Your resume is your first and most important marketing tool, and if it doesn’t get you in the door, there is little else that will. And provided it does get noticed, you have only a few seconds to create enough interest to make sure busy recruiters read on. So how can you make yourself stand out from all the other applicants for the job you want? Your secret weapon: Pizzazz of presentation highlighting a concise summary of qualifications that sells your value to potential employers.
The basics
Before we get into how to craft an irresistible summary of qualifications, here are some tips for building a resume that works:
Appearance – Eyes tend to skip over anything optional, too complicated or messy. One resume in a big pile is definitely optional, so it’s worth it to spend as much time formatting your resume as writing it. Make it look clean, spare, balanced and easy to read. Short paragraphs are a must.
Writing – Emphasize important points with a vivid verb or noun instead of an adjective. It packs more punch and side-steps sales resistance. For example, if you want to convey in your summary that you are persistent and have great problem-solving skills, write “Solve problems with persistence and originality.”
The clincher — adding the Pizzazz!
The best way to create an effective summary of qualifications begins with reading the job posting. Make notes every time you find yourself thinking, “I can do that with my hands tied behind my back,” or, if you’re changing fields or responsibilities, “My experience is directly related to this!” Those are things you want to put in your summary.
Next, gather new ideas — think about job reviews and other types of feedback you’ve received, including things people have said about your personality as well as your professional skills. Brainstorm with friends and co-workers about what they see as your best points.
Then, write a first draft of all those great ideas. You’ll usually start with a couple of sentences, or a paragraph or two for each item. Then start distilling everything again and again until you have a bulleted list of phrases or a set of succinct points.
If you have less than 10 years experience, the rule of thumb is to have no more than 3 bulleted statements in your summary, 6 max if you have to, and the more items you have, the shorter they should be.
Here are some examples (note the use of verbs and nouns)
- Thrive in situations that require flexibility, multitasking and the speedy mastery of new knowledge
- Specialize in creation and implementation of highly complex events, programs and projects
- Skilled in conflict resolution, utilizing the art of reaching true consensus
- Able to quickly organize and implement extremely complex projects, while sustaining ongoing complex and demanding responsibilities
- Able to maintain both a broad scale mental map as well as an awareness of timely details
- Excel at time management, using well defined priorities derived from clear goals and objectives
The best for last
One nice side effect of creating a really terrific resume for each job is discovering that you actually have a lot of reasons to feel very good about your skills and abilities. And a dose of healthy self-confidence is vital to landing that job once your new resume gets you in the door.
9 thoughts on “Your Best Marketing Tool”
LOL
I agree with you on a lot of these marks but… what would you say when the job is non corporate or one is starting up freelance/own company and they have to meet already established parties?
Oooh… this was perfectly timed. I can’t believe I missed the first posting. Another mistake I’ve been critiqued on: always asking “Why do I care?” There’s a difference between stating that you’ve lead a project and that you lead a project that actually met its goals.
Fantastic additions, Gina Rose and Lindsey!!!! Your bullet points, both sets, were especially right on target and extremely valuable, Gina Rose.
And thanks, Miss Krystal, for the compliment (complement? … I never get those two straight!)
(LOL)
Verbena
Verbena,
I think this is the best resume write up I have ever seen. THis is so wonderful for our clients. I hope they use all of the tips in order to better their resume.
Thanks,
Miss Krystal
Dear Lindsey….. I spelled your name wrong…..sorry about that…..I have eye vision problems. My eyes are a bit blurry this AM…..
Blessed Be )O(
Gina Rose ext.9500
Ps….. couple of tips for the men out there……
* get a shoe shine or shine them yourself…..I always looked at a man’s shoes…..make sure laces are tied too.
* NO gaudy gold neck chains…..a nice simple watch is better.
* IF you have a moustache , trim it neatly….
* Speak in a clear, warm, but firm voice.
* If you are married, by all means….. DO wear the wedding band to the interview!
Ok……Go Get ‘Em !!!!
Blessed Be )O(
Gina Rose ext.9500
Thank You Lindsay,
I agree with you 500% on the dressing , make-up, & jewelry…..simple, & clean is best…..
* No extremely long ” dragon-lady ” fingernails …..clean & short nails, clear polish is best.
* Too much expensive jewelry and they may think they cannot afford YOU !
* Watch the length of your skirt or dress, ladies ….be able to sit without showing off too much leg.
* Be on time.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
* Remember a nice firm handshake and smile .
* Manners, manners, manners !!!!! Words such as Please, Thank You, May I…… go a long way.
* Don’t fidget !
* I agree with Lindsay on not using words like ” uh “…. and ” hmm” ….****and my personal favorite turn- off ” you know ” or ” ya know “.
* Go very easy on any perfume or cologne…..less is more. ( I once interviewed a gal whose heavy ,strong perfume stunk up my office for the rest of the day ).
* Try and cover up any tatoos showing…..not appreciated by those in a corporate setting, neither are any piercings that can be seen on face.
Good Luck !!!!!
Blessed Be )O(
Gina Rose ext.9500
Excellent article, and excellent comment by Gina Rose! I’d just like to ad a few more tips when you go to the interview (notice I said WHEN, not IF!)
First, appearance is very important. Dress in neutral colors, such as black, grey or tan. Ladies, go easy on the make up and jewelry. Usually, less is better. You are not heading out to a nightclub to dance the night away, you are trying to obtain a professional position!!
Sit up straight. Be “tuned in” to the interviewer. Smile. Speak clearly and be articulate. Try to avoid words like “uh” and “hmm”.
These things may not sound that imporant, but you only have one chance to make that great first impression.
Good luck everyone!
Hi Verbena,
Outstanding tips for the resume !!!! On the mark!!!!
Should you then get a call for an actual interview……here are more tips for your interview:
Do your homework……research the company..their history, where they are in the present, and what their projected growth goals are……
Impress them with your knowledge of their company
During your interview , use your knowledge of their history to make a good impression and let them know what you feel you can bring to the table to help them meet their goals.
I’ve done corporate business readings for years……and have actual experience hiring and firing people as well. I wish you all good luck.
Blessed Be )O(
Gina Rose ext.9500