I work with clients occasionally that ask me to lie, or at least greatly exaggerate items on their resume.  Sometimes I see through the lens of untruth – sometimes I don’t. When I see it, I call it. Often in these cases the client asks what harm a little lie will do and I tell them some stories.

1. A tech guy, let us call him Hans lied on his resume about his ability to manage a Storage Area Network (SAN). Well, unfortunately for him and the company that hired him the SAN crashed 2 hours into his new gig. Hans did his best working from manuals, but he made a huge mistake and lost 6 days’ worth of client data – he got fired, he got sued and he got blackballed in the industry.

2. A young woman I worked with said she graduated from Columbia with an MBA, it turns out she was 6 credits short. She was the most qualified candidate, she would have gotten the job in spite of not having the degree, but when they found out she lied she got fired from her dream job.

There have been a few stories that made the press over the last few years – the most notable being – In April 2007 the dean of admissions at MIT, resigned after the university confirmed that she had claimed academic degrees she never earned – yes the person in charge of assessing whether you could come to MIT lied about her educational background.

The fact is more and more employers are doing more diligent background checks.  So here is my advice – don’t lie on your resume – ever. You might get caught, you might not – but think about whether or not you would be proud of your kids of they lied. My guess is not so much.

1. Objective statements

These are out – O U T – out.  Objective statements are great at telling the reader what you want, but I have news for you bucko, they don’t care what you want.  They need to understand what you offer, not what you want.  Can you do the job? Can you deliver value for the compensation they are giving you?  In short, why should they hire you? And it isn’t because you want to be a team player and contributor.

2. “Responsible for”

Every job has responsibilities and obviously you must have been able to deliver on them, or you wouldn’t have held your last job for four years.  These days to get hired, you need to accomplish something, not be responsible for it. You were responsible for a budget of $5MM. So what? Did you come in under budget and save money? Did you bring more to the table for that amount of money? Did you create, deploy, sell, buy <INSERT SOMETHING HERE> that made the company better?

3. Mistakes

Spelling, grammar, formatting, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.  It has always been the case that mistakes on a resume dramatically cut down the likelihood that you will be called.  Nowadays, when there are dozens, if not hundreds of applicants for the same position errors are a quick and easy way for the hiring manager or HR to parse the stack and lessen the number of resumes they need to read.  Have an independent third party proof your resume for you, submit it to a proofreading service, read it backwards (this really works) to make sure there are zero mistakes. If English isn’t your native language, this is doubly important.

4. More than two pages

This one isn’t a never.  But, I have written more than 10,000 resumes; and my team has written thousands more, and I would say that a very small percentage of the clients we have collectively worked with could justify more than two pages.  While I am sure everything you have ever done in your career is very, very, very important you must think about it from the other side of the desk.  Do you really think they want to read page three, four, five or seven hundred?  I will give you a hint – they don’t.

5. Personal information

I could easily fill an entire blog with lists of personal things that I have seen on resumes, that just don’t belong there – but a short list will suffice to get the point across – date of birth, height, weight, 27 hobbies, political affiliation, religion, family pictures, names of kids, names of pets, names of kids’ pets – don’t think for a minute I am making this up – any of it.  The bottom line is you are applying for a job, not a lifelong friendship. There are many reasons why these things don’t belong on a resume, but the number one reason is you won’t get called. Hiring managers find this irksome, among many other things.

So, some homework – pull your resume out and see if you have any of the above five faux pas on your documents.  Well…?

Objective statements are outdated; but more than that, they only serve to tell the reader (aka hiring manager) what you want – not what you can contribute. Of course I realize that you are desirous of a job you want – who wouldn’t be? BUT on the other end of the spectrum you have the company; since you are the one applying to them for the opportunity, you must consider that what they are looking for is going to supersede what you want.

ENTER: The headline and professional summary.

The headline and professional summary has replaced our erstwhile friend, ‘The Objective’. So, by way of example I will share with you the aforementioned headline and summary below.

Let’s say you are applying for a role in operations with a manufacturing company. Your headline might be the following:

Operations Management – Six Sigma & Lean Principles

Right there the reader knows what you are. Without blatantly stating that you are looking for an operations role, you are sharing that information by way of a headline or opening. This is less intrusive; a nicer way of providing the reader with what you are looking for without saying “Hey, look, this is what I want.”

Now you are going to back up the headline with a short paragraph regarding your operations management experience. Since the top 1/3 of the resume is prime real estate, you want to employ a balanced complement of information about your abilities from both an operations standpoint and also a communication / interpersonal interaction perspective. I like to say: long enough to cover the topic, but short enough to keep it interesting:

Direct and supervise all aspects of the purchasing, refurbishing, manufacturing, service, warehousing and quality systems for XYZ Corporation. Oversee new plant processes, including the installation of a new risk and safety system. Conceptualize and implement best practices around Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Establish and ensure the adoption of processes and procedures to facilitate attainment of short- and long-term corporate goals. Regarded for strong leadership skills, motivating, supporting and driving team success. Embrace change and work well in dynamic environments.

After you create this summary paragraph, you should include a core competency section that will facilitate key word search and then begin with your professional experiences.

So, in the ‘new’ world, I say ‘Down with the objective’! In with the professional headline and summary!  Keep your resume interesting – chock full of examples and results of your efforts. You will likely find yourself at the head of the interview pile.

Happy Searching!

Maintaining a professional tone is essential in a resume. For example, take the following sentence:

“I worked with 6 outside sales reps in landing new accounts and answering customer questions.”

The use of the first-person POV (“I”) devalues the content of the sentence. Now take a look at a revised version utilizing the third-person POV:

“Guided 6-person sales team in garnering new accounts and offering dedicated customer service and support.”

See the difference? Maintaining the third-person point of view throughout your resume will significantly increase its impact.

2)    SELECT THE RIGHT VERBS WHEN BEGINNING SENTENCES

Resumes utilize a particular language all their own, composed of brief sentences beginning with verbs. However, choosing the RIGHT verbs is key. Here is an example taken from an actual candidate’s resume:

“Rocketed sales through seizing channel partnership opportunities and boosting staff capabilities through training sessions.”

Selecting exaggerated verbs such as “rocketed” and “seizing” draws attention away from the crux of the sentence, namely the candidate’s ability to create channel partnerships and effectively train staff. As a general rule of thumb, stick to conventional verbs such as “managed”, “led”, and “resolved”.  Here is a revised version of the above sentence:

“Exceeded profitability targets through developing channel partnerships and providing 1-on-1 staff training.”

3)    KEEP SENTENCES FOCUSED

Don’t make the mistake of trying to summarize a position within a sentence or two. Taking the space necessary to CLEARLY communicate skills and accomplishments is critical. Take the following line:

“Led projects increasing yearly sales and eliminating debt, created market segmentation strategy compensating for changing economies, and devised programs for competitive edge.”

There’s so much information contained in this sentence that all impact is lost simply trying to make sense of it all. Here’s a revised version:

“Led strategic initiatives increasing YOY sales while eliminating debt. Devised market segmentation strategy compensating for changing economies and market fluctuations. Developed programs achieving sustainable competitive edge.”

Applying these 3 strategies will result in a resume that makes an impression within the average 20-30 seconds a recruiter/hiring manager will spend on a first pass.

Guest Post Contributor:

Anish Majumdar is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Owner at ResumeOrbit.com. 95% of clients report an increase in interviews within 30 days, and all work comes backed by a 100% Satisfaction or Money Back Guarantee (in writing).

Submit your existing resume for a FREE CRITIQUE at www.resumeorbit.com

1) CREATE AN OPENING PARAGRAPH SUMMARIZING KEY SKILLS

What types of positions are you interested in? Go through your work history and identify key skills you can bring to the table. For example, if you’re seeking an Executive Assistant position you might focus on your ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, provide 1-on-1 customer support, and develop high-impact proposals and presentations.

Once you have a list of skills, create a brief paragraph highlighting them. Keep the language active, sentences short, and avoid the temptation to list specific metrics: the place for the latter is within your actual work history.

Here’s an example of an effective resume opening:

Seasoned professional adept at managing multiple projects, providing dedicated customer support, and streamlining office operations for marked productivity gains. Skilled in optimizing billing activities and crafting high-impact proposals and presentations. Able to apply technical proficiencies spanning InDesign, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

2) CREATE A CORE COMPETENCIES SECTION LISTING IN-DEMAND KEYWORDS

A Core Competencies section provides a great snapshot of your abilities, as well as ensuring your resume passes evaluation by Applicant Tracking Systems such as Taleo and Kenexa. Creating a strong Core Competencies section requires the following:

-Analyzing pertinent job postings to identify in-demand keywords. For example, an Executive Assistant candidate might have some or all of the following keywords:

Administrative Support

Financial Management, Reporting

Standards Development

Database Management

Operational Streamlining

Verbal/Written Communications

-Listing keywords in a separate section immediately following the opening paragraph. A good rule of thumb (and space-saver) is to list them in horizontal bullets, along the lines of:

Administrative Support · Financial Management, Reporting · Standards Development

Database Management · Operational Streamlining · Verbal/Written Communications

By taking the time to create a powerful opening paragraph and Core Competencies section you increase the likelihood of your resume garnering recruiter/hiring manager attention, resulting in more interviews.

