Whilst reviewing resumes is a major part of the recruitment process, more and more I see how resumes are becoming as individual as the proverbial snowflake…
I find it intriguing the level of unnecessary information provided in one’s resume, which unfortunately detracts from the purpose of the resume, which is of course, to provide the recipient details of your professional skills and work experience…
The resume is the first point of contact, it’s the first impression a prospective employer has of you, and so it is designed to get you through the door and into the interview. However, ‘some’ applicants still seem to think that that resume is all about quantity and not quality. I think it’s therefore safe to say that, in the case of your resume, size does not matter!
So, what should the resume look like, what should it contain and how should it be formatted?
The resume is structured to contain chronological (work and professional history) details. The body of your resume details your employment history… this is displayed in reverse chronological order. This means you start with your current role, and then work backwards through your work history.
Typically, the information supplied is as follows: -
- Name of the Organisation,
- Brief description of who the organisation is and the products or services provided,
- Position Title,
- Brief description of the general purpose of the role, and
- Responsibilities or duties of the role
At each interval (i.e. between each role) you can insert an Achievement Statement. Whilst your resume provides technical details of your work history, achievement statements provide information of projects and/or initiatives you [specifically] have delivered to the organisation…
The achievement statement show employers tasks that you’ve completed, and can help demonstrate your transferable skills, and what type of person you are. The achievement statement helps potential employers assess what you are most likely to be able to do for them, and how well you may fit into the business.
Achievement statements generally cover initiatives where you have contributed to and/or delivered: -
- Programs that have saved money,
- Programs that have increased productivity, and
- Programs that have reduced waste,
- …Achievements are therefore an activity or initiative you have completed to make the company (you work for) operate more effectively and/or more efficiently.
Once you have detailed your complete work history, you can then list more personal information, such as;
- Educational Details,
- Tertiary Qualifications,
- Training or Professional Development,
- Additional Training (Short Courses),
- Professional Associations,
- Personal Interests,
- Referees,
Therefore, it is important that we don’t underestimate the value of a well written and presented resume. I would use the analogy that it’s like when you sell your house; during the inspections, the house and grounds are immaculate, you’re perhaps baking cookies and have a fresh pot of coffee on the stove, and you have appropriate music playing in the background… why do you do this, because you want prospective buyers to be so enthralled by your house, they want to make it their home…
The same goes for your resume. As the saying goes, “you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression” so by taking a little extra care, by making sure the accuracy of the details and using the above information your, resume should be able to give maximum effect in the market.
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