Five Resume Pointers

There are too many good sources out there on developing a winning resume. Instead of trying to add to the mountain of options out there, we will provide five-pointers to consider when developing that winning resume.

First, stick with the standard chronological resume format. This is the most common format for resumes. Human Resources and hiring managers like this format because it’s easy to follow, especially when reviewing employment history.

Second, do not overembellish the details you put on your resume. It may be tempting to gather a few lines from sample resumes found online or in resume books. Don’t, it’s too easy for Human Resources to validate the information you write on your resume. Even if they don’t immediately identify the falsified information, once it is found it will be grounds for immediate dismissal.

Third, get rid of the summary of qualifications. While it may be seen as a good way of presenting your skills to a prospective hiring manager, it’s just taking up valuable space that could be used to put forth details of your experience. Businesses hire new employees based on perceived benefits to the organization. Hiring managers are looking for the best fit and not necessarily the most qualified. The details in your resume are used by Human Resources and hiring managers whether you might be a good candidate.

Fourth, don’t waste your time applying for a position if you didn’t refine your resume for the job/position posting. This is a common mistake made by job seekers. Yes, even we have made this mistake. By reading the job description you get an opportunity to tweak your resume to include the keywords and focus on the specific details the position seeking. For example, a position may be looking for someone qualified with SAP Warehouse Management Module, even though you haven’t used SAP you use Oracle Warehouse Management system. In such a case you can focus on your level of expertise with Oracle Warehouse Management ERP.

Fifth, remember there are many qualified people applying for each job posting. A common question asked by job seekers is why they didn’t pick me I’m fully qualified for that position. Well, maybe your resume didn’t sell that you are the best person for the position. Or your resume didn’t include all the information required per the job posting. The quickest way to disqualify yourself from a job other than not applying is leaving requested information off your resume.

An additional tip for a federal job posting. First, the Human Relations Department does not assume you can do anything. If it is not explicitly stated on your resume, then you cannot do it.  Next, the hiring manager usually has a matrix that is used to rate each resume. Additionally, the number of interviewees is dependent on the number of positions to be filled. For example, five people may be interviewed for a single position. Finally, interviews usually do not have a dramatic impact on the overall stratification of candidates.  

Whatever you do, do not become discouraged that you are not getting hits from every position you applied. If you are getting no hits that may be an indication that your resume is not hitting the mark. Have a trusted friend, coworker, or mentor review your resume and provide feedback on what it’s lacking.