Guest Post Contributor:

Anish Majumdar is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Owner at ResumeOrbit.com. 95% of clients report an increase in interviews within 30 days, and all work comes backed by a 100% Satisfaction or Money Back Guarantee (in writing).

Submit your existing resume for a FREE CRITIQUE at www.resumeorbit.com

So, this brings me to the things that can be captured on a resume for a person returning to work after a long hiatus:

• Use the hybrid style resume format to allow you to highlight relevant skills from your past working experiences. This resume type will allow you to bring relevant achievements to the top of the page. (http://resumesdonewrite.blogspot.com/2009/04/what-kind-of-resume-do-you-need-to.html) Don’t be afraid to reference things that you did during your work “at home.” Consider the organization, planning, and attention to detail required to keep family matters in order, including finances, children’s activities, and the other million things that need to happen to run a household. No doubt, without you, the entire roof would cave in.
• Do not apologize for staying home to do what is absolutely the hardest job in the world – hands down. Highlight the skills that demonstrate your competency, including previous experiences that make you unique.
• Did you volunteer for any organizations? Volunteer efforts though unpaid, is still work! In many ways volunteering is harder than traditional business. Why? Many volunteer efforts require you to lead and motivate others who are also unpaid. It can be harder to generate results and make things happen, especially when those people are not accountable in the same way they would be in a paid position. Volunteer work is most definitely business-oriented and the work completed should be appropriately represented on the resume.

Here are some recommendations:

• Make a list of the things you do in your current role; think about your background from a different perspective;
• Use the SAR method Situation, Action, Result to ensure that you accurately and effectively capture the most salient elements of your background;
• Educate yourself on the market place; the more informed you are the better you will be able to evaluate opportunities and make an appropriate decision.

It might require some creative thinking and a different approach, but you can position yourself for re-entry and success!

Of course everyone wants to present qualifications and credentials that will pass muster with the hiring manager. Just like there are different levels of positions, so too are there different levels of resumes. If you are just entering the workforce or have a limited amount of experience, consider the following to bolster your resume and make yourself more attractive for an entry- or junior-level position:

No matter what level you are in your career, it is critical to highlight examples of your work and how you added value. When your resume is being reviewed in the short amount of time that hiring professionals spend with your resume, yours will remain at the top of the pile. Continue to use the SAR S: Situation, A: Action, and R: Result method when presenting your qualifications to keep the reader’s interest!

Here’s to your career success!

1. Be Specific and Concise

One of the easiest ways to put this is to keep it short, sweet and to the point. When a Human Resources Department is scanning possibly a couple of hundred resumes, you can bet they are not much interested in reading long-winded, detailed, ‘my job required . . . blah, blah, blah.’ Keep it to what you were able to accomplish and how you were an asset in your past positions.

2. List Your Strongest Assets First

This may go against the chronological details of your training, strengths, skills and specific experiences. If you are motivated enough, you should tailor a resume for each employer. (If not, at least make the effort to write a specific cover letter for each position you are interested in.) That is why it is important to decide what resume format will best suit your needs.

3. Find and Make Liberal Use of Effective Keywords

Know that many companies are now using technology to scan resumes. Simply put, resumes will be scanned and then a program may be run searching for certain keywords that apply to a specific position. If none, or few, are found, you may find your precious resume sitting in the ‘No’ box with no further fanfare. You can get an idea of what is being sought by carefully reading the job descriptions. Also include words that imply action.

4. Seriously Consider Investing In Having Your Resume Done Right

When you prepare your resume, always try to keep the perspective of a harried hiring manager in mind. Better yet, why not just invest in a professional resume service?

You have invested thousands of dollars and hours in honing your skills. There is absolutely no reason to leave such an important document in the hands of one that is not attuned to the best methods to make sure you are putting your best ‘first-foot’ forward. (That would be you, or your friend, that puts one together.)

A professional resume will be prepared by those that know from direct experience the most effective format and information to provide. Maybe just as important, they will know what to keep out. It will be well laid out, optimized, and ensure more positive results.

Is your future worth anything less?

Opening Paragraph: A good way to help the reader understand the difference between responsibilities and achievements is to separate the information into a bullet point and paragraph style. The paragraph part should come directly under the titles of your positions. The paragraph should consist of 5-6 lines of information that provide a brief understanding of what you do; and for smaller companies, I recommend adding something about the business so the reader gains information about the nature of the company and industry.

Bullet Points: After you draft your paragraph you should have key achievements – these are the bullets. The reader will be drawn to this information where you will provide examples of the work completed and the outcome. Where possible, make sure that there are metrics to support your work. I don’t advise a bullet that is longer than three lines. If it is getting that long, consider a sub bullet to talk about the project in further detail. For each main bullet, I recommend two sub bullets so the information looks complete.

Size Matters: Do not try to cram all of your information onto one page. If you have enough content for a 1.5- or 2-page document, go for it. There is nothing worse than trying to read a resume as if you are reading the fine print on a sweepstakes. You want to engage the reader, not send them to a Duane Reade for reading glasses. If the font is too small, your resume will quickly make its way to the ‘No’ pile.

Formatting Fiasco: The overabundant use of formatting will not score you any points. You want the résumé to be aesthetically pleasing and easy to read. I understand you want to make sure you stand out; but, preparing your résumé with a lot of glitz (aka underline, bold, italics) is distracting. The résumé should be professional and not overly busy.

Inconsistent Use of Punctuation: To have a serial comma or not, that is the question. If you use it, make sure you use it everywhere. Consistency is king (or queen as the case may be) on your resume. Using periods at the ends of your bullets? Fine. But they need to be everywhere. Same rules apply for numbers. Make sure that you present them in a consistent manner. My general rule of thumb is to write out numbers under ten; for numbers over 10 I use the numeric equivalent.

Capitalizing on Capitalization: Proper nouns should be capitalized. Period.

Widows and orphans: If you have one word on a line by itself rewrite it so that it is on one line only or add additional words so that it extends onto the second line. It looks strange to have only one word on a line.

I repeat myself under stress; I repeat myself under stress: Repetitive word use in your resume is BORING. Get a thesaurus or go online and choose different words that mean the same thing. Select verbs that are exciting and allow your audience to learn how interesting and compelling you are as a candidate.

Speilling (sp) Errors: Nothing screams careless like spelling errors. Spell check is not enough. Check your work and double check it. Read it backwards to catch those spelling errors that are trying to slip past you!! Get another set of eyes. Get it right.

Until they meet you and find out how wonderful and engaging you are – your resume is your representative and the definitive gateway to the interview.

Here are some instructions to help you:

1.    Consider your present employment situation. Write down what you were responsible for in one area. Follow-up in a separate section with what your achievements are. Consider the SAR method: S: Situation – what did you do; A: Action – what action did you take on a particular project or specific engagement; R: Result – what did you achieve? Cost Savings? Revenue Generation? Put the metrics in there if you can. Repeat this exercise for each of your roles keeping the responsibilities and achievements separated so you can make sure that when you write the first draft of your resume that you have a clear delineation between the two.

2.    Define your accomplishments. Are you having some trouble coming up with accomplishments? Think about the things you have done that had a significant impact for the organization. You might review old job descriptions or your performance appraisals to help you find positive things you have done. Employers want to know that you are capable of problem solving – they want to know that you are able to deliver change. How you have done things in the past is a predictor of future performance.

3.    Let your creativity show. Think about your achievements. What have you done to make or save money? Improve sales? Gain market share? Increase efficiency? Drive the company’s brand position? These types of things on your resume will send a strong message to a hiring manager that you have ‘the stuff’ to make a positive impact.

4.    The numbers tell the story. Make sure you include metrics on your resume. Numbers demonstrate immediate value. The reader is drawn to that information. Include budget and revenue numbers, how many people you oversaw both directly and indirectly. If you improved operating performance, profitability, efficiency make sure to include the metrics. You will need to substantiate your claims so make sure you review your background and are prepared to review the numbers during an interview.

5.    Awards and Honors: Have you been selected for any achievements? Include that information on the resume to make you stand out. Promotions due to performance are important to note as well; that information tells the reader that you exceeded expectations, resulting in a position with increased responsibility.

