Resumes critically must “show clearly how your skills & qualifications meet the SPECIFIC JOB description” and “if you’re not a perfect fit on paper for a particular job, you need to look for creative ways to get the hiring manager’s attention.” This is according to Rebecca Anderson (VP Queens University quoted on charlotteobserver.com) who has apparently seen so many resumes she’s lost count. She talks about how to be creative by mentioning an applicant who said that on first reading of her resume she may not seem a great fit for the position “but give me a chance to let you know why I think my skills are transferable”. I get the impression Anderson gave her an interview.

Anderson goes on to say that another critical issue is “a nice fit for the organization” and for the individual applying as well and links this judgment to the level of preparation candidates demonstrate at the interview.

There is an online ‘editable’ example resume, so you can adjust for job descriptions here: resume example

One issue that seems to be overlooked by many is their email address. Now for personal correspondence your email address, or the style of your email address, is probably relatively immaterial. This is not the case I suggest for those seeking employment. Strange or frivolous email addresses can leave the recruiter wondering about the seriousness  or maturity of the owners. On this website there is a free blank resume form with the option to send the document to me for backup and I receive between eight to fifteen resumes a day. Here are some of the email address examples (slightly changed to protect the owners) to give you some examples.

sillyoneme, igotitall, bigboy, godwoman, thedawg, footballfan, clumbsy

As I say the names have been slightly changed to protect the innocent (guilty) however they were all listed as contact addresses on resumes. Can I suggest that if you are seriously seeking employment for something other than a comedian you take a look at your email address and if it is not appropriate set up one that is.

I mean would you consider hiring into your serious business someone known as “iwantmoney@….”

‘Alan Kennedy… did what many job seekers are now advised to do: he set up profiles on Facebook and LinkedIn.’

‘Mr. Kennedy’s former co-worker used a software tool to search the profile information of his Facebook friends and LinkedIn contacts. He flagged Mr. Kennedy as a possible match to a job listing. Mr. Kennedy, responded to the invitation, scheduled an interview and within a week, was working as a support engineer there. “I landed a job I might never have even heard of otherwise,” he said.’

Read the full New York Times article:

NY Times Article

So can I suggest… its now time to write your resume, ( use the blank resume form )and join Facebook & Linkedin

Your cover letter should be specifically written and targeted at the position you seek rather than just come across as your cover letter type ‘form letter’.

Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and why you would like to work for them – a disguised compliment perhaps… and everyone likes a compliment.

Effective cover letters also identify your relevant competencies (skills and knowledge when applied to specific tasks) supported by relevant proof statements (based on past job roles, achievements and responsibilities).

If you have been referred to a company by a mutual contact (ensure your contact is in good standing and with your potential employer) and use their name in your letter. (e.g. Fred Jones recommended I contact you regarding the position of xyz)

Your letter must include an explanation of how/where you learned of the position you are applying for and you must ensure you have the correct title of the position and/or any relevant reference number if included in their advertisement.

Free blank resume form at www.orglearn.org

Resumes – Cover Letter ‘Rules’ Part “B”

When responding to an employer’s advertisement refer specifically to the qualifications they are looking for and highlight the two ‘most important’ attributes you have to satisfy their requirements. (The resume should cover the rest)

Always focus on what the employer wants rather than what you desire. (Yes I know its basic however resumes I read still emphasize what the applicant wants rather than what a potential employer needs).

Research the organization you are applying to and make a statement that supports what you have read… perhaps quote their vision or some article that talks about their goals and then explain what you have to give that will help them.

Refer the reader back to your resume e.g. ‘You will see from my resume that I have had extensive managerial experience’
Demonstrate how your competencies and qualifications are transferable and relevant to the position for which you are applying.

Sign all letters with “sincerely” not “best regards” or “yours truly/faithfully” or any other variation

Try the free blank resume at www.orglearn.org

As you can see from the links listed on this blog I have a website with a free blank resume template. Many individuals send me their resume, I store it so, as recently happened, when they lose it I can on request send it back to the distressed resume writer.

To digress for a moment:

The thing about selling and buying is that many (all) of us will seek a third party opinion before buying anything. Just stand in the women’s department of a major store and see how many people ask the sales assistant, a friend or even a passer by “what do you think does this suit me” and you will see what I mean. Yes, men do it as well!

