RESUME IS A GATEWAY TO YOUR NEW CAREER
A resume is an honest, easy to read, impressive summary of your "occupational self" on paper! It tells:
...who you are as an employee.
...what your employment history has been.
...what your strengths and accomplishments are.
...what skills and abilities you have.
...why the prospective employer should call you in for an interview. The information you choose and how you present it should boldly (but not arrogantly) build an argument as to why an employer should consider you as a prospective employee. The resume is a screening device for the employer. The average resume gets about 30 seconds of attention in the employer's initial review, so you must represent yourself briefly and concisely. Every word must count! Be precise and toot your own horn. The resume is the tool that you should use as your best opportunity to be an advocate for yourself.
Remember, the purpose of the resume is to get an interview for the type of job you want and making the kind of wage or salary you need to make. Always assess whether it is "working" or "not working" and don't be afraid to change it. If it isn't working, try something different until you can make it work. If it works, think in terms of "how can I change it to make it better." Remember, it is your resume. Everyone that writes resumes has their own "style" based on their education, experience, training, etc..... Get their input but then YOU make the decision for your own resume. The key to a successful resume ... skill identification and presentation!
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There are many important aspects to a resume. Everyone has a different way of putting one together and in most cases, there is no "right way" or "wrong way." However, there are some common characteristics that appear to be most successful in getting people job interviews and jobs. |
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Presentation
The layout of your resume is extremely important. Your resume needs to maintain a “clean” and professional appearance (remember, it is representing you!). It should allow the reader to access the information quickly. Neat margins, adequate "white space" between groupings, and indenting to highlight text, aid the ease of reference and retention of the material. Use "bolding" and italics sparingly. Overuse of these features actually diminish their effectiveness of promoting the material they are intended highlight.
Your contact information (how the reader can reach you) is essentially the most important information in the entire document. Make certain your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address (if included) are clearly visible and at the top of your document (from habit, this is where your reader will look for this information - do not make them search for it). If you are including additional pages, be certain that your name is on these secondary pages (consider including your phone number here, too) in case your sheets become separated.
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The standards for resume length have changed. It used to be typical for resumes to be one-page in length, and no longer. For candidates with years of experience, having held multiple positions, or with outstanding achievements, this one-page constraint often results in a document that is unreadable, looks “squashed,” or utilizes a font size so small that the reader is required to squint (no, they won’t actually bother). The one-page standard no longer holds true. Use as much space as you need to concisely, accurately, and effectively communicate your skills, history, achievements, and accomplishments - as these relate to the position and company being targeted. A two-page document, if presented well, will not diminish the effectiveness of your marketing strategy - as long as the information you provide is relevant and valuable to your reader’s goals and interests. A three-page resume is requiring much of your reader's time (and patience), and may not be as effective as a more concise presentation. In academic fields and European markets, it may be necessary to go over two pages in length, but only provide this much information if you absolutely can not present your history and achievements in less (and if you are certain your reader will agree with you). An overly long presentation may leave your reader wondering if you can be concise in anything you do. |
Document, in detail, your most recent 10-15 years of employment and/or experience. Longer if the most recent position extended 10 years or more. Be certain to document growth in a company where multiple positions have been held, including identification of promotions and increased responsibilities. List positions held prior to this in decreasing detail, unless a previous position more effectively documents relevant skills for the position you are currently targeting. |
You want to entice you reader into wanting to meet you (the interview) to learn more. Current history and recently utilized skills will hold the most value.
Remember, you will have an opportunity to expand on the information in your resume during the interview. So, entice your reader to want to learn more, but don't forget to leave something to tell.
