Banker's U How to Write a Great Resume

Your roadmap to writing a great resume

Don't worry, you're not alone… writing a resume is intimidating for everyone .

What makes it difficult is knowing what to include, what not to, what to highlight, what to de-emphasize, etc.

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putting all the pieces together

The fact is, HR professionals and hiring managers receive hundreds of resumes for any given position, and on average, will spend about 10-30 seconds on yours.

Organizing information incorrectly could cost you a shot at an interview, and is a very common mistake made by job seekers

Some experts agree that obsessive review of documents or similar – like resume searches can cause attention spans to drop to as little as nine seconds – equivalent to a goldfish.

Why is a Resume so important?

Wikipedia says; www.bnkrsu.com Wikipedia® Foundation Inc. A résumé is a document that contains a summary of relevant job experience and education . The résumé is typically the first item that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is typically used to screen applicants, often followed by an interview , when seeking employment . In many contexts, a résumé is short (usually one page), and therefore contains only experience directly relevant to a particular position. Many résumés contain precise keywords that potential employers are looking for, make heavy use of active verbs, and display content in a flattering manner.

so why is it so important?

A resume reflects the potential work an employer can expect from you.

Of course, there are those unusual cases when a resume didn’t make much of a difference.

Then, there are times when employers make really wrong decisions and/or references.

Such was in the case of…

Walt Disney was once fired by a newspaper.

For lack of ideas…

MGM’s memo after Fred Astaire’s screen test said:

Can’t act. Slightly bald. Can dance a little.

Beethoven’s violin teacher declared him…

hopeless as a composer.

For everyone else…

there is only the resume to get you noticed.

...so then, what are recruiters looking for?

Content

First, it is vital to understand the resume reviewing process and your recruiter's situation:

Recruiters are normally under immense time pressures and working to tight deadlines.

They are initially searching for just a few keywords in your resume.

They will heartlessly reject resumes that they are finding difficult to navigate through, as their time is precious.

Not knowing what you are like, the presentation of your resume will reflect on you and the potential work they can expect from you.

Jobseekers do not realize that the way their information is presented, can often be of more value in getting to the next stage of the application process, than the information itself.

Poor presentations can:

Hide your most important background and skills from the recruiter.

Stop your resume from being read fully.

Can convey a poor standard of work impression in the mind of the recruiter just from content.

Ultimately, STOP your application from going to the next stage.

Good presentations can:

Attract the HR professional to the document the moment your resume is received or before other applicants.

Communicate that you have skills needed for the position and beyond by just what is described in the text of your resume.

Instantly give the recruiter a positive feel about you.

Ultimately get you that first interview.

10 RESUME WRITING TIPS

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Limit your resume to one page. Not everything you have done needs to be stated here however everything needs to be true and relevant.

2. Determine a layout that works best for you and your experience. Use bold to emphasize related key skills and accomplishments

Sample: Top format

3. Create your resume to the type of position to which you are applying. Decide and tailor what you want to convey about your experience and background.

Sample: Middle format

Sample: Bottom format

4. Maintain a consistent writing style. Do not use “I” or “my”. Make sure your statements are clear and understandable. (refer to these sample pages for possible formatting)

Start each description with an action word. Sample words shown at the end of this presentation.

Use past tense verbs for previous activities.

Use industry numbers where appropriate to measure your involvement.

Include a brief description of an organization if the name is not recognizable.

5. Make sure your information is understandable...

Emphasize accomplishments and responsibilities. For example: Streamlined procedures leading to 25% increase in production over previous quarter .

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6. Be Clear and concise in your descriptions. Do not make any confusing or complicated statements.

7. Make sure there are no spelling or grammar errors. It’s a good idea to have someone proofread your resume.

8. Be consistent as to the entire look of the page. If your headings are in Bold Type , then all headings should be in bold. Follow a uniform format.

9. In building your resume , choose a font that is easy to read like Times Roman or Palatino no larger than 14 point or smaller than 10 point … ok? ? ?............

10. Think outside the box, but not too outside to get your resume noticed. In most cases a cover letter should be attached. Print final copies of your resume on quality paper that photocopies well.

What are action words? Use the following sample action words to enhance your resume and make your descriptions more powerful www.bnkrsu.com

achieved created guided persuaded activated curtailed governed planned adapted decided illustrated produced administered delegated improved promoted advertised demonstrated increased publicized advised designated instructed published advocated designed interpreted recommended analyzed determined introduced replaced appraised developed invested reported assembled devised investigated researched attained directed lectured restored augmented discovered maintained serviced balanced distributed managed solved ACTION WORDS

more ACTION WORDS coached educated measured sponsored collaborated eliminated merged strengthened collected encouraged minimized studied communicated endorsed modernized suggested compared established modified supervised compiled estimated motivated supplemented computed evaluated negotiated surpassed consolidated examined observed synthesized consulted exchanged obtained taught controlled executed operated trained converted expanded organized updated coordinated extended originated counseled formulated oversaw

so there you have it…

You’re on the road to a promising career! www.bnkrsu.com

But first, a little something about us…

Banker’s U is the Training, Marketing and Consulting resource for building performance.

Certified Business Advisors have years of “hands on” business operations experience. We listen… and come packed with knowledge, wisdom and objectivity.

Bringing real world practical solutions to all types of clients – we create custom training, presentations, mentoring and profit building strategies that are actionable and results driven to suit your needs.