So back to your resume:

Here are a few statements from the last few I have received:

I am hard working and fast learning – unsubstantiated claim and boastful

I do the best that I can – poor attempt at a boast verging on an excuse for past failings

I am able to troubleshoot and repair – hmm almost a boast

I am driven to pursue my ambitions and goals through relentless effort and experience [with] companies that will help me achieve my dreams – no one would want employ this person, he/she give the impression they are just in it for themselves

I [Mary1] have great customer service skills – same comment as the first example above

In a previous post I suggested you write without using personal pronouns as by doing this you give the impression of a to avoid a resume that is full of boasts and/or self centered statements.

Lets take the last one and fix it for Mary Sales results testify to (2) great customer skills… see it sounds more credible already.

Add a proof statement and wow…

or…

(3) Excellent customer skills are reflected in the customer survey sheets received.

or…

Positive staff appraisals comment as to (4) great customer skills.

You tell me, if you where culling sales rep resumes, which Mary would you choose to call in for an interview?

Oh no… while writing this I just received another one that started with… “I am a well qualified individual”… urrgh

Resume part B – Express What You Know and Who You Know

Obviously your resume needs to highlight your breadth of knowledge (in relation to the job being advertised). Too much depth can become boring; you can give expanded information if requested at the interview stage. Just as importantly you need to show who you know. If you have reported to, or worked in project teams with senior executives such as a “vice president”, “director” or “department manager” list it in your resume.

Having worked with to someone considered ‘important’ could help to convince the reader to determine that you are also ‘important’.

Remember what I said above about boasting, so don’t go on and on about your ‘important’ connections however don’t ignore them and leave them out of your resume either. You can use the free blank resume to begin the resume writing process.

Use ‘formal’ language and short crisp well structured sentences – easy to read absorb.

Use subheadings – they help the overworked hiring manger find what he/she is looking for quickly.

Use simple and clear typefaces – I think “Arial” is great.

Do not use jargon or abbreviations, check the spelling at least three times…. and have someone check your grammar.

free blank resume at www.orglearn.org you can fill in the resume form online

Resume Part B – Numbers and Statistics

Use statistics to quantify your responsibilities, job tasks and achievements. Examples: “managed a department of twelve people”, “was responsible for a sales budget of eight million dollars” or achieved production growth of 88%. Numbers will create vivid images in the reader’s mind that will be more likely stick.

Free information on blank resumes at orglearn and the resume form itself.

Resume Part C – Use the ‘Right’ Words

A well written ‘generic’ resume is a great start however when applying for a job interview you must use the appropriate words and statements. So how how do you find out which words will get the attention of your reader. This is easy… just use as many words and statements, in your introduction, from their ad as you can. Example if they say they are looking for a ‘hard working team player that enjoys a personal challenge’ you use “team player”, “hardworking” and “likes a personal challenge” in your statements about yourself.

Practice writing your resume at orglearn using the free blank resumes by using the free blank resume form

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One two or three pages maximum using the following format, note one well written page is probably best:

Name

Introduction

Functional Skills/Competencies

Scope of Positions Held

Career Highlights/Awards

Employment History

Education

Personal Data

Note: There is no “career objective statement” and the reason for excluding it will be explained in a later post (so can I suggest you hit the RSS subscribe button for this blog)

resume writing practice and blank resume forms at www.orglearn.org

Resume Part B: The First Ten Words

The first ten words will grab the interest of your reader and they will only read further into your resume if what you write is powerful and related to their specific job requirements. Look at the employers ad and think about what they want and make your opening statement a bit like a good news headline.

free blank resume form template at orglearn.org

Resume Part C: No “I”, “me” or “my”

Write your resume almost as if you are writing about another person, it will present better to the employer and be more credible.

resume example: An experienced executive who impresses customers, colleagues and suppliers who constantly meets or exceeds targets set. (the ‘I am’ is assumed however never written)

Sounds better than… I am an experienced executive that impresses my customers, my colleagues etc… sounds like boasting!

Links  to orglearn blank resume information and the resume form itself.

More to come check back in a day or so (best to subscribe to the RSS fee perhaps)!