You will need to modify your document as you apply to make sure the presentation and content is relevant to the opening. The resume is not a one size fits all garment; make sure that you tailor it for your opportunities and highlight compelling information towards the top. Your prime real estate is in the top third of the page. Strike while the iron is hot to get the interviews.

When writing a resume for an entry level graduate consider the following to help you:

Education: In many instances recent graduates do not have a plethora of experiences to draw from for the resume. If you graduated within the year, it is fine to put your education at the top of the page. Consider adding some relevant coursework that is related to the position you are targeting. This will help the reader make a connection that you understand the theory behind the business. Have a high GPA? If it’s 3.5 or better list it. A strong GPA can set you apart from the pack.

Professional Experience: Your professional experience section might consist of part-time opportunities and seasonal employment. This is ok! Think about the things that you learned during those roles, the interactions you had with co-workers and clients (if applicable). Reference the positions and information that is relevant to the role, including things you learned that you could apply in a full-time position. For example, if you waited tables at a restaurant you might discuss your experience providing strong customer service, ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, manage demanding clients, and ensure timely delivery.

Leadership: One of the things that hiring managers look for in young employees is their leadership capabilities. Were you part of any on-campus organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions or coordinate programs? You can reference information of this nature under a heading called Leadership and Extracurricular Activities. Volunteer efforts would also be included in this category with a short synopsis of your title and what you did, including any results (e.g. helped to build five houses for Habitat for Humanity; coordinated food deliveries for 50 underserved families; tutored children in mathematics and English to improve academic performance).

Skills and Additional Information: Are you a whiz at certain computer programs? This is the place to reference those things. Do not include email and Internet search. Of course if you know Microsoft Suite, reference that and any other programs that you can use easily. Speak one or more foreign languages? Put them in this section. If you are pursuing opportunities at a global organization your language ability can give you a leading edge.

Focus your effort, do your research, keep notes, and maintain an organized approach. Your perseverance will pay off! Don’t forget – you will need a cover letter, too. All of your document should match in font size and style. Approach your search in a positive and proactive manner. With a little bit of time and energy you will land a job that’s good for you.

The current economic condition has made it very challenging for people pursuing new job opportunities. On average there are more than 50 applicants for every open job requisition – Are you better than the other 49? Standing out from the crowd is critical to facilitating success.

The value of results:

Results focused and data driven information provide a potential hiring manager with a better understanding of what you can do. Quantify your results where possible. At the top of your resume, start with a paragraph to provide the reader with some solid information. Use short phrases to quickly present the reader with your core competencies. This will be especially useful when the reader scans the document – or if a system like Taleo is used for key word search:

The summary and core competency section above sets a proper and compelling tone for the resume. It allows the reader to quickly learn something about you, including overarching abilities and sometimes personal attributes. This presentation facilitates easy scanning.

Moving ahead to the body of your resume, numbers make management notice your background and it demonstrates your ability to drive results. Use real numbers … but make sure you can defend them.

Start your professional experience by drafting a short paragraph to describe responsibilities.

Use bullets to highlight key achievements. This type of presentation will create a clear and important distinction between what you do on a day-to-day basis vs. what you have delivered for your clients or your company. Remember, the resume is a marketing tool – it should be written to engage the reader and provide information about the things that you are interested in doing again.

Tip: If you are not interested in doing a task again, do not list it on the resume.

The following is an example of what your professional experience section might look like:

COMPANY NAME, Chicago, IL, 2005-Present

A leading retailer and distributor of natural stone imported from India, Brazil, Italy, Spain, Mexico, and Turkey, among others and specializing in exceptional quality and selection of stone products to meet the needs of builders, contractors, fabricators, retailers, architects, interior designers, and tile distributors. Ranked 19^th among the fastest 50 growing companies in Chicago by Crain’s in 2007.

Chief Operating Officer

Spearheaded the company’s expansion from 4 locations doing $16 million in business to 16 locations throughout the Midwest and Southwest doing $50 million in business. Evangelized opportunities to improve profitability through organic growth, and worked with the Board to derive funds from shareholders to support efforts. Provided leadership to 16 vice presidents, general managers, showroom managers, and 6 corporate direct reports.

• Implemented buying processes, which included categorizing products to facilitate improved tracking of purchases and inventory. Reduced unsold inventory and identified best selling items to improve cash flow, margin, and identify replenishment points.
• Identified new sources and suppliers to optimize the supply chain. Worked with freight companies and negotiated competitive pricing to manage import and carrying costs. Identified ships and vendors that would allow increased tonnage per container.

What else should be on your resume?

You  will want to  include education, advanced degrees, certifications, training, awards, affiliations (professional, community/volunteer) and compelling hobbies/interests. Compelling is the key word here. Generally hobbies and interests can be left off the resume. The caveat is that you should include them if they are really unique. For example, if you have summited Mt. Kilimanjaro or something equally noteworthy. Why something so extreme? Well, just being a voracious reader doesn’t make you all that unique. Not reading, now that would be unique. Seriously though, the general run of the mill hobbies doesn’t provide the reader with anything all that exciting. Competing in a triathlon? Now that’s an icebreaker! Now for the sample of your education and other data for the resume:

Education & Academic Achievement

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, WHARTON BUSINESS SCHOOL, Philadelphia, PA (2001)

Master of Business Administration

• Coursework Emphasis: Quantitative Analytics, Corporate Finance, Portfolio Theory, and Financial Risk.

BROWN UNIVERSITY, Providence, RI (1999)

Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics and Economics (Double Degree)

• Thesis: “Name of Thesis Here”
• Leadership: Board of Trustees Investment Committee (Member), Student Investment Fund.

Professional Certifications

Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA) – Professional Risk Manager (PRM) Designation;

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Certification (Level I).

Leadership & Additional Information

Founder and former CEO of the Main Managed Fund.

Language Skills: Russian (Fluent). Computer Skills (Expert): Microsoft Excel, @Risk, Crystal Ball, Mathematica, MatLab, and Bloomberg. Knowledge of Visual Basic and C++ programming languages.

The devil is in the details. Your presentation counts, including layout, margins, font size, and style. Make sure you’re the resume is balanced with enough white space to facilitate easy reading. If you go to a second page, make sure that at least 50% of that page has content. Going over by one or two lines looks sloppy. Make sure personal details, including name, phone and email address is included at the top of the second page. When the resume is printed, the reader will be able to identify your document if the two pages become separated.

Make sure all of your career documents, including a cover letter, bio, and any other materials match to maintain a positive and pleasing brand.

Transferable Skills are Key

First, you will not have to start from scratch. Chances are that some of your experience included the use of skills that you will need in your new job, so you just need to identify those skills. For example, if you were a receptionist and now you are entering the nursing field, you can highlight some of your administrative and customer service skills.

The next step is to bring out some of those skills in your job descriptions from the past. State what you did and the things you accomplished, but put items with those transferable skills higher up in the description.

For example, if you worked in a call center and had to report on activity and help customers, you could write:

Documented customer requests and responded to client needs individually.

This will still apply to your future job as a nurse, so it is important to highlight it. Keep this in mind as you write your resume.

Consolidate Similar Experiences

If you had a job that took place more than 15 years ago and irrelevant to what you want to do (say you delivered groceries in college) there is no need to include that. But what happens if you job-hopped and your past is a little choppy, but you still have relevant past experiences?

If you have a background full of similar jobs and a few interruptions into other fields or short-term gigs, you can use a technique to lump all of your relevant experience, like this:

Administrative Assistant

Company A (2005-2009)

Company B (2002-2003)

Company C (1999-2001)

List your duties in a few sentences. Since they are similar for each job, they can be lumped together.

• Use bullets for accomplishments.
• It is okay to call out the specific company in bullets to show which job you were at when you had a big achievement.

This way, even if you had another job between 2003 and 2005, you’re drawing attention to the fact that you have plenty of administrative experience.

Set the Tone with a Profile

Regardless of what your past winds up looking like, your resume should start with a strong profile that summarizes everything you have to offer. This replaces the “objective,” which most people are familiar with. But if you have a few years under your belt, an objective is not relevant and they are better used for new professionals that do not have any professional experience.

