Tips for creating a stand-out resume

Posted on 03. Sep, 2008 by Bill in Employment News

Tips for creating a stand-out resume

Employers are likely to spend only about 10 to 20 seconds on the initial pass and your objective is to capture their attention while encouraging a more in-depth reading.

Wording, style, font and headers can make or break a resume. It’s important to determine the design of your resume and use white space to your advantage. In fact, if you are at a mid-career level, a two-page resume is most common and executives, or those at highly experienced levels, may find a two- or three-page resume is appropriate, depending upon your history and goals.

The idea is that you need not be concerned about keeping your resume to one page. It is more important that you present your most relevant qualifications and strengths in a clear and concise manner that maximizes the impact.

I have three tips for every resume writer:

1. Use the correct format, most employers prefer you list jobs in chronological order. Most do not have time to read through every resume and most of us have a hunch that if the resume is in a different format, such as functional, the candidate could be hiding something, such as poor job tenure.

2. Use quantifiable accomplishments such as revenue earned, money or budget savings, cost cuts, or time saved. This information will get you noticed.

3. Use keywords carefully. When reading over hundreds of resumes, recruiters are looking for those keywords. Before you submit your resume, check out the job posting and make sure your keywords mirror their posting. Some recruiters use a candidate-tracking database that sorts by keywords. If you don’t use the ones they use, you’ll be sorted out.

There are three formats of resumes: chronological, functional, and combination.

A chronological format emphasizes professional experience; however, it is best if a chronological resume utilizes a focused summary of qualifications that quickly conveys essential skills to an employer. This provides an opportunity to immediately capture attention through keywords, which makes a strong first impression during the critical 15-second initial screening.

Functional resumes present qualifications related to targeted positions. They focus on skills and qualifications only. Work history is indicated in a simple list at the bottom of the resume.

The combination format may be the best choice when your most recent work history lacks a direct correlation to your current employment objectives, or you are a new graduate. By demonstrating your relevant skills, education, training, and accomplishments through functional headings the connection between your abilities and the targeted position will be clear.

Keywords and phrases are essential today for computer and human screening. Analyze job descriptions and your industry prior to developing your keywords and phrases, and appropriately include these throughout your documents.

Do not include interests or hobbies unless they relate to the industry or position. Don’t include personal information such as date of birth, marital status, etc., unless you are targeting positions outside of the U.S. (If you are pursuing positions outside of the U.S., research the requirements specific to each country.)

If you want your resume to stand out and look professional, try a font that is different from the standard ones most people use. For example, the one most commonly seen on resumes is Times New Roman. If you try Georgia or Arial, it may help your resume look more up-to-date without looking too crazy. For example, don’t use Comic or Script type.

Bottom line: Be sure your resume sells you the best it can. Take time to make sure it reflects you and your experience.

About the Author: Bonnie is co-owner of Shore Staffing, Inc., a temporary staffing firm for nurses and other healthcare professionals in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. Contact her at 410-957-2800 or bburke@shorestaffing.com.

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