Resume Basics

Today I am meeting with a woman with whom I volunteer to talk about the very elementary parts of a resume. Resume writing isn’t her thing but in a pinch she may be asked to step in and assist someone prepare a basic resume. As I look at all of the resumes that I’ve created over the last eight years, a few areas stand out and captured the attention of the hiring companies.

1. Along with the name (that matches the LinkedIn profile), the heading should include a personalized LinkedIn URL and the candidate’s town and state. No more street address is needed.
2. A Summary Statement that makes an impact on the reader and encourages them to read on. This statement is a mini elevator speech and shows someone what the candidate might do for them.
3. A list of six or so key words that describe the candidate’s strengths. They should be a mix of soft and hard skills and they should reflect some of the key words in the job description.
4. The Work History must include measurable accomplishments that accurately describe how the candidate smashed through his or her goals at his or her previous position(s). This means how many, how much, at what savings, purpose, meaningful statistics and can even answer who, what, why. Everyone has them and everyone needs to include them.
5. Bullets and open space are pleasing to look at.
6. A job history of 10 – 15 years (of course if the person stayed with company for more years than that, capture all the years).
7. An education section is important. If the candidate didn’t receive a degree, the number of credits towards a degree can be listed. If the candidate didn’t go to college, the section can be reworded to Trainings and Certifications and a listing of work related course should be noted.
8. There really is no need to add Microsoft Office skills since almost everyone has these skills. If the job description asks for them, add them.
9. Include a header or footer if the resume exceeds one page. It should list the candidate’s name, phone and email.
10. Either a one or two page resume are fine. If the company requires a one page resume, look through the accomplishments and select the most impactful. Populate the LinkedIn profile with the other meaningful detail.