Is Writing your Resume #OVERWHELMING? Here’s your guide to get it #DONE!

I know, I know.  Writing a resume doesn’t top your list of fun things to do.  It is hard to write about yourself especially when you are just starting out, and it can be discouraging to look around and see how much competition is out there applying for the same jobs.  But remember…there is only one YOU and there ARE companies that need what you uniquely have to offer.  Always.

A resume is a necessity when you are going for any job that is above minimum wage.  You can get away with just filling in an application for labor intensive jobs like fast food, factory work or retail but for most others you will need a resume.  But don’t get completely bummed!  Here are three steps to getting that resume written:

ONE: Put together the structure.  A resume is like bait on the end of a fishing pole.  Your goal is to make it super easy for the person reading your resume to want to know more about you (keep in mind that the average length of time spent reviewing a resume is about 8 seconds).

Your resume should have the following elements:

Name, city, state, phone, email (At the top)

NOTE:  if you live a small town or another state and are applying for a job in a large city, omit your city/state.  Some screening people may be biased toward local applicants (and small town folk) and that alone may get your resume kicked out.  Make sure your email address is professional (not kittycat1@yahoo.com).

Qualifications

This is an important section because it is a resume within a resume.  The goal is to give the screener a quick overview of why they should keep reading.

Bullet point any relevant accomplishments.  Use action verbs.  Keep it short, maybe 5-6 bullets. Reference pertinent skills or education here.

Job Experience (Paragraphs with bullet points)

Use separate paragraphs for each job worked

Include dates worked (ex: January 2015-December 2016)

Job title, company name, city, state

Bullet points re your accomplishments, not tasks such as “responsible for cleaning the ice cream machine”.  Instead say, “Awarded Employee of the Quarter for Excellent ratings in customer service surveys”; “Achieved consistently positive job reviews for attendance, attitude, work ethic, teamwork and customer relations”;  “Promoted to Manager on Duty after six months based on job performance and leadership”.  Even better attach dollar figures such as “created new method to keep ice cream machine consistently running, resulting in $1,000 more revenue a day as a result of more operational time available.”

Be sure to include any relevant volunteer experience.  Relevant can mean in your chosen career field or any experience that shows your leadership skills, work ethic as well as ability to learn.

Do NOT tell half truths about any of the above because if you do get to the interview stage the hiring manager may ask you for copies of your performance reviews, copies of your last paycheck stub, references, etc.

When you get to the reference check stage they will likely call your former managers or volunteer heads and will check your social media accounts. Be sure to proactively:

• Have your references in place re let them know someone may call them and tell them what job you are working towards.
• Clean up your Facebook, Google+, etc.  Create a Linkedin page as well and start networking.
• Create a LinkedIn page with some professional contacts-that will be very favorable to the hiring manager.

Education

Bullet by school/college/university.  Put degree first and field of study, name of institution, date graduated or “expected date of graduation”.  Put GPA if you are within 5 years after college and if it is impressive (no, do not put a GPA that shows you barely got out alive).

Don’t put high school information unless you have not gone to college, and then only if you have graduated high school.  It is assumed that you graduated if you have any post high school education.

Some tips:

• The font size should be 11 and easy to read standard such as Aerial, Times New Roman, Garmond.  Yes, be boring.
• 1 inch margin all around.
• Resume should be one page only.
• No photos, graphics, italics, etc. unless you are going for a job in advertising.
• Do NOT include: hobbies unless related to the career field, the phrase “references available upon request” (duh, that is expected)  and objective statement (that will be in your cover letter)
• Always use words directly from the job description.  Many companies use resume screening software that assigns a score to a candidate’s resume based on how many key words are in the resume as compared to other resumes.
• Google some online resume examples but don’t copy the wording (hiring managers can use Google too).
• Check and double check the look.  Hold your printed draft out:  does it look clean and easy to read?
• Proofread, proofread and get someone else to proofread.  You have one chance to get to the interview stage, and any misspelled words may get your resume tossed into the shredder.
• If you are sending your resume electronically, PDF it.  That way you know that the font’s and margins won’t get all wonky when opened up on the other end.

Resume #DONE

Lastly, include a formal cover letter, even if you are sending the resume via email.  Include:

• Name of hiring manager (or Hiring Manager)
• Title of Hiring Manager
• Name of company
• Address
• City, State zip

For the greeting use Ms. or Mr. Last Name.  If you can’t find out the hiring manager’s name, use Dear Hiring Manager.

Three paragraphs:

First paragraph:

Why you are sending this letter:  (I am applying for job title, requisition number if provided).  Include a sentence re why you are interested in their company, ie, you are impressed with their growth, opportunities for expansion, etc.  Use information from the company web page, especially a positive press release.  “I am interested in being a part of the incredible growth your company has achieved by…”.

Second paragraph:

Why you are the best candidate for this position: (accomplishments, education, work ethic, etc.).  Use words from the job description!

Third paragraph:

Thank the screener for considering you.  Ask for an interview.  Tell them you will contact them within 7 days (unless the job description specifically said not to do so).

Closing:

Sincerely,

• Name
• email
•  phone

(you can also choose to put this information at the top to the right side of the page)

Cover letter #DONE!

The good news is now that your initial resume and cover is done, these will be a template for you to customize to any job you are going after in the future.

Happy hunting!