Your Resume Stinks!
Posted by matt at 12:01 am
OK…Got your attention? Your resume might not actually stink. You may be one of the few who has crafted a pretty stellar resume. Or, you could be part of the majority that has written a good or marginal resume. Or…your resume might actually stink…Sorry. But there is hope!
Here at StratStaff we see many, many, many resumes. While trends evolve there are some very basic elements that job seekers at all stages in their career must lock down before submitting a single resume.
1. Choose an “Objective Statement” or a “Profile Statement” and choose wisely.
Don’t know the difference? An objective statement is a statement tailored specifically for the position you are applying to. Make sure to avoid the shotgun spray approach. Don’t try to “save loads of time” with an objective statement explaining that you are looking for a position in Marketing, Sales or Web Development. In a lot of cases it’s the person who’s reviewing your resume who’s time you’ve just saved because you appear unfocused.
A “Profile Statement” is your personal branding message. Often 3-5 sentences, the profile statement tackles the monumental task of summing up your career in under 100 words. Although using a Profile Statement is usually most appropriate for professionals with a few years experience under their belt, it does work in some cases for recent college grads with the right internships and experience.
2. Quantify Your Accomplishments – Bullets with Impact!
Make sure the bullet points summing up your experience at each position aren’t merely a uninspired list of your mundane day-to-day tasks. Ultimately what you say to your reader is that you just showed up. Explain what makes you different and how you made an impact to the organization.
3. Aesthetics
Unless you’re traveling back in time, you may want to drop the Times New Roman font for something a little more contemporary. That said, this isn’t the time to try out Papyrus or “Wing Dings”. The goals is separation. “Make an impression, not a mark”.
You also want to give your resume the 5 second test. In five seconds the viewer should be able to have a sense for how many positions you have included, position titles and companies you’ve worked for, and should be drawn to some of the accomplishment driven bullet points that you’ve included . Proper spacing, and use of bold in positions and companies will help avoid the sea of text effect.
4. Social Media
We had to include a note about Social Media – not because links are a requirement on your resume – but because it’s the next step should a hiring manager be considering you for employment. Just count on it.
Finally, there is nothing that can replace a professional resume writer if you are willing to make the investment. Included in the process of retooling your resume is the process of revisiting the value you brought to your employers. It can be both validating, eye-opening and may uncover experience that you are leaving out!