Here’s your chance to “Ask a Professional”: Blog

Here’s your chance to “Ask a Professional”

Each day we speak with a variety of individuals; clients, candidates and colleagues. They reach out to us for a number of reasons both personal and professional. The one common thread is they ask us some really great questions. If you have a question you’ve wanted to ask it’s a pretty good bet that someone else is in need of similar advice. We would enjoy hearing from you if you have a question or specific topic you would like to see covered in our blog. We would like to compile some of the questions/answers and topics for release in upcoming blogs.

One of the most common questions we’re asked has to do with resumes, “what’s the proper length, style, format, etc?”  Many of you have not spent much time updating your resume over the years. Most anyone you ask has an opinion. Some of the advice is useful; most of it simply confuses you more.  I review hundreds upon hundreds of resumes each month. What I can tell you is this; there is no one right answer.

The main thing to keep in mind is that the resume is a starting point for a potential employer to learn about you. It often serves as the first impression. The advice I give candidates is that the resume needs to be clear and easy to follow. You should begin by selecting a font style and size that is easy to read. You can exercise some creative judgment regarding font style. However, keep in mind you want your resume to reflect well on you by looking Professional. When I am reviewing a resume there are a few key elements I look for. I will spend the time necessary to find this information. If necessary I’ll coach a candidate on how to re-write their resume.  Most HR representatives and Hiring Manager’s will not spend much time trying to find answers. If your resume is not clear and concise they will move on to the next.

The first thing I want to know is, “Who are you and how can I get a hold of you?” Your name and contact information should be clearly displayed at the top of the page. The next thing I review is your opening statement or “objectives”. In a few sentences you should be able to tell me what your goals are and describe a few of your key attributes and accomplishments. This need not be lengthy as your cover letter will go into greater detail.

The next thing I want to know is who you have worked for, the time frame and your title. This information is easier to spot when it is bolded. As a general rule I suggest that you only document the most recent ten years of experience. Beyond that much of your experience becomes irrelevant. Make sure you include the start/end dates of your employment. Not including this information is a sure way to be culled from the employers’ process.

Next I want to know what the company did and what you did for the company. One key factor here is “what did the company do?” Don’t assume that everyone is familiar with your employer. Many employers are not well known outside of a specific industry or niche market. This should be the opening sentence under each of your previous employers. Keep it concise. Most people will take the time to look a company up if they need a little more information. Now you should explain what your role and responsibilities were. You don’t need to document each and every detail. You want to give a high level overview. At the end of this summary you should bullet any key accomplishments, results and awards.

And finally you want to detail your education. The school(s) you attended and any degrees you received.
The resume should be as long as it needs to be in order to document this information. You should keep an extra electronic copy that can be tailored to the individual opportunity you are applying for. Take the time necessary to updated and edit your resume. And finally, the number one thing you should do; Spell-Check! Remember, your resume is the first impression most employers will receive of you. Make it a positive one.