Seven Ways to Energize Your Resume

1. Seven Ways to Energize Your Resume Andrew Pearl, CPRW, CEIP apearl@precision-resumes.com Partner, Precision Resumes, Inc.

2. “Your resume is your obituary.” – Joshua Waldman (careerenlightenment.com)

3. How is an effective resume like an obituary? • Both don’t focus on the negatives. • Both don’t focus on day-to-day details; they focus on the big picture and major events. • Both tell the story of how a person impacted the world as well as the value he brought to those around him.

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5. STRATEGY 1 • Targeting a Resume • Tailor the resume to a specific job opening. • Use the job posting as a guide to determine what pieces of information should be incorporated into the resume. • Look for keywords and phrases that stand out.

6. Targeting a Resume (continued) • Tailor the resume to a specific job level. • Focus on the pieces of information that are most relevant or applicable to the job level. • Example: A salesperson with two years of experience might focus on the number of cold calls he does in a week, while a salesperson with 10 years of experience might focus on meeting quotas.

7. Targeting a Resume (continued) • Tailor the resume to a specific industry. • The same job may have different qualifications or skills needed depending on the industry. • Example: A customer service representative in the hospitality industry might offer guest relations skills while a customer service representative in the healthcare industry might have knowledge of health insurance guidelines.

8. STRATEGY 2 • Using an Effective Resume Structure • The 68/90 rule: It’s not usually one criteria that equals the best fit; there are half a dozen or so main qualifications that form the structure of an effective resume. • First, determine the central concept that is most important to the position at hand; this is will be the backbone of the resume. • Next, determine the six to eight ideas that will support the main concept.

9. Using an Effective Resume Structure (continued) • The central concept, followed by the six to eight supporting concepts, should help you answer the question “Why should I hire you?” • They should also be in the back of your mind when asked “Tell me about yourself.” • They should also should help you identify the ways you can create value for a company/organization.

10. STRATEGY 3 • Using Employer-focused Content • Results, results, results! • Show; don’t just tell. What was the outcome of your efforts? • Focus on “better, faster, cheaper” achievements. • Detailed, unique accomplishments distinguish you from the competition.

11. Strategy 4 • Using Keywords and Phrases • Applicant-tracking systems • ATSs scan resumes for keywords and phrases. • Scope job postings to identify relevant keywords and phrases to incorporate into your resume. • Research jobs within the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook online for additional relevant keywords and phrases. • Research company/organization websites to identify relevant keywords and phrases.

12. Using Keywords and Phrases (continued) • Sprinkle keywords and phrases throughout your resume. • Create a “core competencies” or “key strengths” section with a dedicated list of keywords and phrases. • Swap out keywords and phrases in the “core competencies” or “key strengths” section, depending on the job posting.

13. Strategy 5 • Using Action-oriented Verbiage • Avoid overused clichés, like “responsible for.” • Avoid repeating the same verbs over and over again. • Consult a thesaurus for alternative verbiage. • Ask yourself, “Does this verbiage convey action?” • Don’t bore the reader with weak language.

14. Strategy 6 • Using Strategic Formatting • Avoid the all-bulleted approach.

15. All-bulleted Resume Example

16. Using Strategic Formatting (continued) • Mix lists, bullets, and paragraphs to break content up and highlight your most salient details. • Delineate between responsibilities and achievements.

17. Reformatted Resume Example

18. Core Competencies Example Example A Example B

19. Strategy 7 • Proofreading • Don’t rely on word processing spell check features. • Avoid embarrassing typos! • Proofread once and take a break. Then proofread at a later time. • Ask a trusted colleague review your resume for mistakes. • Print the document and review it. • Read the document aloud. • Proofread from the bottom to the top.

20. Final Thoughts • Don’t forget, your resume should ultimately answer the question “Why should I hire you?” If it doesn’t, then it’s not doing its job. • Feel free to stop by the Precision Resumes booth for a free resume critique or to discuss our services.

21. Thank you! Questions? Andrew Pearl, CPRW, CEIP apearl@precision-resumes.com Partner, Precision Resumes, Inc. www.precision-resumes.com