3 Tips for a Killer Resume

Did you know that in 15 seconds your resume will either win you an interview or kill your chances?…

What is the first thing employers notice when a résumé lands on their desk?

1. A polished and professional look?
2. The ability to quickly, almost immediately, know exactly what you do?
3. A clear, concise view of your achievements and how those achievements directly relate to their job requirements?

Yes! Moreover, not only is the answer yes to all of the above, during the commonly known ‘15-second rule’ recruiters and hiring managers skim your résumé and very quickly decide if it’s a keeper or a 2-point shot to the circular file.

Tip # 1: Learn the competition

1. Spend an afternoon in Barnes & Noble reviewing the many books on professional résumé writing. Understand the difference between achievements based writing and having your résumé read like a job description. You are the product now, and you’ve got to ‘sell it, not tell it’.

Tip #2 Location! Location!

1. In the past we used to write the word ‘Objective’ on the first line under your name and address. Today use this prime space wisely and tell the reader what you do.! Whether you are an Executive Secretary or if you are a Chief Executive Officer write that instead of Objective.
2. Underneath you can use a tag line that allows you to say more like identify your industry, or other functional areas of your expertise.

Tip #3 Professional Experiences

1. Add a company description under the company name particularly if it is not a name we would recognize.
2. If you have been with a company for a long time, and have had numerous promotions, list the full dates at the far right margin so they can see immediately how long you’ve really been with this company. If you start with the dates of your most recent promotions, and your last two promotions fall on page one, they WILL have the impression you had two short jobs, and your 15 seconds could end right there.
3. Content will be your biggest challenge. Keep your bullets organized and write in the style you learned in the books. Hone in on your achievements.
4. When possible lead your paragraph with the result. For example “Reduced operational cost 35% by”…then be specific with the details.

Sherri Morgan is a professional résumé writer and interview coach and was with www.career-résumés.com since its inception in 1990. She is a local independent consultant and can be reached at executiveresumewriter@gmail.com, or 407.232.0722.