Instead, highlight your skills in a few sentences. Because you do not have experience in the new field, it is a smart idea to pull out those transferable skill areas that will help you transition into the medical field. For example, if you’re new to the nursing field and have a 15-year history of working as a secretary, your profile may look something like this:

Qualifications Profile

• Nursing: Resourceful caregiver knowledgeable in all best practices of nursing including laboratory specimen collection, vitals monitoring, medication review, medical device usage, and physician relations. Recently earned RN degree and acquired state certification.
• Customer Service: Personable professional fostering strong relationships with patients, family members, physicians, and other associates in order to provide exemplary patient care.
• Process Improvements: Inventive leader deploying innovative improvements to expedite operations and enhance customer satisfaction. Dynamic educator able to train others in order to improve organizational function.
• Communication: Exceptional oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated success documenting practices in order to comply with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Strengths and Accomplishments: Team-building aptitude and impressive background training associates. Proven expertise providing comprehensive administrative support and demonstrated achievement overhauling electronic filing platform. Upbeat professional using critical thinking skills to provide competent and dignified patient care.

In this case, you don’t want to say you are a nurse and instead want to bring out those transferable skills. But if you have some background in the field, say you were already an LPN and just acquired your RN credentials or Bachelor’s in Nursing, you could lump everything into one paragraph highlighting your areas of expertise (diagnostics, at-home care, intravenous set-up, etc.) and specialties such as cardiac, OB-GYN or pediatrics. That may look like this:

Compassionate Registered Nurse adept in providing comprehensive patient care. Specialties include cardiac care, med/surg, pediatrics, OB-GYN, and emergency unit. Proficient in documenting patient status, communicating with family members and physicians, educating patients, and recording practices using electronic medical records. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Esteemed team player poised to continue career in nursing field; recently acquired RN certification.

Do you notice how if you do not have any experience in the field you want to enter, it’s best to pull out aspects of your past that you will use in the future, while still stating your intentions? In the later case, you could summarize your career because you already have expertise in the field but are just moving up the ladder. In either case, it’s important to state who you are in a profile as opposed to what you want to do, as you would in an objective. Even if you have no experience in the field you want to enter, you would still use that profile to highlight what you have to offer because you do, after all, have professional experience.

Whether you just got your new degree or are still working on it, creating a resume to reflect this important achievement is important in order to advance your career.

By Kristen Fischer

Well forget about what should be on there for the moment. What about the stuff that should NOT be on there? Sometimes what you leave off is more important. For those of you who have read my other blogs on resume topics, you know I have no shortage of information regarding what you should include. Now, here are the chart toppers for the stuff that should be left OFF. For each don’t I have provided some examples to help you tell your own story.

Responsible for: We all have responsibilities – in professional and personal life. Responsible for is boring and uninspiring. You should never, ever start a bullet or paragraph with that. Snorefest!

Example: Drove business development initiatives, program management, call center, and field service operations. Directed a seven-person team and managed a $4 million operating budget.

I, We, Our: This is a small sampling of personal pronouns, and also words that should not be used when writing a resume. Use strong action verbs to communicate your message. This will keep the reader engaged.

Example: Secured $14 million in incremental revenue from creative and strategic advertising partnerships. Led and collaborated with a global team that worked closely with local, European, and Asia-based resources.

Organized and Detail Oriented: As opposed to what? Hopelessly confused and unable to manage your way out of a paper bag? It is expected that you are detailed, organized, and able to communicate with others and an entire host of other things. Convey what you did in a clear and articulate manner. Give examples – make the reader understand how you delivered for your employer.

Example: Championed the development of a proprietary database to manage the firm’s high net-worth clients. Instituted a follow-up mechanism, which resulted in securing $2 million in incremental business.

Excellent with clients and customers: This screams cliché. This has no meaning except if it is backed by a situation, action result (SAR) Describe what you did for your clients / customers with a strong result.

Example: Resolved client service issues, including processing returns and tracking lost items. Recognized with the ‘President’s Gold Standard’ award in 2002 and 2003.

Team Player: I am sure you wouldn’t tell a potential employer that you abhor interpersonal communication and would rather be locked in a small room to do your own work. Leave this off! Co-workers will undoubtedly surround you. Contributing in a group setting is expected.

Example: Collaborated as part of a project team of 15 to complete the build-out of 147,000 sq. ft. of new office space for a leading retail client; maintained project schedules, led meetings, and addressed outstanding issues, resulting in timely project completion two months ahead of schedule.

Not sure if your resume makes the cut? Check out my other blogs at resumesdonewrite.blogspot.com for examples of well written summaries, cover letters, and bulleted examples of strong resume content.

You have but a few seconds to leave a strong impression. The call, if it comes, will be the direct result of a powerful resume with examples. Dust off your document, review it. Are you guilty of empty phrases? If so, it’s time for an overhaul.

Religion and Politics: This is a big no no. Like your political affiliation, religion is a contentious topic. Whatever faith or religion you practice has no place in your professional life, or on your resume – unless you are applying for a position at the Vatican. Religious and political preference does not impact the quality of your work, and have no bearing on how you will perform in a new role. Keep these private details to yourself. We are all entitled to our beliefs. Religion and politics are two areas that can quickly escalate into debate and more than heated conversations. This information is completely irrelevant to job related matters.

Former Boss and Co-workers: I don’t care if you thought your former boss was the worst human being you have ever met. (This applies to your former co-workers, too). Under no circumstances should you provide details ANYWHERE about your personal feelings. Less is more when it comes to job search. You need to remain positive and proactive. Dishing the dirt on a former boss / co-workers will not help you. In fact, quite the opposite can happen. You will be perceived as a whiner, troublemaker, and possibly worse. I have a great friend who always asks me: “What good can come of that?” when I present something that I want to say or do. If I cannot come up with a good answer, I let it go. Thanks, Chris.

Secrets and Lies: You cannot lie on your resume. Do not reference things you have never done. If you did not complete college, you cannot indicate that you have a degree. Companies complete background checks on their potential hires. Once found out, you will never get the offer. Similarly, if you like about your experience, when a hiring manager conducts a reference check you can easily be discovered. Keep it truthful. You do not want a stain on your reputation.

Matters Related to Health: Health issues have nothing to do with work. As long as you are able to perform the essential functions of the job, your high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or kidney transplant do not bear discussion.

Photograph: What you look like is not a measure of your skills. You should not include a picture on your resume. However, if you are applying abroad, this is a more common practice.

It goes without saying that you should always ensure that you exercise proper grammar and spelling on your resume and cover. To ensure that your resume is perfect and delivers the right amount of information in a clear and compelling manner, have it reviewed by a strong resource. You could also opt for a professional preparation. You wouldn’t cut your own hair (hopefully). This document is too important to make careless errors. Some things are best left to professionals. If you feel that you lack the writing skills or ability to market yourself effectively get the help of a professional to ensure the proper and effective creation of your personal brand.

How’s this for an email address: Iluvkumquats@xyz.com. Umm, good to know that you are such a fan of kumquats; for an email address though? I would choose something more business appropriate. That is a pretty obscure fruit, to boot!

Picture this: I have had (sigh) more than one client put their likeness on the resume. This is not required, necessary, or even desirable – especially when the picture is not an actual photo but a rendering of the person. How can this possibly be a good idea? I had one client ask me to put a HAND DRAWN picture of him on his resume. Uh, no – sorry, I will not do that for you.

White text on black paper: I almost feel like breaking out a headband and neon clothing to discuss this while listening to a Poison record. Record – how’s that for an instant flashback? This is not professional or appropriate. Keep the resume presentation clean and professional. Cream paper with a watermark is the way to go. You should not be representing yourself like it’s Halloween.

Resume on a shoe box: I received this resume when I was working at Martha Stewart. Perhaps appropriate for the situation, but strange nonetheless. Wherever would I keep this? What if I wanted to hold the person’s ‘resume’ for a future opening? Should I store my unworn shoes there? I suppose it would remind me that the person was available every time I needed to wear those shoes in the office.

Death by certification: I saw a resume recently where the applicant had 33, yes – 33 certifications. He had to create an entire table at the top to include them; and, they took up the top 1/3^rd of the resume! He even had the sites listed. What does this tell me? He’s a good test taker.

Make sure that the things you put on your resume are relevant to the position. You don’t want anyone to question your judgment. The bottom line: you don’t want to be memorable unless it’s for the right reasons.

Spelling and Grammar: Perhaps the most egregious mistakes are made in these two areas. The following is some guidelines to make sure you are delivering a error free document:

• Use a dictionary / thesaurus when you write. If you are not certain of how something is spelled, look it up. I also recommend getting a copy of the Little Blue Book of Grammar.
• Be careful of tenses on your resume. Your current experience should be in the present tense. If you are using a combination paragraph / bullet format the paragraph portion of the current role should be in the present tense; make all of your bullets in the past tense.
• Be sure to capitalize all proper nouns.
• Make sure you write numbers and dates in a consistent manner. Numbers one through nine should be spelled out. 10 and above should be written in numeric format.
• If you start a bullet with a number, that number should be spelled out.

