During my job search I read dozens
of books and articles, took programs and I even sat at the
feet of two of the most experienced Human Resource
professionals.
In this article, you will learn the
real keys to standing out and rising above the norm. Stick
to the facts and only reveal information that will encourage
the reader to call you for an interview. If in doubt, leave
it out. Pay careful attention to this one.
The objective is no longer a
practical heading for your resume. Bottom line, don't begin
your resume with an objective statement that talks only
about your desires and career goals. Most Human Resource
Professionals are overworked and understaffed. The last
thing they care about is what you want.
HR Professionals are working to meet
tight deadlines and desperately want to hire that extra
person to make their lives easier. When they look at your
resume, they want to know one thing: how will you simplify
their lives?
Rather than a seemingly selfish
objective, create a powerful profile summary that
demonstrates how your skills and their needs fit.
Review these sample profiles.
• Marketing professional with eight
years project management experience, plus extensive hands on
experience in data management, inventory control and in
obtaining government bid contracts.
• Computer programmer with expertise
in systems analysis and design, program development,
troubleshooting and equipment repair.
• Office worker types 65 wpm with
training and experience in general clerical, accounts
payable and receivable, inventory control and multi-line
phone operation.
• Certified teaching professional
with twelve years direct instruction experience, classroom
management plus extensive training in motivational
strategies geared toward special needs students.
• Janitor with fifteen years
experience in commercial janitorial work plus direct
training in plumbing and staff supervision.
Here is a listing of the other 6
items that you should avoid at all cost.
These items should never appear on
any resume at any time.
1. No Personal Information
Leave off anything related to
hobbies or personal interests. If it doesn't relate to
employment it doesn't belong on a resume.
2. No Personal Pronouns
Do not use "I" or "me" in a resume.
Sentence structure is typically very short leading with
action verbs. Sentences like, "I was responsible for..." are
not used in a resume. Instead, the sentence would begin
with, "responsible for..."
3. No Family Information
Don't use the small space available
on your resume to list your marital status or family size.
4. No Personal Biographies
Leave off anything that could be
used as discriminatory information. Remember, the people
reading resumes are not initially reading to select, they
are reading to eliminate. There is no reason to reveal your
age or any other personal data. The reader should be
selecting candidates based strictly on skills and
experience.
5. No Reasons for Leaving
This type of information goes on the
application. If there is a problem with a former employer
and you left under difficult measures, you cannot explain
the reason in writing. Keep in mind the resume is to
highlight your accomplishments.
6. Graphics and Artwork
Writing a resume using a computer
makes the task quick and easy, yet has also created the
temptation to make use of clipart and different fonts.
Resist! Your resume will not look clever or original; it
will look like an amateur produced it and will be tossed
aside.
Final Tips: Forget about trying to
create the "perfect" resume.
Why?
1. Your resume will never be framed
and hung on a wall.
2. The employer cares only about
their needs being met. Don't talk about your wants, needs or
desires rather, focus on how you meet their needs and solve
their problems. As Zig Ziglar once said, "When a person goes
to the hardware store to purchase a drill, they don't want
to "buy a drill" rather what they want is 3 centimeter hole.
If they could get the hole without the drill they would do
it." Make sense?
3. Focus your resume to each
employer. Your research tells you exactly what they are
looking for.
4. Specifics sell! Clearly outline
results, contributions, and achievements you've made in your
previous positions that directly benefit the targeted
company.
Brian Stephenson is the author of,
"Job Search Boot Camp", the most hard-hitting, step-by-step
job search course that takes each student by the hand and
shows them how to create powerful resumes that get results,
stunning cover letters that command interviews, and winning
interview thank you letters that get you hired? Imagine for
a moment what is possible for you if you had access to these
forbidden secrets. For more information on the Job Search
Boot Camp course, visit
http://www.JobSearchBootCamp.com/resume
|