Getting Started to Write Your Resume
Quick and Simple Steps to get your Resume Together
Only about 10% of all resumes are actually read by hiring managers, the other 90% only receive a scan, primarily because they don't match the hiring manager's requirements. Working with your recruiter can help to make sure you're part of the 10%.
The Resume—Your Sales Tool
If prepared properly, a resume can determine if you'll earn an interview or be relegated to the discard pile. To create a really good introductory document-your sales tool-you should know what you want to do and where you want to work before you start writing. This way, your resume will be a focused tool that supports your goals. Too many people start to write a resume without considering the companies or industries they want to work for or the specific job they want. Consequently, their resumes are simply a chronology of past work experience.
Where to Start
Start by thinking about the type of company that you want to join and what they are seeking in a candidate. Then be sure your resume details these skills and competencies. To see if you have the right credentials, take an inventory of your accomplishments, skills, abilities, and experience.
Getting Past the Scan
Only about 10% of all resumes are actually read by hiring managers, the other 90% only receive a scan, primarily because they don't match the hiring manager's requirements. Working with your recruiter can help to make sure you're part of the 10%. This scanning process helps to weed out those applications that might not be right for the job and candidates whose resume are poorly prepared. A resume is a representation of the individual so typos, spelling errors and poor writing will automatically eliminate you.
Pick a Format
The most common versions of resumes are the chronological and the functional or a combination of both. If you have a logical, consistent employment history and are seeking a position in a similar field or industry, use the chronological format. Present the details of your career in reverse order, starting with your most recent position first.
A resume format can work well for candidates who want to change careers. Using it, you can group your functional skills and abilities first, then followed by a list of actual jobs. This type of resume enhances your abilities and de-emphasizes your employment history. Many hiring managers prefer chronological resume to functional formats, which can confuse or conceal.
A 10-Second Commercial and Fitting the Description
The objective on your resume should be more than wanting a position that will use your skills. This is the opportunity to present a snapshot of your career that grabs the hiring manager's attention. For example, "Sales Manager with more than 10 years of experience in increasing computer sales is seeking…" The more the resume matches the job the hiring manager is seeking to fill, the more opportunity you have of getting called for an interview.
Although titles and responsibilities are important it's the supporting information that's really meaningful i.e. what did you do that saved money, increased productivity, made a procedure run smoother. In other words, give the hiring manager your results, companies hire people who are results-oriented.
Final Tips
- Tailor your resume to the position as well as relate your past experience to the position.
- Be specific by giving examples of your actions and the figures related to your results.
- Use a variety of action words: developed, designed, implemented, managed, organized etc.
- A one (or two) page resume should be adequate to present yourself - keep it short and simple.
- Always have another person (or several persons) look over your resume for potential errors. Every resume should be completely error-free. Now, go add your online resume!
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If you’re looking for more permanent employment – TEKsystems has permanent positions on our staff both in recruiting and sales and other internal jobs.
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Not sure how to begin this process? If it’s your first time working with a staffing firm, we can help walk you through things. We can even help you with your resume and give you lots of other career advice in our career tools center.