I was recently contacted by a former client who wants to update his existing resume. I smiled as I remembered his email updates to me on his previous job search progress; he jokingly said I had done such a great job on his resume that potential employers expected to see an "S" on his chest when he walked into employment interviews.
Well, if you have been following me for awhile, you know I don't embellish resume content, so it means that his original resume was simply not doing him justice until I came along:)
It also got me to thinking about jobseekers and potential clients who want to simply copy and paste one of my resume samples to market themselves. Believe it or not, you and your professional resume have to be a match and have to line up in a credible manner or you will keep running into roadblocks.
1) Does your professional resume have a powerful handshake?
The top-third of your professional resume is like an appetizer to a six-course feast; it has to draw the readers in – start off your resume with a clear definition of who you are, outline you have to offer, and indicate the environments in which you perform best. For example:
SENIOR OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE
Start-Up, Emerging & High-Growth Companies
The Profit Builder: Systematically improving internal systems, strengthening operational processes and mobilizing vital resources that propel companies into stable, profitable entities.
2) Does your professional resume have an interesting career storyline?
Remember, to get to the top of the pile that is filled with other resumes and hungry job seekers, you have to make your career story an interesting and exciting one. Don’t bore and weigh down readers with heavy details about minute daily tasks; hit them with big picture, top-view, position responsibilities and “wow” them with your bottom-line, career-defining achievements.
3) Does your professional resume effectively showcase your bright personality?
Take a quick peruse of your resume and make sure that it is packed with vibrant action words, verbs and adjectives that will engage the reader and transform your "sleepy" resume into a career marketing tool. If you are an energetic, bold person then don’t be afraid to use words that bring out your personal flavor - eliminate phrases like "Responsible for" and avoid the overuse of the same verbs.
4) Does your professional resume pass the 30-second scan?
Don’t save the best for last - organize your resume content so that your key qualifying factors (for your target position) is apparent on the first page of the document. Don't be shy about confidently sharing your qualifications, expertise, and overall career theme with hiring managers and recruiters.
5) Does your professional resume have relevant, updated career information?
Don’t let time-sensitive promotions or job opportunities escape you because your resume has not kept pace with your career growth and achievements. A great habit to embrace is updating your resume every three to six months, so that you have a document that is current and living just like you!
