An introductory presentation of the skills of writing an effective resume (Mate in Oz, November 2016)

1. Barry Horne
Executive Career Coaching
T: (0425) 308 625
November 2016 E: barryjh@amnet.net.au
L: http://au.linkedin.com/in/barryhorne

2. Search Strategy
Application Principles
Resumes
Achievement Stories

3. Apply for
Advertised
Positions
Approach (e.g.
Graduate)
Recruitment
Consultants
Network to
Identify
Emerging
Opportunities
and Decision-
Makers
Directly
Approach
Qualified
Target
Companies
and People
Horne (2016)

4. All [4Cs] : Concise, Clear, Correct, Courteous
Resumes [3Rs]
• Relevance
• Recency
• Results
Letters [SWUC]
• Show Interest
• Why Me
• Unique Sales
Proposition (USP)
• Contact Me
Responses to
Selection
Criteria (STAR)
• Situation
• Task/Tactic
• Actions
• Results
Career
Solutions (2012)

5.  What is the Primary Purpose of a Resume?
 In Preparation, What Should You Focus On?
 What are Your Goals?
 What Content Should be Included?
 What Content Should be Excluded?
Horne (2016)

6.  Primary Purpose is to Secure an Interview!
 A Resume Markets You - Does Your
Resume Do YOU Justice?
 TAILOR to Target Role
 NO Magic Format/Style
 (Robot or Human) Recipient’s Goal is to Quickly
◦ SCREEN OUT Majority of Applications
◦ DEVELOP INTERVIEW Short-list
Horne (2016)

7.  Meeting Challenges/ Needs of Organisation
 Research
◦ Industry, Organisation, Role
 Information Sources
◦ Job Specifications / Criteria
◦ Nominated Contact
◦ Public Documents (e.g. Annual Report, Press Releases)
◦ Internet (Target Organisation Web Site)
◦ Target Organisation and Industry Employees
◦ Professional / Industry Associations
Horne (2016)

8.  Capturing Reader's Attention
 Demonstrating Qualifications for Target Role
 Indicating Potential to Meet Challenges / Needs of
Organisation
 Standing Out from Other Applicants!
Horne (2016)

9. • Career Objective / Profile Statement
• Key Strengths
• Qualifications / Training
Unique
Sales
Proposition
• Employer Profiles
• Key Responsibilities
(Stakeholders, People,
Operations, Financial)
• Role Accomplishments
Employment History and
Contexts
• Professional /
Student
Memberships
• Community
Engagement
• Personal Information
• Referees (if
Requested)
Background (Supportive) Information
Pyramid
Resume
Model
Horne (2016)

10.  Career Objective / Profile Statement
Snapshot Impression to Stimulate Interest
 Qualifications / Training
Relevant to Target Role
 Employment History and Contexts
Employer Profiles (Products, Services, Client / Geographic
Markets, Size)
Role (Purpose, Key Responsibilities, Skills Applied,
Achievements)
Horne (2016)

11.  Student Professional Memberships
Implies Industry Knowledge, Network of
Peers
 Community Engagement (Development
and Application of Skills)
Volunteer Roles
University Life / Leadership
Upper High School Community Contributions
 Recreational Interests
Balanced Person (Active / Passive; Team / Individual)
Horne (2016)

12. Information Likely to Result in Screening Out. In general:
 Age
 Marital Status
 Place of Birth
 Salary Expectations
 Religion
 Political Affiliations
 Health Status
 Photographs
 Referees (Unless Requested at Time of Application)
 Reasons for Leaving Past Roles
Horne (2016)

13. Isolate Key
Achievements
Reflect on 5Cs
(Complexity,
Challenge,
Change,
Chaos, Crisis)
Develop
Detailed STAR
Narratives
(Selection
Criteria
Responses/
Interview
Preparation)
Create Brief
Bullet Pointed
Achievement
Statements
(Resume)
Horne (2016)

14. Situation
When?
Where?
What?
Who (Role)?
Task/Tactic
How ?
Overarching
Approach
/Initiative Taken
Actions
How?
Logical Stages
and Phases
Results
Why (So What)?
Relate to
Business Goals
Horne (2016)
An Achievement Story with
no Results is Like a Joke
Without a Punch Line!