Punctuation: Punctuation is another area where people seem to make a lot of errors. All punctuation should be consistent throughout the document.

• Whether or not you choose to use periods at the ends of the bullets in the resume is not the issue. The issue is that if you use them, they need to be present throughout the document. CONSISTENCY IS KING.
• When writing quotes the punctuation goes inside the quote – not outside.

Consistency: Whatever you decide to do on your resume you must present it in a consistent format.

• If you bold a title, all of the job titles should be in bold. If you write a date in the following manner: November 2007-December 2009, all dates should be written the same way.
• Make sure that the spacing of your document is the same throughout. Font size and style should also be the same to avoid the resume looking scattered and disorganized.
• When using acronyms, first spell out the words and put the acronym in (parentheses). You can then use the acronym going forward.

Design and Layout: If you think that the design and layout of your document is not that important – you are wrong.

• Do not use a tiny font that people cannot read except with a magnifying glass.  Can you read that? It says: tiny font.
• If you have enough compelling and relevant content to fill two pages, go for it. There is no law on the books dictating how long your resume should be. My old college professor said a written document should be like a bikini – long enough to cover the topic, but short enough to remain interesting.
• Do not over use italics, underline, bold or other features that will make your resume distracting.
• Put your name, phone, email and address at the top of the page. On page two your name, phone and email should appear. If the two pages are separated, the reader will know that the second page is yours.
• For physical copies you should use a high quality linen or bond paper in cream or white. The cover and resume should be printed on the same paper.

Your resume gets an A if: You have a strong headline with a corresponding paragraph (short) that follows to help set the tone of your document and allows the reader to quickly understand what you offer a potential employer. This section of the document is extremely important! This is where you capture the reader and engage the person with compelling overriding details of your expertise. See the example below:

Your resume gets a B if: you have the summary, but you failed to include the headline. The headline is important!  That quickly tells the reader what you want to do. If it takes a hiring manager too long to figure out what position you are seeking, she will move on to the next candidate. Whether you are a sales professional or an attorney who specializes in M&A transactions, let the reader know. Here’s another example (with the headline) for an attorney:

If your resume does not contain these elements: Do Not Pass Go. Do Not Collect $200. You should immediately revise your document so that it incorporates the necessary compelling information to quickly sell your skills and abilities to a potential hiring manager. There is no ‘C’ when it comes to your resume; you immediately go to ‘F’. Why?  If you are not getting the interviews, you cannot get your next role. It is imperative that your resume market you effectively. To that end you should ensure that your headline and summary data, including the core competency sections are revised as you apply for opportunities to ensure that you have captured key information that meets the needs of the position.
Good Luck!

Why does your resume matter? There are a few reasons, not the least of which is that this all-important document should do a few things for you:

1.    Engage your reader

2.    Give someone enough compelling information to help them understand your capabilities

3.    ***Get you the interview***

Getting the interview is the goal.  Your resume won’t get you the job – you still have to ace the interview. (http://resumesdonewrite.blogspot.com/2009/10/interviewing-tips-you-have-interview.html) But a resume that is boring, blasé, and plain won’t get you the interview.  You will not get the interview with a document that only references your responsibilities; it is the results of your work that people want to see.

Here are some tips to help make your Resume Matter:

1.    Start with a strong headline to help the reader understand your focus / what you want to do.

2.    Draft a short but compelling introductory section – this should be a complement of overarching skills / abilities peppered with an example to set the tone.

3.    Write a core competency section with key words that speak to your strongest set of skills.

4.    Consider what you are trying to achieve. Are you transitioning or staying in the same career? Pick the appropriate presentation tailored toward your goals.

5.    Don’t be afraid to be a little self-promoting; I don’t mean lie! Present yourself in a capable manner. It’s ok to market  yourself!

6.    Include things that make you stand out: e.g. Board positions, volunteer work, language proficiency or other things that set you apart. Make sure they are relevant.

7.    Reference certifications or licenses. They serve as a point of differentiation.

8.    Don’t worry about the length. There is NO RULE. If you have enough meaningful information to fill two pages, go for it.

9.    Put a second page header with your name and contact details. How will the reader know a second page is yours if there is nothing at the top to connect it to the first page?

10.  Last, but not least: PROOOFREAD IT! Errors will make your resume NOT MATTER.

Your resume will matter, but only if you make it so. Consider your goals, and get to know your audience. Getting the interviews is largely dependent upon how much you can make your resume matter to others.

DON’T: Write an objective statement. The purpose of your resume is to help the hiring manager understand what you can do for them, not what you are looking for. Your headline will address this.

DO: Make sure resume has a strong headline at the top. This gives the reader immediate information regarding your professional background and a quick understanding of what you do / who you are.

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DON’T: Write a summary with cliches and outdated phrases that are seen everywhere and scream: “I didn’t know what to put here, so I created something boring and uninspiring.”

DO: Create a short paragraph under the headline that drives an immediate impact. Provide an example of something you did that resulted in a positive outcome. Write the section so it provides information regarding what you are capable of complemented by some qualitative information that describes you as a person.

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DON’T: Highlight things that you are not interested in doing again on the resume. You only have one chance to make a great impression.

DO: Provide the reader with a compelling look at what your capabilities are. Reference examples with the results for the things you enjoyed doing. Trust me, there will be plenty of things that you don’t want to do – there always is!

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DON’T: Be redundant, repeat yourself, repeat yourself, repeat yourself. Once it’s on the resume, you don’t need to repeat yourself!

DO: Keep your information clear and to the point. Remember the reader is going to scan your document and in a matter of seconds make a determination. Give ‘em a taste – not the plate.

—

DON’T: Go back more than 15 years. They don’t need to know everything you did since birth.

DO: Create an Additional Experience or Early Experience section that lists the name of the Company and your title. What you did during that time is probably not relevant to showcase. As they say: “You’ve come a long way, baby.”

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DON’T: List irrelevant hobbies or extraneous information.

DO: Keep all of the information relevant and timely. Memberships, publications, licenses, and certifications should be referenced if they are connected to the position(s) you are pursuing.

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DON’T: Worry if your resume is two pages long.

DO: Ensure that your two-page or one-page resume captures the information that markets you effectively. It’s not about length – it’s about substance!

Fig. 1 - Resume Before (Beauty & Hotness)

Let me tell you what an ASCII resume is. ASCII text contains no formatting within the document, and the text is not platform or application specific. Any person can obtain and read the resume via the Internet or e-mail no matter what system they are using. Since this format contains no formatting at all, the document will not look aesthetically pleasing. This is fine! The objective is to make sure that someone pulling the resume from a database or online system can read the information.

Creating your ASCII Resume:

After you open your Word résumé save it as a text Figure 2 – Save As only document. Your system will prompt you that all of the formatting will be gone. Accept this. You are not losing your Word document by doing this. Open your text file in Notepad. If you work on a Mac, use spotlight to find Notepad. If you work on a PC do the following: Start / Programs / Accessories / Notepad. You will see that all of the formatting is gone.

Figure 2 - Save as

You will need to make sure that your plain text resume does not contain any strange characters that carried over from the formatted resume. In particular, you should look at the bullets, make sure they appear as asterisks (*) or dashes (-). Words in quotes or any symbols should be reviewed to make sure they look the same.

Any accents over words like the accents over the e’s in resume might not be right. You will need to make sure that this is correct. Any other special characters should be reviewed to ensure there are no errors.

Since this document is format-free, it might be difficult to identify where one section ends and one begins. For example, you might have difficulty identifying the Professional Experience section from the Education section.

To help create your sections, place a row of equal signs (=) between each section. Save your file with a .txt extension before closing to ensure all of your changes are captured.

When you next want to paste your resume into an online system, you will use the text file created in Notepad to do so. In Notepad you will be able to cut and paste. Your text should not appear distorted and the reader will be able to access and read it.

Here is what a sample of your text file should look like:

Figure 3 - ASCII Text Resume

This process is very easy and should take a few minutes to do.

Your bio should provide targeted information in a clear and concise manner to quickly demonstrate what the reader should understand about you. Your biography will mention your name throughout the document. The reader should get to know you. You want the bio to be factual, creative, and leave a lasting impression about who you are and what you do.

In many instances, I am asked to write bios for people starting their own businesses or pursuing consulting engagements. The following sample will help you understand how to best market yourself to potential clients:

Opening Section:

To executive leadership and senior management involved in start-up operations or turn-around companies requiring expert financial competencies, including the ability to implement innovative process improvement programs, John Doe brings the strategic focus, vision, and mature judgment gained during a long and successful career leveraging diverse business and financial advisory expertise with a variety of entrepreneurial, and market-making businesses.

