Anatomy of a memorable résumé

2012-01-12

A memorable reacutesumeacute is crucial in helping you get your foot in the door. quotThe structure and strategy behind a reacutesumeacute are often the keys to engaging employers,quot says Laura Smith-Proulx, executive director of reacutesumeacute writing service An Expert Reacutesumeacute. Getting the right reacutesumeacute formula isn’t as hard as it looks. Here’s a top-to-bottom list to help you craft the perfect reacutesumeacute:
Clear format
Many different formats are available online. Choose a format that looks professional and use an 11- or 12-point font so no one has to squint. Colors done in a tasteful manner can also help job seekers stand out, says Mary Elizabeth Bradford, author of quot21stCentury Reacutesumeacute Guide for the Perplexed.quot quotI prefer two colors to add character to a reacutesumeacute but one must use discernment and not overdo it,quot she says.
Reacutesumeacute title
If you’re worried about starting with a boring summary of your achievements, use the top of your reacutesumeacute to convey a quick title, such as, quotBusiness Development and Sales Directorquot or quotVice President, IT,quot Smith-Proulx suggests. quotReacutesumeacutes without titles often appear ‘headless’ and confuse the reader as to your ultimate goal,quot she says.
Quick tagline and profile
After the title, add a one-sentence tagline to further promote your skills and quotgive a quick snapshot of brand value,quot Smith-Proulx says. Then add a profile of your qualifications in one or two sentences. Tailor your reacutesumeacute with keywords from the job description to help your reacutesumeacute get past the electronic filtering systems.
Reverse-chronological job history
Most hiring managers want to see this type of reacutesumeacute, even if there are holes in your job history. quotEven if there are gaps in your career, it’s critical to show employers your work chronology, as many will rule out candidates that appear to be hiding something about their past,quot Smith-Proulx says. Address any gaps with a single-line explanation, she adds. With limited space, use the bullet points of each role to highlight specific achievements. If your reacutesumeacute goes back more than 15 years, then simply state the company name and position without providing details.
Education
Recruiters don’t need to know where you went to high school, but it’s important to include any certifications or college degrees that are applicable to your career. Most of the time, graduation years are also necessary. No matter what degree you earned, don’t be afraid to point it out, Smith-Proulx says. quotEven seemingly unrelated degrees can be valuable to employers, as in the case of sales reps who have a degree in psychology,quot she says.
Extracurricular activities
Even though it doesn’t speak directly to your professional background, including any hobbies or volunteering positions can help you stand out from the other applicants. Several points that allude to your personality will help hiring managers gauge whether you’d be a fit for the company’s culture or provide a glimpse of your life outside of work. But be careful about disclosing too much about your religious or political views. quotYou’ll want to avoid mentioning affiliations that disclose your religious activities, as this can turn off hiring managers who don’t share your preference,quot Smith-Proulx says.
As you work to include the various components, it’s important to tailor certain areas of your reacutesumeacute. Consider your reacutesumeacute from an employer’s perspective — decide which skills and accomplishments are best to highlight. quotLeave out info that does not apply to your next job,quot Bradford says. quotGet laser-focused on an ideal job and write the reacutesumeacute to that industry and position.quot Each position is different, so having various versions can help you build a more memorable document.

Source From: MSN Careers