Note from Joyce: Because there are many concerns and questions related to job search, I’ll focus on work related topics for the next several blogs rather than life style issues. If you have individual concerns, don’t wait and “hope” that your topic will be addressed. Send a comment or question; I’ll reply as soon as possible.
Since the last blog was devoted to cover letters, let’s focus on the “other half of that package,” the resumé.
The resumé is your sales tool. This is your personal ad, information about you that will communicate your strengths for the job and why you’re the ideal candidate. Select carefully what information you choose to include. It shouldn’t be a laundry list of ALL work you’ve ever done; rather, the resumé highlights your accomplishments.
The document includes at least four sections and will be described in more detail below::
(1) NAME…(caps/bold), address, zip, phone and/or cell phone, email centered at top
(2) SCOPE STATEMENT…usually called a Professional Profile and focuses attention on the breadth of your experience and subject matter expertise
(3) FORMAT…Regardless of which format is selected, this section includes proven skills, accomplishments, previous jobs, related experience and expertise. Extra categories such as special talents and value added are included here.
(4) EDUCATION / RELATED EXPERIENCE…list most recent first at the end.
GENERAL GUIDELINES for resumé creation:
•Regardless of the format selected, the document must be well organized and professional, no matter which industry is targeted.
•Omit the use of pronouns like I, me, my, mine.
•Limit the resumé to one / two pages.
•If you have additional, valuable information, include a separate page at the end and call it Related Information or Sample Accomplishments or Addendum.
•Stay with one font style; don’t mix and match. It’s confusing to the reader.
•Use resumé quality paper (24-25 lb wt.) with a watermark.
•Select professional color…white, buff, beige, ivory or muted grey. They can be purchased in small quantities at an office supply or stationery store. Have copies printed there or copy them yourself on quality stock paper mentioned above.
•Don’t leave gaps between jobs. If you were in the military or were laid off from a job, say so in the document. Account for your time looking for a new position.
•Never include salary information. Save that discussion for the interview. (to be discussed in an upcoming blog).
•Utilize the format that will best showcase your abilities and accomplishments (formats included below)..
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Make sure someone you know proofs the document who has a solid grasp of language, grammar, punctuation and word choice.
•Place a cover letter on top of the document (addressed to a specific person). See previous blog devoted to cover letters entitled ‘Cover Letters: Polish and Proof!’
Here are guidelines to begin filling in the four sections mentioned above:
NAME AT TOP
•At the top of the resumé, state your name (caps, bold) followed by address, phone number and alternate phone such as cell number and email address.
SCOPE STATEMENT
It’s called a PERSONAL PROFILE, PROFESSIONAL STATEMENT, or PERSONAL OBJECTIVE. Any heading is OK as long as it focuses the reader on skills being highlighted. It should include your strongest competencies and accomplishments, and entice the reader to want to know more about your talents.
FORMAT
Select a format that will showcase your qualifications. Regardless of the format selected, keep your statements short. Start with an action verb, followed by a description of the activity. Always include the result you produced. EX: Supervised four person work team who ensured quality, timely delivery and precise attention to detail. EX: Acknowledged by customers for fine workmanship and achieving consistent results in a timely manner and within budget.
The two most utilized formats are Chronological and Functional.
The CHRONOLOGICAL format highlights continuity in a career path. It is useful when you want to continue or expand in the same or similar profession. It shows advancement, and increased responsibility. Most recent jobs are placed first, showing promotion with less attention on previous, entry level positions. If you have several previous jobs that say the same thing, include a section entitled RELATED EXPERIENCE and lump them together in a statement such as From 1995-2005 gained valuable experience and broad knowledge while working as an internal auditor with three midsized Manhattan accounting agencies.
Include information that will “sell” you best. If you have a variety of strong skills, include a section entitled SPECIAL SKILLS or SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS. Make up your own that will uniquely showcase your talent.
As stated above, place education last on the Chronological format and sell your value throughout the document.
The FUNCTIONAL Format highlights a broad range of talent and experiences. It is most useful for people who are showcasing their skills for multiple industries or changing careers. The format downplays work experience and focuses on key competencies that may be more useful. Usually two to three functional headings are selected which could include areas like SALES, MARKETING, WRITING, RESEARCH, etc. Then include four to six statements under each function that highlight accomplishments you’ve achieved related to that heading. It doesn’t matter where the skill was acquired. For instance, highlight excellent organizational skills which may have come through volunteer assignments in scouting rather than a prior job.
Once your resumé is complete, give it to a couple people you trust to review. Select individuals who have a keen eye for formats, presentation and grammar, a willingness to tell you the truth (and not placate), and are informed regarding current workplace needs. Omit your lunch pals who may scan it quickly and tell you you’re the best thing since sliced bread without having read it with “a critical eye.”
Refer to any of the resume guides for tips and examples of a variety of resumé formats. They are found online in various job websites, at any library, or in job search guidebooks. A couple of my all time favorites include Tom Jackson’s The Perfect Resumé series, and The Quick Resumé and Cover Letter Book by Michael Farr JistWorks.
EDUCATION
Include Education last if you have work experience. Place your most current degree first. (Masters above Bachelors, Bachelors above Associate Degree; If you graduated from High School more than six years ago, say High School Graduate without details. If it’s more recent, include particulars like name of school and type of diploma.
As stated at the beginning, your resumé is your sales tool. Select entries wisely and be proud to share your document with individuals who may be able to help you. Don’t make too many copies of it and keep it in memory on a computer so you can quickly make a few changes to it. Two final tips: if you give your resumé to ten people to review, guaranteed, you’ll get ten different opinions. Listen to what is shared and then follow up on the items where you feel there is merit. You’re the last word on what stays or goes! Finally, carry a couple copies of your resumé with you as you never know when you wish you had one “in the moment!”
