We frequently get
asked, “What do you think about my resume?” Therefore,
we have compiled a few suggestions and a sample format. Please keep
in mind that this is not the only way to compile your resume nor
do we require this format.
In today's market, executives and recruiters are besieged with resumes.
To make a great impression, your resume should highlight your past
10 to 12 years of relevant work experience, and then summarize any
previous positions. Make sure to cover any employment gaps.
Hiring managers and recruiters view the resume in less than 30 seconds
and decide whether to pursue. Employers want to know where you have
been and what you can do for them. Of course every bit of information
on your resume must be truthful!
Format
Your format should be structured in a way that on first
glance the reader can see -- time at each company, titles with complete
dates and selected accomplishments associated with that role. Do
not clutter your resume. Let your document "breathe" so
readers will not have to struggle through it. Use Italics, bold,
underlining to differentiate for clarity.
If you have had many roles within one organization, arrange the
format to demonstrate this so that it does not appear that you have
been job-hopping.
Position & Accomplishments
Be descriptive in your position specifications. Give some description
of your span of control. For example:
Director of Human Resources, Chicago, IL (Dec. 1992 to Dec.
1995)
Direct responsibility for 4 manufacturing sites, 2 distribution
centers and division headquarters totaling 4,500 employees. Report
directly to SVP, Human Resources and VP Operations and manage a
team of 50 people through 8 direct reports. Control a $6.5 million
annual operating budget.
• Achieved
40% improvement in cost per hire and cycle time through staffing
process redesign, automation, and the formation of a shared services
staffing group.
• Led a major reorganization initiative to consolidate several
divisions into a single market-focused organization design that
promotes cross-functional product teams to be more responsive
to customer demands; improved cost, quality and cycle time; and
significantly increased new product introductions. Improved operating
profit by $17M in 1998
Executives and recruiters
see a lot of resumes and if they do not spot some results in the
first 10 seconds, the resume is history. Compare the following two
statements:
• Implemented
new process improvement program OR
• Implemented new process improvement program, which resulted
in a 25% increase in daily productivity and 64% increase in customer
satisfaction.
Prospective employers
who read this description can sense the scope and results of the
manager's experience. Remember that recruiters won't read between
the lines for relevant information if you do not spell it out.
The words which and which resulted in compel you to take your activities
and achievements to their logical conclusion. Continue asking the
"which" question until you have identified every rewarding
result. Many people stop with just one result when there are several
worth including. Identify all of them first, and then decide which
to use in your resume. Stress the action, and then be sure to follow
it up with the result of that action.
Descriptive action verbs — such as established,
analyzed, implemented, created, streamlined, organized — add
power to your sentences. Start each sentence using an action verb.
Proofing
Hiring managers and recruiters hate spelling and typing mistakes.
Employers say these mistakes reflect the poor quality of work they
can expect from you. Proofread! Perfection is a necessity to remain
competitive, so do not trust computer spell checkers. Read every
word to be sure it is correct.
Final note
It is no longer considered professional or wise to include information
about marital status, gender, height, weight or health on your resume.
This information violates discrimination laws and most organizations
are pleased when you do not include it. Employers know you will
provide references upon request, so it is not necessary to say so
at the end of your resume.
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