily use a CV (or curriculum vitae). Typical headings of a CV include education/degrees, internships, professional experience, awards and honors, publications (books, articles, reports, journals), speaking engagements, conferences and professional affiliations. Q: How can I make my resume stand out from the pack? A: The majority of resumes focus on job duties and responsibilities. To demonstrate your work ethic and value to a potential employer, emphasize your accomplishments. But don't just list what you have accomplished -- describe the circumstances, including special problems or challenges you faced, your specific actions, and outcomes of your performance. How did your employers benefit from your efforts? The hiring manager should be saying, "Wow, if this person did this much for XYZ company, imagine what he or she can do for me!" Here's an accomplishment-oriented bullet for a transportation manager: Within seven years, reversed monthly losses of $50,000 to a monthly surplus of $140,000 by restructuring labor force, reducing daily overtime from 15% to 6%, and creating a cross-dock operation. Q: How much time does my resume have to convince the hiring manager to contact me for an interview? A: Your resume needs to make an impact within the first 15 to 30 seconds, or you may be headed for the circular file. Here are some tips to make sure the initial impression is a lasting one: Go for the initial hard sell with a Qualifications Summary. The summary provides a quick overview so that hiring managers immediately know the scope of your experience and expertise. Make the design and layout as inviting as possible, so that the hiring authority feels compelled to read it. Try not to squeeze text to closely or use a tiny font size that can be difficult to read. Use white space to set off and emphasize the important points, and make it easy for someone to visually scan your resume for information. Q: Shouldn't my resume be one page? A: The resume serves one main purpose, which is to prompt an employer/recruiter to call you for an interview. In many cases, a one-page resume would not fairly present a candidate's capabilities and value. Instead of worrying about exceeding one page, pay attention to the quality of the information and the effectiveness of the design. In today's job market, length is not such an issue -- even if the hiring manager doesn't read the whole document word for word, there should be enough juicy information to prompt a call for an interview. So go to two or even three pages if your experience warrants the length. Keep in mind that most students and job seekers with less than five years of experience usually don't require a resume longer than one page. Q: What are keywords and how do I determine the right keywords for my industry? A: Keywords are important because many employers use some type of applicant tracking software. Resumes are scanned into the system and sit there until they are found in a keyword search. Let's say there is an opening for a global finance specialist. The job order will have specific requirements -- an MBA and experience with due diligence, portfolio management, acquisitions, and perhaps the ideal candidate also speaks Japanese. All of these keywords are entered into the system, and a list of resumes with matching keywords is generated. To ensure that you make this list, your resume must contain the keywords that were searched. Q: Do I need an objective? A: A resume should always have a focus, whether it is in the form of an objective, tagline, or statement about your background. New grads without a work history and career changers usually need a formal objective statement. However, job seekers on a steady career path can bypass the objective statement and showcase who they are in the summary section. Example: "Innovative product manager with a track record of developing strategies that enhance insurance product sales, penetrate new markets, and facilitate cross selling." Q: Should I email my resume? A: You should follow the instructions given by the hiring manager. If none are given, include an ASCII version in the body of the email. You can also attach your Word resume for those hiring managers who prefer to download the "pretty" version. By including the ASCII resume in the body of the email, you don't have to worry about whether or not the recipient is able to download or read your resume. Also, you can be sure you won't be called for an interview if your resume contained a virus. Q: I have several different job targets. Can I write a one-size-fits-all resume? A: Keep in mind that a resume is a marketing tool, and you will be better served by preparing more than one version of your resume. By developing targeted resumes, you increase the likelihood of getting noticed by a hiring manager who is searching to fill a particular opening. Q: I've been promoted -- how do I show this on my resume? A: Describe your more recent/impressive positions and list each one separately, showing that you've moved up (or around) in the company. Example: ABC COMPANY, 1992 to present Headquarters in Brooklyn, NY District Manager (Brooklyn, NY) - 1998 to present Store Manager (San Diego, CA) - 1995 to 1998 Assistant Store Manager (Newark, NJ) - 1992 to 1995 Then describe your highest position ("Promoted to district manager to...."). Or, you can include descriptions and accomplishments below each position. Q: How do I handle the fact that my company has gone through a name change as a result of a merger or acquisition? A: Several options: ABC COMPANY (formerly DEF Company) ABC COMPANY (acquired by DEF Company in 1995) ABC COMPANY (merged with DEF Company in 1995) Q: Where do I go if I want professional help? A: Professional Resume Writers: National Resume Writers' Association Professional Association of Resume Writers |
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