Body:

John served most recently as the CEO for several start-up ventures, including ABC, 123, Inc., and XYZ Corporation, where he led acquisitions, capital raising efforts, and negotiated strategic partnerships. In particular, John’s recent work with XYZ investors resulted in raising $57 million for expansion efforts. John has also leveraged his accounting skills to analyze corporate needs and quickly develop and implement plans to facilitate operating improvements.

From this point, you will begin to create an additional paragraph or two highlighting specific achievements that will make a memorable impression in the mind of the reader. You can talk about previous experiences where your work delivered impressive returns or results for previous employers. Don’t make your bio too long. One page is all it should be. You want to make sure that the information you deliver is concise and delivers an impact.

Closing:

John holds a Master of Business Administration from Harvard College. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). John delivers speaking engagements throughout the United States regarding entrepreneurship and financial management topics.

Your bio should ‘speak’ to someone – it should deliver an impact. You want to impress the reader with information about you. Maintain confidence without the hyperbole of overblown egotism. The process of creating your bio will also help you develop your 30- second elevator speech as you begin to verbalize your skills and achievements with your intended audience.

Here I will give you the answers to the above and provide some other tips in this post entitled ResumesDoneWrite, aptly named for my company and blog of the same name.

1. Resume Style - There are many approaches to resume writing. Below are some of the most compelling things you should consider, and in some cases use when creating your resume.

• Reverse Chronological Style: Reverse chronological resumes are best utilized when you have not had any gaps in employment and have not changed career paths. Reverse chronological is what hiring managers expect to see because it is the most common. Fear not though – if you have changed careers, industries, or been out of the game for a bit of time there are other ways for you to present your credentials that will still draw attention and ‘get you the interview’. Reverse chronological resumes start with your most recent position and work backwards. I recommend not referencing things in any great detail that go back farther than 10-15 years. You can reference a Previous Experience section where you reveal the company name and your title. If it comes up in an interview, be prepared to address it there. Your resume should ‘show a little shoulder’ not give away the entire store.
• Hybrid Style: The hybrid setup will allow you to reference key achievements in a section of the same name at the top of the resume. This is particularly useful if you are transitioning to a new industry, embarking on a new career path, or reentering the workforce after an absence. The key achievements should reveal compelling information that can be correlated to the position you are seeking. If you are in possession of a job description, even better. Review it to help tailor the resume for the position. In each style it is imperative that you provide the reader with metrics that support the work that you have done. The meat is in the results. A sure way to get your resume noticed is to provide clear and concise examples with the outcome so the reader understands how you made an impact.

2. The Headline - At the very top of your resume write a headline. This will serve to tell everyone reading what you do, what you are good at, and in some way what you want without stating it in an outdated objective. The headline is like a newspaper headline. You might consider the following: GENERAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT /OPERATIONS LEADERSHIP. That headline would go right underneath your name and contact details and clearly conveys that you are management professional who runs operations. It’s the quick hit to set the tone of the document.

3. Core Competencies – I know I write about this all the time; but it really is important or I wouldn’t stand on the box about it. Hiring managers and internal screening systems (Taleo, etc.) can easily scan this for your key attributes. Write six or eight core competencies – and make them meaningful.

4. Using Color - Here’s an interesting question – the question of color on the resume. When well done and in the appropriate situation, color can work very well on the resume. Less is more in this case so you will need to be careful. If you work in marketing, communications, public relations or a creative field, consider adding some color to your document. I don’t mean iridescent yellow. The reader won’t have to find the resume in the dark. I mean something classy. You should consider Accent 2 (Darker 25%); Background 2 (Darker 25%); Accent 3 (Darker 50%). You can use them for your name and personal details and perhaps even start the first portion of the bullets with a color. These colors are muted; so they don’t want to make you run from the room screaming. I think they set a nice tone and will liven up the resume a bit.

5. Picture Perfect: I have used pictures on resumes that I have created for my clients – not their likeness, but actual photos from IStockPhoto.com, bigstockphoto.com or other free or cheap stock photo sites. They are easy to download and size; and once purchased, you can save them for use somewhere else. Again, you need to be careful about using a picture. I would not recommend this if you work in financial services, consulting, or manufacturing, for example. Do you work in the recreation field? I wrote a resume for a client that had extensive experience handling parks and recreation activities. A picture was perfect for her resume. When complemented by the rest of the written content really told, well, the complete picture of her skills and abilities. Other resumes where I have included pictures are for graphic designers, musicians, and event planners. When done correctly, it can really make your resume stand out from the crowd without being obnoxious or ‘hokey’.

Closing Thoughts

There is no such way as the ‘right’ way when it comes to writing a resume. The right resume is the one that gets you the interviews. Consider your options; if you need, get some professional help to ensure you are positioned effectively. You won’t be sorry. A well-written professional document can really mean the difference between the interviews that get you the job offers – and a situation where you sit around wondering why nobody is calling. Capable enough to do it yourself? Even better! Make sure you do some research. There are resources online where you can use a template to create your own document. Just make sure you send the right message. Include the results of your efforts in a meaningful and concise way. In your job search you have the most control over your resume – so make it a great one.

1. Your resume Is Not Results Oriented

For reasons completely unknown to me, people like to reference the things they are responsible for rather than the results they obtained! Again, this document is an important marketing and sales tool. The examples of what you have done with the corresponding outcome are paramount to ensure that your resume is considered! If you don’t reference how you drove productivity, revenue, profitability, or added value – some type of value, you will not be successful!

Make sure you provide the reader with the juicy details of how you added value for your employer. Here are a few examples to help you get started:

• Drafted a full business plan, including the financial forecast to open a new profit center for the company, resulting in a 40% revenue increase in year one.
• Conceptualized and implemented a team training concept, which reduced production downtime by 35% and increased employee productivity by 50%.

2. You Don’t Have Core Competencies Called Out

This is a quick snap-shot of what you are offering your next employer. This section is critical; it shows the reader at a quick glance what you bring to the table and what you have accomplished in the past. It will help the reader quickly understand the competencies you possess as they connect with the position for which you are applying.

It can be a bulleted list of key words that when scanned by a person or a system will be easily identified as your key attributes. Don’t be afraid to revise your existing, or add new competencies to meet the position description. I would not suggest adding them verbatim; get a little creative in how you write them.

3. You have Grammar And Spelling Mistakes

Grammar and spelling errors plague resumes! I once had a client who indicated that he put a plane in the ‘hanger’. Really, I thought – that had to be some closet! Spell check will not pick up things like this because hanger is a word, the wrong one, but a word nonetheless. Whatever the reason for the mistake – this is a costly error if detected by a hiring manager.

I would like to say that there is a catchall that will help you identify all errors related to grammar and spelling, but alas, I cannot. Of course use spell check. You should also read your resume backwards, yes, backwards to help you catch errors. I also recommend identifying a friend or family member that is rock solid with English grammar and spelling. Have that person review your resume to ensure that all errors are caught before you submit the resume. You should also consider getting The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation, which will definitely put you on the straight and narrow with respect to proper word usage. You will still need to get help with the spelling area though.

4. Your Presentation is Awful

How your resume looks is also important! Do your dates line up? Do lines roll to a second or third page? Consistent and an aesthetically pleasing presentation will help your resume shine. This demonstrates attention to detail – an all-important characteristic. If your resume looks sloppy, what will the hiring manager think? Possibly that you are disorganized and lack focus to ensure the details are reviewed. First impressions are lasting ones, and you want your resume to clearly articulate that you are focused, capable, and able to contribute to positive and lasting change. Choose an updated font like Book Antiqua in 10pts, Cambria in 10pts, or Tahoma in 9.5pts. Times New Roman is an outdated font, so I would encourage you to use something more timely.

Either get your resume professionally done, which will ensure that you are positioned correctly, and all your i’s are dotted and your t’s are crossed. Alternatively, there are many templates available online where you can populate your information into an existing format. This will help you stay on track and generate a document that is consistent and pleasing to look at.

5. You Still Have An Objective Statement

Aside from being complete outdated, objectives tell the reader what you want, not what you offer. A resume is a marketing and sales tool about YOU. You need to offer up information about what you bring to the company – not what you want them to do for you.

Instead, start your resume off with a compelling summary. This is 6-7 sentences about what you offer. Since you don’t have a lot of time to make an impact, reference things that are unique – things where you made a sustainable impact. You can even show metrics in your summary to quickly demonstrate the value that you offer. Your summary is your overview about your key attributes peppered with an example or two to make a swift impact.

There’s my top five for you with some actionable solutions to help you create a rockin’ results-oriented resume!

