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Resume Power - Tips from a Hiring ProfessionalNov 07 '00 (Updated Nov 09 '00) Write an essay on this topic.I hate to admit it. But, I don't know a recruiter who reads every word of every resume. There are things that I look for in a quick scan of the cover letter and resume before deciding to make a phone call or put the paper in that file where the resumes go in but do not come out. To give an example, last week I went on a hunt to find a new salesperson. The recruiting effort was broad and included newspaper, internet, headhunters, referral services, basically the whole range of places to find a specifically skilled employee. And the response was overwhelming, more than 100 resumes. I chose 15 to talk with over the phone and scheduled 6 to come in and interview. So, how do you get through the muck of the selection process? Here are some tips: COVER LETTER: Don't be long winded. Don't tell me things I'm going to see on your resume. I look for 3 basic things on the cover letter. 1. A brief overview of why you are qualified for this position. "Over 5 years experience marketing contract services with a track record of exceeding annual revenue goals" 2. Why you are looking for a job. "Market conditions and refusal to seek new products or add value to our current service has limited my ability to grow and mature in this position." or "Reorganization and recent decline in revenue has put my position in jeopardy of being eliminated" 3. What are your salary requirements. Don't waste your time or mine by applying for positions that would pay less than you could accept. Most companies will pay what they have to so they can hire the right person. But, if you need to make $60,000/yr and the position only pays $30,000 - most likely you are not the "right" person for the job. "While salary is not my only motivation in seeking other employment, I would like to better myself. I would accept a position with your company for $40,000 with a comparable benefit package". RESUME Remember, we don't read the whole thing. Put your best attributes on top. *If a degree is a requirement, disclose it at the bottom. If it is not, put it closer to the top. *Be specific - not broad. Don't tell me you are hardworking, dependable, a self- starter, and can work without direct supervision. According to the resumes I get - EVERYBODY can do these things. TELL ME HOW. "I have consistently received all periodic attendance awards, worked 15 consecutive weeks without a day off, designed and completed a company and individual marketing plan, and was designated salesperson trainer." *I like to see a Summary of Qualifications section at the top where you have a chance to list all of your achievements from every job. So, if I don't read the commentary under your 3rd job, I still know your crowning achievement. *Use words that describe ACTIONS. Designed, Generated, Evaluated, Created, Completed, or Managed. *Assume that the hiring manager knows a little something about the position. So, if you are applying for a Human Resources position, don't boast that you have had experience in completing the I-9 form. Highlighting basic and mundane functions tend to undermine your qualifications rather than enhance them. If you need to take up space, play with the margins, fonts, and lay-out. *A resume should be easy to read and easy to follow. I look to see how many jobs you may have had in the last 5 years. I look at your position titles, and where you worked(both company name and city/state). I review your education. Bold these items or put them out in the left margin. They don't have to be at the top - just easy to find. These are just a few tips that may change the way you think about a resume. A resume should be less of a description of your personality and more of a "Bragg Sheet" listing pertinent experiences and success stories. Need some interviewing tips? Read my editorial at: http://www.epinions.com/educ-review-2350-FE030E0-3A01CD59-prod2  |
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