There are many great websites and software packages for writing resumes. This article won’t give you all the details on how to write a great resume, but will cover some of the main design considerations you should keep in mind.
The only objective of a resume is: Get an interview.
As such, it is primarily an advertisement from you to the employer. What you are advertising is that you incorporate all the skills and abilities that the employer is looking for. That means you have what it takes to:
1. Make the company make money
2. Act responsibly
3. Minimize risk. To do this, you need to know what specific skills and abilities the company values most for the position you are applying for (see skills and abilities below). Take advantage of your network and a careful reading of the application and job description for clues about this.
If in doubt, ask the hiring manager directly—before the interview!
The following are the 8 most important elements of a great resume:
1. It should be concise, easy to read, and eye-catching. Trust me, if this is not the case, it will NOT read.
2. The average scan time for a resume is less than 30 seconds. Write it and rewrite it, sharing it with others for feedback until you’re sure this is the case.
3. You must clearly state your career objective in advance. which should match the job for which you are interviewing. For example, “To work as a market research manager for a major apparel company,” or “to work as a manufacturing operations manager for a major automobile company.”
4. You should focus most of the page on your relevant skills and experience and link them to what the company is looking for. Be specific about the skills and abilities you have acquired and the accomplishments you have earned. With each example, state the experience, what you got from it, and what you accomplished. Achievements are business and organizational results such as: sales targets, team development, accounts secured, products launched, etc. Think in terms of money you made for the company.
5. Civic leadership roles/positions should only be included if they specifically support the goal of the career.
6. Work experiences and education are secondary to skills and abilities. List the timeline at the end.
7. Personal interests are only relevant if they present skills or abilities that supports professional interest. If not, leave them out.
8. References must be listed as “on request”. But have something ready if they ask!
Skills and capabilities that all large companies are looking for
Leadership: You direct, motivate, and even inspire others to do things they couldn’t or wouldn’t do without your influence. You set your organization’s vision and then sign on and enable the team to deliver. This is the most valuable individual ability. If you are not a ‘born leader’, take the time to study and improve yourself.
Strategic Thinking: Understand the overall objectives/goals of your company, division, etc. and they are able to develop options that their team will focus on to deliver on them. Then, develop specific tactics to bring the strategies to life. You think in terms of fiscal years vs. day to day.
Innovative Thinking: You can think “outside the box” and create concepts and products that go beyond the obvious. You make relevant connections between situations that you or the team have faced before.
Creative problem solving: You can correctly identify problems and then organize yourself and the team to develop solutions and implement them.
Collaboration/Teamwork – Understands what an effective team is and brings people together for great results. You understand diversity and take advantage of it in your daily affairs. You treat others with respect.
Communication – You are an effective oral and written communicator. Is open and honest and gives and receives feedback frequently and effectively.
Flexibility: you are able to accept change, adapt to new conditions and environments. You see change as an opportunity to learn and grow vs. A distraction to avoid.
Domain: understands the technical aspects of your work, the processes and the data used. You can learn new information and technologies and quickly adapt them to your job. You are constantly looking to improve your level of mastery.
Reliability: always does the job with quality. You show up on time, actively participate, respond to requests, and keep your commitments.