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You should also definitely check out Thesaurus.com or you can try out the very cool visualthesaurus.com where you will find a plethora, myriad, a veritable cornucopia of enticing, invigorating, and all around exciting words that will send sparks flying through your brain! These tools will give you numerous choices of synonyms for commonly used words. It doesn’t only apply to verbs folks; it applies to all words in the English language. The only caveat that you need to be mindful of is that some words may “be” synonyms but do not really convey the meaning of the original word. Sometimes it takes a little digging, but I can assure you – it’s worth it; and will spice up your resume. That’s a sample of my mind origami for the written word. Do you want the whole shebang? The entire kit and kaboodle? The kitchen sink? I will be happy to share more with you. All you have to do is email me at dwheatman@resumesdonewrite.com.

Happy resume writing!

A résumé really serves a couple of purposes. For starters it provides a potential hiring manager with information regarding your professional background. More importantly though, it demonstrates your ability to deliver results – even if those results were generated a few years ago. Everything counts. In light of this, it is perfectly fine to reference things done several years ago at the top of the document. You want to draw the reader’s attention to what you have done – this demonstrates your potential. Just because you have not been in a traditional employment role does not mean you cannot add value. Have you done any volunteer work? If so, that would most definitely count, and I would strongly suggest adding that information to your document.

Here’s an example of how your resume might look if you have been engaged in other things for the past few years:

As you can see the headline at the top provides a quick understanding of what this person’s focus is as related to conducting a job search. This client has been in sales in the past and managed client interactions. Immediately the reader understands this and can apply this concept as part of potential fit within a role.

Next is the core competency section. This section is critical to a résumé. Especially in light of the fact that you have less than 10 seconds to make an impact, this section facilitates ease of reading. Those bullets will demonstrate to the hiring manager if the candidate possesses the key elements to fill a role. In that area you will notice that a number of things are covered – leadership and project management, to client relationships – all things that are important in a client facing sales role. The great thing about the core competency section is that you can quickly revise it to meet the needs of a new position. Simply review the job description of the role that interests you and insert the competencies that most closely match your skills you possess and the essential functions of the job.

The significant professional accomplishments section is the key component necessary to establish a link between what you have done and how you can make an impact in a new position; this is particularly important if you have been out of the workforce for a while. This section will allow you to draw from past experiences – no matter how long ago and reference them toward the top of the page, particularly useful if you want to draw attention away from the fact that you have been doing other things for some time.

If you have more bullets that you would like to add to this type of section, you can create headings and add like information under each particular heading. For example, you might have a heading called Team Leadership, one titled New Business Development, and another called Project Management and Oversight with three or four bullets under each heading. This will facilitate ease of reading and help the reader quickly understand what you bring to a new role.

After you complete the significant professional accomplishments section, you would then reference professional experience. Start with the last position held and work your way backward. No need to reference the months in your roles, the years employed is perfectly fine. Anything that dates back more than 15 years or so can be referenced with the name of the company and your title under a Previous Experience section.

Of course, if you have done any volunteer work or participated in any programs that have the potential to add value to your résumé, don’t be afraid to add them. This is the time for some self-promotion. Love yourself, and others will love you too!

Use a Hybrid Résumé Style. A hybrid résumé style is particularly effective because it will allow you to bring relevant and results oriented data to the top of the document. For example, after you draft a summary and a core competency section – with effective words and phrases to help with key word search, you can create a ‘Highlights of Accomplishments’ section. It is in this section that you can draw upon experiences from previous roles. It will allow you to reveal notable accomplishments and the results derived to quickly engage the reader before she comes to the section of the document where professional experiences and actual dates are referenced. Given that you have a short window of time to make a compelling statement, use the highlights of accomplishments area to quickly demonstrate your skills. Capture five to six statements in bullet point fashion in this area to allow for easy reading. You also might consider making the first part of the statement in bold. This will draw the reader’s eye to the section.

Use Just the Years. You don’t need to reference the months on your resume. It is ok to just list the years. If the gap is short this will help bridge it. Is this deceptive? No. You are going to fill out an application for employment where you will divulge the exact of employment. I am not suggesting that you try to mislead a potential employer. The idea is to ‘get the interview’. Once there you can explain the reasons for the lapse in employment. At that time you will be able to sell yourself and demonstrate why you are right for the job.

Use the Cover. This is a perfect example of why a cover letter is important. A cover letter will allow you to explain a gap. This is not something that can be done on the résumé; but the cover letter is the ideal place to help the reader understand that you took time off to care for an elderly or ailing parent, spent time writing a book, or some other personal issue. Your explanation can be brief; the cover will enable you to quickly provide a plausible explanation.

Omit one or more Jobs. Depending upon how long you have been in the workplace you don’t necessarily need to list all of your experiences, particularly if you have a lengthy work history. Jobs that extend beyond 15 years can be referenced in a previous experience section where you can reference Company name and title. Jobs beyond that time can be left off completely.

Use your Network. Leveraging your network is a great way to obtain a position, especially when you have a gap. Who better to vouch for your credibility and value than people you know? A strong reputation will speak for itself, and your network can be there to help and support you during your search.

Volunteer. A great way to remain involved and connected is through volunteer activities, which can take up as much time as you let them. Use time off wisely. If you have been downsized or fired, volunteering will enable you to work with people from diverse backgrounds in a collaborative environment. Volunteer work can be highly challenging and will allow you to provide critical information during an interview.

Your commitment to yourself is a critical component to any job search. Utilize all of your tools and resources to present yourself in the best possible manner.

But even if employers are understanding, it’s a good idea to acknowledge multiple short-term jobs carefully. So to help you better explain your circumstances in both your cover letter and resume, here are a few tips to consider:

Tell the Truth in Your Cover Letter

Instead of feeling down about an obviously unfortunate situation, this is a good time to turn your attitude around, and create a great cover letter at the same time. When writing your cover letter, you’ll want to avoid sounding bitter about the layoffs. Instead, you can focus on how these times have made you a stronger person and more motivated employee.

You can explain how the difficult economic times resulted in your previous employers having to make some hard decisions – one of which resulted in you losing your job. Then you can use this opportunity to transition into how excited you are at the prospect of making a difference at their company – and staying with them for years to come. Your good attitude and fighter spirit will likely appeal to a prospective employer looking for a strong “go-getter.”

“Blame” the Company When Listing Them In Your Resume

Okay, now don’t get the wrong idea about “blaming” the company. It’s more like giving credit where credit is due. If you were a good employee at your company and they ran out of money, leaving them unable to keep 1/3 of their workers, there’s really nothing you could have done about that. So to avoid placing the blame of jumping ship after a few months in your lap, give the company the credit.

Probably the easiest way to explain this situation is to list them as a former employer as you normally would, then simply note that “the company underwent financial layoffs.” Or if they’re no longer in business, write “the company is no longer in business.” Pretty simple, right? This way, you don’t have to spend your time biting your nails in fear of how employers will view you in relation to your short-term stints.

A Few Additional Tips

If you’re submitting a resume to a prospective employer and don’t want to mention being laid off, you can create a section titled “Consulting and Short-Term Assignments,” or similar, to bring light to your layoff. Also, you can move from the chronological format to a functional one, which will allow you to focus more on your skills and less on dates of employment. The more effort you give to acquiring the job you want, rather than focusing on the jobs you lost, the easier it will be to explain your short-term jobs without bringing negativity into the equation.

There is no doubt that finding a job in a tough economy can be a daunting task – especially after having been laid off. But if you keep the right attitude and move diligently through the job search process, you’ll see that in no time you’ll be right back in the workforce with another great job under your belt.

So before you write your next resume, take a look at these 5 resume don’ts. This way, you can avoid some very common by often harmful errors associated with resume writing.

Don’t #1 – Lying Isn’t Cool

You probably already know that lying anywhere on your resume is something you should stay far away from. But in the event that you’re thinking about stretching the truth about a company that you’ve worked for, or the level of responsibility that you were given, think twice. In addition to being able to call a company to check the validity of the information you’ve listed, there are tons of software programs available that keep record of where you’ve worked and for how long.

Don’t #2 – No Negativity Please

While you may feel that a little bitter that your previous manager wasn’t very nice, it’s good to refrain from mentioning these feelings in your resume. Remember, the company you’re looking to work for is an employer too, so they may be a little sensitive to hearing negative information about employers in general.

Don’t #3 – Avoid Slang or Jargon

As you probably already know, including slang in your resume is a pretty big no-no. There’s nothing wrong with speaking a certain way around your friends and family, but this relaxed form of communication doesn’t go over well in professional documentation.

Also, it may be tempting to fill up your resume with all sorts of technical jargon that you feel will impress a prospective employer. But you may find that you can instead annoy the person reading your resume if they have to get online to look up the meaning of every other word you’ve written. So unless you’re sure that the prospective employer will understand it, try to avoid the technical jargon.

