Picture it: A young lady sitting at her computer staring at the blank white screen of Microsoft Office Word wondering how to start creating the killer resume’ that will land her the job of her dreams. This happens all too often and many of us do not know how to prepare and present a winning resume.
Most of the time, recruiters and employers see your resume before they consider whether or not they will see you. So how do you draw them in so that you are labeled as a valuable candidate and offered that interview? I will provide a five-step method to this madness and help you create that which can lead you to your wildest career dreams.
1. Less Is More.
As someone who has recruited and interviewed several candidates before, I can honestly tell you that every word is not read on a resume, so it’s best to keep it short. Make sure that your resume does not exceed two 8″x11″ pages. I’ve seen resumes tossed to the side and put at the bottom of the pile because the 5 stapled pages full of education and employment experience overwhelmed the recruiting team member to the point of disinterest. ‘Tis a gift to be simple, ladies!
2. Action!
Let’s face it. Resumes can be pretty boring documents, so liven yours up but be sure not to lose the purpose of your message. Don’t merely state what your job description was or is. Instead, vividly tell the recruiting team how you did that job, list the accomplishments you made on that job, and hone in on how those accomplishments were able to benefit your previous or current company but most importantly how you will add value to the employer’s organization. Action words such as “implemented”, “designed”, “collaborated” and “achieved” are your friends when creating a resume.
3. Does It Apply?
Depending on the role you are applying for, it may not be necessary to include all employment experiences on your resume. For instance, if you are applying for a software sales role, it will not be necessary to include and provide detail on your mechanical engineering internship at NASA that took place 10 years ago. Although it’s an impressive internship opportunity, it doesn’t apply to the role you are going for. However, it would behoove you to include information about a retail management job that you recently held while in graduate school obtaining your MBA. The value of the MBA is obvious to most employers; however, the retail management role will also give the recruiting team the opportunity to receive even more insight into your interpersonal skills, negotiation skills, and your business acumen and how they can be applied to the role and the organization. Those areas are major ticket items that go a long way in sales. Build a verbal bridge and connect the relevance between your previous roles that will lead you to your future, dream role!
4. Think SMART
When discussing your current and previous roles and responsibilities, do so by using SMART objective statements that match the skills set of the job you are applying for. Ensure that those entries reflect Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-oriented, and Time-sensitive (SMART) activity. If Microsoft is seeking a Marketing Manager who “has a proven track record in leading the development and execution of high profile healthcare-based programs and campaigns”, your resume must go above and beyond to prove that you are, in fact, that candidate. An example of a SMART resume entry would be: “Successfully served as project lead for collaborating with business partners to create health insurance advertising/marketing program for Aetna that increased customer base by 30% over 18 months.” The employer now knows specifically what was done, how it was carried out and achieved, and is able to measure the activity’s results and impact over a period of time. This helps to further convince him or her that you are capable of meeting their leadership, development, and marketing execution needs. You are well on your way to more opportunities to be SMART with your new employer!
5. After 5 Attire
Current and previous employment experience are certainly the main areas of focus when reviewing any resume. However, most employers are looking for candidates who excel and make an impact inside of AND outside of the office. Your future boss and co-workers need to see other dimensions of you as an employee as well as a person. If you are on the same level with another candidate in regards to experience, how do you produce additional shine to pull yourself above the other person? It’s all about what you do after 5pm or after your work day is over. Are you a member or an officer in a business organization related to the role you are applying for? Perhaps someone on the recruiting team is a member as well, so that will stand out to him or her. Are you involved in community service? Perhaps your future boss spends a great deal of time volunteering in the community and tutoring inner-city children. He or she will definitely be able to relate to your commitment to your community, and that could mean brownie points for you! What are your hobbies and interests? It’s common knowledge that most business transactions and deals are made on the golf course. Add that as an interest on your resume, and brush up on the latest golf tips and news so you can share your knowledge during that interview that you are sure to be invited to! After all, who can toss your killer resume to the side now?!
If you have further questions or need one-on-one resume’ writing or career guidance, please feel free to ping me at quianas@gmail.com.
Continued success and blessings!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
What a great article sis!!
well done, brother
Great article Quiana
Can you comment on the idea of having:
a)a professional resume writer do your resume
and/or
b) having a friend or mentor (maybe in HR or recruiting) look over your resume
thanks quiana! my resume totally stresses my out. i know the power of action verbs, but i find myself using the same verbs all over the place. arg. help!
Quiana,
Just wanted to say well done on the article!