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Preparing the Resume

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Preparing the Resume

writing a perfect resume

Consider the resume as your "sales sheet". The product is you. So like any good salesperson, the "sales sheet" (or your resume) is what interest the buyer to consider the product (you) for their company operations. So get the resume looking perfect.

Page Topics:

key elements of the resume
using the right phrases and words
writing the resume
writing the cover letter
lining up your references
use this pad for note taking

Key Elements of the Resume

The resume tells the story about you

... and like any story, you have about 10 seconds to make a good first impression on the person who is reviewing it. So your resume has to be designed perfectly.

Think about it! Recruiters and HR managers can get hundreds of resumes daily for 1 or 2 positions that are available. What will make your resume stand out from the rest.

Most HR managers will tell you they quickly glance as each resume. The resume that stands out is designed so that it is easy to read and pick key phrase words.

What Should Be in the Resume:

Start With Your Contact Information

Give them just the information they need to contact you electronically (email) and by phone.

Include your cell phone number or the number where you can be contacted anytime during the day. You don't want to miss a call from a recruiter who is interested to speak with you.

Add a Career Objective or Summary Paragraph

Start your resume with a 2-3 sentence introductory paragraph that summarizes your career objective or contribution.

Recruiters will note this sentence first. So you need to convey a statement that gives them an incentive to review your resume in more detail. But make it brief!

Summarize Your Accomplishments

List your key strengths and qualifications within the top half of your page resume. Use career-related key words since many resumes are electronically posted and are searched via these key words.

Include in your summary key accomplishments and area of expertise. It is recommended to bullet point these accomplishments and expertise for easy take-aways.

List Your Career Work Experience

You need to list your work experience that will help you succeed in the job. Most resumes chronologically list current employment first followed by your previous employments.

List your job title first followed by your key job or management position:

ABC Company: Vice President of Sales
Mid-Western Region

You can then summarize key responsibilities and accomplishments you made with this position:

ABC Company: Vice President of Sales
Mid-Western Region

Managed 15 sales consultants resulting into $ZZmm in new sales ....

Make sure you account for the time period that you worked between employment. Recruiters like to see steady employment. If you have a gap between jobs, be prepared to address why with the recruiter or list the reason for the gap in the cover letter.

Education

Your education follows your employment experience and membership. List your degree or certification, field of study, college or university, followed by your graduation date:

Bachelor of Science, Business
University of ABC
May 2014 graduation

Note for Students:
since many undergrad students have little or no field experience, you will list your education first after your introductory paragraph. You will most likely apply for entry-level jobs that require a certain degree.

References

Almost all candidates that are seriously being considered will need to provide employment and character references that can vouch for your employment performance and person.

Since most references are contacted after a job interview, most resumes will state:

References available upon request

Note:
some recruiters will require references for the interview. So be prepared to provide references upon the interview date.

Web Site References

Use these web site resources to find resume samples:

Sample resumes for every profession:
freeresumesamples.org
The structural elements of a resume for students:
owl.english.purdue.edu

Using the Right Words and Key Phrases

Most Resumes are Electronic

So recruiters and HR managers will link to databases and search key words for available resumes. Example:

sales manager

financial analyst

electrical engineer

etc.

So include your industry's top key words in your resume so that it can be search by recruiters.

Using Power Words

You need to use power words that prompt recruiters to speak with you. Each industry has certain power words that you need to insert:

Resume power words:
careerealism.com/top-resume-words/
Most powerful words to use on your resume
money.usnews.com/money/

Writing the Resume

View Samples of Resumes

View samples of resumes before writing your own resume:

Resume samples:
career-advice.monster.com
More samples:
resume-help.org

Writing the Resume

You might consider using a professional service to write your resume. You only get once chance in tight hiring economy. So do it right:

Professional Writers:
resumeprofessionalwriters.com

ResumePrime:
resumeprime.com

Resume Guaranteed:
resumeguaranteed.com

Other Top-10 Resume Writing Services:
best10resumewriters.com

Preparing Your Resume Electronically

From the Riley Guide:
Preparing your resume for the Internet:
rileyguide.com/eresume.html

The Riley Guide: Q's & A's on Posting Resumes:
rileyguide.com/resqa.html

Blasting Your Resume Out

Use these services to post your resume on multiple job posting sites with one submission:

Post your resume on up to 93 job sites at once:
resumerabbit.com
Resume deliver:
resumedeliver.com

Resume spider:
resumespider.com

Writing the Cover Letter

Your Cover Letter

A cover letter should accompany each resume, especially when you are answering a job posting.

The cover letter emphasizes your experience for the job and why you are the best candidate. Keep the cover letter short and sweet. Use the right phrases and key words to interest the recruiter or HR manager to view your resume.

How to write a great letter:
careerlab.com

More cover letter tips:
rileyguide.com/cover.html

Lining Up the References

About Getting Your References

References are going to be required for any job. Employers will check your references (and other sources) to determine your qualifications and character for the job.

Even though you may be offered the job upon the first interview, most jobs come with a 90-day probationary period. It is usually during this time employers check references. So make sure you maintain good references even after you start the job.

Who Should be Your Reference

Someone who knows you best who is not related to you. This would include previous employers or supervisors, co-workers, staff who worked under you, and other who are familiar with your current and past employment

You would also want to include individuals who can vouch for your character like a teacher, community leader, or church ministry.

When Should You Present Your Reference

Don't list your references on your initial resume. Just state that references will be made available upon request. Listing your references on your resume could have recruiters calling your references for a job you probably won't get anyway.

If you state that references will be made available upon request, make sure you have your references available whenever you go on a job interview. If the recruiter or HR manager like what they see, they may request your references now.

Also check your references before you list them. Make sure they know that someone may be calling on your behalf and that they are prepared to answer questions regarding your experience, work ethic and character.

Choosing the best references:
quintcareers.com
Check out your own references to make sure they work:
jobreferences.com

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