Don’t #4 – Exclude “Duh” Information

Over time, recruiters and hiring managers grow accustomed to making certain assumptions when reviewing resumes. They assume that you’re hoping to get a job out of the deal and will fulfill most any criteria necessary to make the application process flow smoothly. This includes making yourself available for your interview and providing references if necessary. So when writing your resume, the statements “Available for interview” or “References are available upon request” are considered “duh” information. They already assume these ideas are true, so you don’t have to go through the trouble of including them on your resume.

Don’t #5 – Unless You’re a Model, Don’t Send a Picture

It may be tempting to show your prospective employer how good looking you are, but this doesn’t mean you should send your picture along with your resume. Unless you’re applying for a job that may ask for a picture (modeling, acting), it’s better to avoid sending one along.

Being aware of what not to include in your resume can be as important as knowing what you should include. So keep these “don’ts” in mind as you write your next resume. You may just find that one of these pointers can help move yours a little higher in the stack.

If you are in the midst of your first attempt to acquire an IT job then it’s good to learn the various aspects of this type of resume. So before you get started, so let’s take a look at some tips you can keep in mind as you put your first one together.

Note Software/Hardware/Operating Systems You Know

In the IT world, staying on top of frequent updates is almost vital to being a real asset to prospective employers. So when you’re creating your technical resume, it’s a good idea to create a section that focuses specifically on the software, hardware and operating systems with which you have a high level of proficiency.

For example, knowing Windows XP is good, but since everyone has moved on to Windows Vista, knowing that is even better. Mentioning a proficiency with Linux, Mac OS and Solaris if you know them is also beneficial. And if you know software platforms like .Net Framework and Java, as well as programming languages like A+, C++, ASP.Net and JavaScript, you will stand out even more.

Highlight Certifications and Special Skills

Being a part of a technical field requires mention of the certifications and special skills you’ve acquired. For example, if you’ve received any CISCO certifications like CCNA or CCNP, or Microsoft certifications like MCSE and MCSA, then it’s a good idea to create another section to let prospective employers know exactly how you’re certified and/or what other special skills you can bring to the table.

Write for Scanning Software

One thing that many job applicants don’t take into consideration when preparing their resume is writing for scanning software. This applies to any type of job you’re applying for, but is especially useful in highly technical fields where the latest software is likely to be utilized. Because there are software packages that will scan resumes to place them in a digital format then categorize them accordingly, it’s a good idea to utilize field-specific keywords (ex. information technology, network systems) that can be detected when/if the hiring manager scans your resume.

Determine Your Resume’s Order of Importance

In a technical resume, it’s not a bad idea to organize your categories so that your technical strengths (software/operating systems/etc.) are placed toward the beginning. Also, it’s important to make sure that your qualifications within each category are listed in order of relevance. This way, whether an online keyword search engine or a human is conducting the initial resume scan, you can make sure that the skills they’re looking for stand out.

Learning some of the basics of writing a technical resume can help you get organized so that you’re able to make a true impact in your first go ‘round of looking for employment. So take time to organize and jot down your strengths. Then enjoy the job offers that pour in as a result of your hard work.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 2.6 million jobs were lost in 2008 – most within the last four months – the highest job losses in 60 years. Employers shed more than 500,000 jobs in December alone, soaring the unemployment rate to 7.2%. As cited by The New York Times, among the industries hardest hit were home-building, real estate, industrial, construction, floristry, auto, financial services, and mortgage. And predictions show the turbulence in our economy is likely to get worse before it gets better.

What does this mean for you? The good news is that while some markets are crashing, new jobs and industries are emerging, making a career transition less difficult for today’s job seeker. Companies are now finding “square peg/round hole” candidates more appealing. They’re looking for fresh ideas and vying for candidates with key transferable skills. But with the influx of competition, it’s time to get smart, stay optimistic, utilize your resources, and turn economic challenges into new job-seeking opportunities.

To begin, get serious about your resume! Now is the time to sell YOU. Your current resume may have landed you a job 10 years ago, but today the competition is very fierce, and the need to convincingly convey your value proposition is more important than ever before. Your resume is a marketing vehicle—a call to action that should generate invitations to job interviews. Does your resume tell your career story? Does it promote your most valuable assets? Have you been invited to interviews? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, then it is time to sharpen your career marketing tools. A newly focused, professional resume can be the link between you and your new job, and could catapult you to the next level of your career.

Suppose you already have a job-winning resume in hand. Your next step is to understand the different job search methods. One method is the Passive job search. While it is the most common job search method, it is without a doubt the most ineffective. A Passive job seeker will paste/upload his resume on job boards all over the Internet, and e-mail/fax his resume in response to company advertisements. He’ll wait by the phone, with fingers crossed, hoping to hear good news. But when he doesn’t get results, the Passive job seeker becomes discouraged and quickly gives up. He thinks he has done everything right to win an interview, when in reality, he has only scratched the surface of using all of the job search resources available to him.

Another job search method is the Aggressive job search. The Aggressive job seeker may use the Passive job search method as well, but he won’t stop there! The Aggressive job-seeker will follow-up with a phone call to ask about the status of the job opening, and most importantly, to ask for the interview. The Aggressive job seeker also understands the importance of networking. While networking is one of the oldest job search strategies, it remains the most effective for landing a new job. Did you know that 50% to 75% of all jobs are discovered through networking? Many great social networking sites exist on the Web, including LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, and Ryze, to name a few. These sites are all great tools for the Aggressive job-seeker who will proactively set up profiles on some or all of these sites. But again he won’t stop there! He will pick-up the phone and reach out to previous employers, colleagues, customers, friends, and family members, using his entire network to seek out new career opportunities.

Another resource that the Aggressive job-seeker will use is a recruiter. Many job opportunities are not advertised by employers, and since successful recruiters have relationships within many different companies, they can often be the key to the hidden job market. Most recruiters are paid by the employer and there is no cost to you. However, you should confirm this prior to meeting with a recruiter. Considering all the advantages mentioned above, coupled with the lack of financial outlay, a recruiter is a very valuable resource for the Aggressive job seeker.

Last, but not least, are aggregators. In the past, job seekers had to search individual Web sites for job advertisements. Today, with new aggregator technology, you can simply set up your job preference profile, and the aggregators will search the World Wide Web, and deliver job matches to your e-mail box from hundreds of online sources, saving you hours and hours of research. Two known favorites are Indeed.com and SimplyHired.com. Try them both!

Are you a Passive job seeker or an Aggressive job seeker? If you are a Passive job seeker a very long and difficult road to finding a new job awaits you. But if you are an Aggressive job seeker you are already on your way to landing a new job. Congratulations!

In today’s market, it is extremely important to take advantage of all the job search resources available. Remember, you face a challenging job market, not an impossible one. By thinking outside-the-box, using all available resources, challenging yourself to network, and focusing on your career goals, you’re sure to rise to the challenge and be successful in your job search.

Another tip that will be worth its weight in gold is to have a good quality telephone. It may seem silly to even mention it, but the better quality phone you use, the better your voice will sound. Years ago everyone rented his or her telephones from the local utility phone company. These days people own their own phones, and while many people use good quality phones, many use the ten and fifteen-dollar phones they’ve found in the local dollar store or discount mart. Those phones are fine for talking to your spouse perhaps, but for business use make a good business impression, and use a good phone. Add this tip to the mix as well: use a landline with a cord, and not a cell phone or cordless phone. Dead batteries, crackling sounds, bad cell sites, and weather interference can make you sound bad at the other end, and you may not even know it. When doing your phone interview you want to be clear and make a good impression. Take this tip to heart and use a good quality landline.

I once received a tip from a headhunter who specialized in finding people jobs. While it seemed like common sense, I realized that it was a tip of value, and recommend it to people to this day. Do your homework on the company before your phone interview. Do a search on the Internet using Yahoo, Google, MSN, Dogpile or any of the major search engines. Look them up in an online database like Dun and Bradstreet or InfoUSA. If you don’t have easy access to these online tools, go to your local library and tell the reference librarian what you are doing. He or she will be glad to provide you with information sources that will help you seem knowledgeable when having your phone interview.

The last tip to keep in mind is to be yourself, and be comfortable. One of the best ways to be yourself, and maintain comfort during your phone interview is to practice the interview. Ask a friend to play the part of the boss. Call your friend on the phone and go through a mock interview, answering all of the questions that you think the interviewer is likely to ask. Mock trials help lawyers, and rehearsals help musicians. It only makes sense that a practice interview will help an interviewer. While it may seem silly, this is a phone interview tip you should take to heart.

About the Author:

Resume Writing Services – provides unbiased reviews of resume writing services that can put you back in the driver’s seat of your career.

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