I was recently asked to tweak a friend’s resume. His challenge was simple. She was a stay-at-home mom who hadn’t worked in four years. However, a difficult task, with the information in this section, I generated a list of skills that she did not know she had. Here is a partial list.
(Organized, patient, detail-oriented, energetic, multitasking, works well under pressure, and able to meet deadlines.) Now ask yourself, what company wouldn’t want their new hire to exhibit these skills?
The resume is a job search tool that highlights accomplishments by stating your
profile, experience and education in a short but concise summary.
Why a resume?
The resume is your first presentation to the employer. It is the first sample of work that you will see. Your resume should interest the reader to the extent that they want to interview you. Remember that the selection process is first a process of elimination. Employers use the resume to determine who they will call for further consideration.
For the resume, select white, cream, beige or gray colored paper. Brightly colored paper does not enhance a resume! Good color bonding is preferable. Buy envelopes that match the paper you select. Never write your address by hand; a handwritten envelope is very unprofessional. If you’ve spent time preparing the perfect resume and have it printed on quality paper, don’t ruin it with a poor presentation. By sending your information in a cheap envelope on which you have scribbled an address, all the positive effect is destroyed.
KEY POINTS FOR CREATING A WINNING CV
o Resumes do not receive job offers; They are successful if offered an interview.
o Describe your experience, not the job.
o Keep the terminology simple and straightforward. Avoid technical jargon unless the resume is specifically aimed at a company or industry that understands the terms. Remember, the first person to see your resume may be a clerk and may not be familiar with the terminology. Use in moderation.
o Your resume is a personal marketing brochure, be sure to highlight relevant work experience and accomplishments.
o Support your profile throughout your resume.
o Resumes are not read, they are leafed through. Often times, first impressions are made within 10-20 seconds.
o Appearance is paramount! Neatness counts. The resume must be perfect. No typos or misspelled words. (Don’t trust the spell checker). A suggestion for correction: read the document backwards.
Tip: Make sure your resume has a clear focus. Like many, you probably have experience in more than one field. Be careful not to demand a resume for all situations. Instead, create two or more resumes that showcase your skills like … and another that emphasizes your experience in … Target each one to specific companies looking for those specific skills.
Tip: Highlight your accomplishments on your resume. Support your profile by providing specific evidence (use numbers of sales made or people hired, etc.) of past and future achievements that show that you add value. Describe how you have made improvements, saved your former employer money, done innovative work, or solved problems. Do this and companies will want to interview you because they believe you can do the same for their company.