As a resume writer , I am often asked to provide resume advice and critique resumes. I have developed a proprietary system that I use to evaluate resumes on a 100 point scale looking at over 50 different elements. I want to share with you 6 of these elements. These 6 elements are very easy for you to evaluate and I suggest you ask yourself the following questions below before you even think of applying to a job.
- Does the design look professional? If you are not impressed with how your resume looks, what do you think the recruiter or hiring manager is going to think?
- Does your information flow? In other words, it is important that the content of your resume is presented in a logical and easy to understand manner.
- Is your resume customized? This is extremely important in today’s job climate. Take an extra couple of minutes and make sure that your resume is tailored to each and every job that you apply for. Going the extra mile will be one of the factors that helps separate you from the masses.
- Do you have a value proposition? It is important to highlight and emphasize your strongest qualifications.
- Is your career goal stated? This is a part of the customization process. Ask yourself if you have stated a goal and if the content of your resume supports that goal. If the answer is no, then your resume needs more work.
- Do you list your accomplishments? Many people (too many) make the mistake of simply listing their responsibilities. The main part of your resume should be listing how well you did those activities.
These are 6 of the most important questions you should be asking yourself before sending out your resume. If you would like help answering these questions, send me an email – proreswriter@gmail.com
Love the article
Have to agree with Tony B., I personally prefer personal branding statements or professional summaries over objectives. They say a lot more about what the job seeker is all about and what they have to offer. Another good question to ask, I suppose is, if the resume they are sending is: are there enough power key words in it?
Karen, The Resume Chick (on Google or Twitter for questions, comments or violent reactions)
I advise people to remove the “goal” or objective from their resume because it only does them harm. Unless the goal is “Help company X dominate it’s market by…” it says that the candidates goal is different from the company’s goals. I think they can only hurt you. In all honesty, what does the employer learn from the goals or objectives listed in a resume?
Otherwise, great article. I learned something here.
TonyB.
http://www.redlinepandc.com
I would be happy to. Please check out my resume service website http://proresumewriter.com
Great Advice…Can anyone help me to prepare my resume
Great Advice!