Resume Advice Redux

BLOGGER'S NOTE:  Same as last January, I'm now hearing from those in a mad rush to get their resumes updated and revised.  For these frantic folks, I'm offering up a consolidated version of my four-part resume series posted last year. GOOD LUCK!!

A resume is the single most important tool in any job search.  It's the key to delivering a powerful, positive and lasting message about professional skills and accomplishments.  It also serves as a first, and last, impression on a potential hiring manager looking to determine if a candidate is qualified and possesses the potential to drive results.

As I've written in previous posts, there are four essential components to a great resume - Relevance, Breadth & Depth and Continuity.  Below I've outlined each and share specific reminders.

RELEVANCE
Like pegged pants in the early 90s (remember those), the one-size fits all resume approach is OVER.  To remain competitive in the application process, job seekers should:

• Send a customized resume for every job application
• Get rid of the outdated "Career Objective" and replace it with a more relevant "Professional Summary" that highlights skills and experience as they're applicable to a specific position
• Apply only for jobs that are a match for current professional skills

BREADTH & DEPTH
Let's cut to the chase...  Our world is obsessed with positive outcomes and results. "Who won the game?  How much was the stock market up today?  What celebrity had multiple surgeries and now looks great?"  For a resume, providing results-oriented accomplishments in the form of numbers, percentages and increases is now essential.  See the dramatic difference in the bullet points below:

• Developed and executed client programs and partnerships

• Developed and executed a national new product launch including a half million dollar promotional partnership in several chain fitness locations

• Developed and executed a national three-month Colgate new product launch including a half million dollar partnership with Bally Total Fitness gyms in 383 locations featuring in-gym signage, demo days sample distribution, gym audits and an online sweepstakes

CONTINUITY
It didn't kill the cat that was curiosity. Lack of continuity, however, did kill the job seeker's interview chances. Here are a few points to remember:

• Formatting - Provide adequate space between words, lines and paragraphs to improve legibility and allow experience and accomplishments to stand out
• Font - Chose one (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman), make sure its big enough to read (11pt or 12pt), as well as consistent throughout
• Contact Information - Ensure a name stands out by using a bigger font size then the rest of the resume and directly underneath, include address (only if an area code is not local), phone number, email address (gmail is preferred) and customized LinkedIn profile link
• Bullet Points - Include descriptive yet concise, results-oriented statements about professional experience and accomplishments
• Action Verbs - Use to introduce results-oriented bullet points (maintain, develop, lead, direct) and with appropriate tense, past or present (maintained, developed, lead, directed

And again...