How to Build a Resume

When creating a resume it is important to keep in mind the purpose of your resume; to get an interview.  That is the only purpose of your resume.  Keeping the purpose in mind when you create your resume will ensure you receive more interviews for the positions you are looking for.

Layout

When choosing a format or layout for your resume remember the acronym KISS; Keep it Simple Stupid.  Human resource departments and recruiting firms are innundated with hundreds of resumes a day. The most important thing the layout of your resume can do is ensure you are not immediately discarded.  Keep in mind that the people reading your resume are people.  They do not want to have to search through a resume to find the relevant information and they most certainly do not want charts, graphs, tables and pictures making it harder for them to find the information they need to see.  Many large firms have employees who format your resume to a company standard and if your resume is complicated by tables and charts there is a very real possibility that the resume formatters may just move your resume to the trash pile. 

Bold, underlining, left/centre/right justified and the occasional bullet is as complicated as your resume layout needs to be.  Colour is acceptable but not necessary and should be used minimally if at all.

Profile/Summary Section

One of the biggest mistakes people make when creating a resume is that they create one resume for all jobs.  Customize your resume for each and every position you apply for.  The way we suggest doing so is the inclusion of a personal profile section.  This section should be no more than two or three sentences and is not an opportunity to tell your life story.  This section is an opportunity for you to list the actual skills that you possess that are relevant for this position according to the job description. 

Here is an actual job description for a Clerical / Administrative Support position with a major insurance company.

• Entering data and preparing reports, records, and requisitions
• Filling in for temporarily absent employees
• Opening and releasing mail to staff members
• Preparing materials for use at conferences and other meetings
• Preparing correspondence, coordinating appointments, and arranging schedules for meetings on behalf of staff and management
• Demonstrating proficient computer skills
• Arranging meeting facility equipment

If you were interested in this position your professional profile or professional summary section should sound something like this;

Extensive experience entering data from sales reports with Company A.  Experience with schedule making and appointment setting while working for Company B.  Comprehensive computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint, Outlook, all operating systems and social networking software (twitter, facebook, linkedin, etc...)  

You are essentially confirming that you meet as many requirements listed in the job description as possible. 

Education and Training

The one section that should be expanded upon as much as possible is often the one people neglect the most.  Companies know when they hire you that you don't know everything and that you will need to be able to learn in order to succeed.  Listing your education in detail and any and all further training you have taken demonstrates that you are someone who is willing and capable of bettering yourself through learning. 

This section is particularly important for technical positions.  Be sure to include any certifications you have received already and don't be afraid to list any that you are in the process of obtaining as well.

Your Education and Training section should be right after your professional summary and be above your work experience.

Work Experience

In this section it is important to not just list your previous experience but expand upon what your actual responsibilities and duties were while at your previous positions.  When doing so I would recommend 3 or 4 one senctence bullets.  Remember the job description and do your best to make your duties and responsibilities similar to what the company is looking for.

It is not necessary to list every position you have ever had.  Particularly if you have been with ten companies over the last 25 years.  Keep your work experience section to no more than two pages.  It is most important to demonstrate continual employment.

Generally Speaking

No More than 3 pages.
Cover letters are a good idea but a bad cover letter is worse than no cover letter at all.
KISS.
Keep in mind the resumes purpose is to gain you an interview not to get you a job.

Carlyn Services

If you require further help with your resume contact http://www.carlynservicesinc.com/ and our professional formatters will be happy to assist you.