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I don't mean to brag, but I make a mean chocolate chip cookie. The hint of happiness you taste, is a tiny, teeny bit of cinnamon and clove. These cookies taste like a memory, and I'm proud to say it happened by accident; just like my resume style. Good resumes are hard to come by. Ask any recruiter or H.R. pro. They'll talk your ear off about length, edits, keywording and content. I do things a little different and it's proven to be a bit more successful. The secret for resumes, sometimes, is the spice behind them. Want to learn my secrets?
1.) Let others tell your tale. If you're not using recommendations on your resume, then you are missing out on the value of selling yourself through testimonials. Don't make recruiters search LinkedIn for how much others love you. Use a quote in your signature line of the email, your resume or cover letter to grab their attention. A cleverly-placed quote will leave a recruiter scanning for more and back-up your claims of greatness with human touch.
2.) Keyword your accomplishments, not your work history. Everyone can claim success, it's the metrics that truly matter. Solidify who you truly are by remembering that companies care more about what you actually did, than by what you know. Look at the difference between the following:
- Conceptualized and directed large, media campaign with multiple external and internal partnerships.
Or:
- Conceptualized and directed large media campaign with the use of Social Networking, (Twitter/LinkedIn/Foursquare,) with ROI measurement in Google Analytics and AideRSS. Campaign resulted in 72% increase of traffic and 20% increase of sales in the 3rd quarter.
It really is that easy. Your resume is a sales campaign, pure and simple. Why each resume has to be a page of boring 'I did this,' statements is beyond me. Results, matter more than tasks. Show those hiring your worth through your accomplishments. Dangle the cookie, and leave them wanting more.
3.) Throw out the template. (Really.) Resume programs can be your worst enemy. If you hate being put into a box, the template will do exactly that. This is your future, don't let a computer program tell you how your accomplishments should look. A few things are 'must haves' in your resume.
- Name, City and State, Phone Number, LinkedIN Profile address, and Twitter address.
- Bio: Forget an objective. It's about what you BRING to their table. Imagine someone is reading your bio in a newspaper or hearing about you on the radio. The words should resonate with professionalism and wit. Anything less is a disservice to you.
- Accomplishment statements: Your three to five largest accomplishments should be placed first. Tell them what you are most proud of, professionally and leave them with reason after reason to talk with you futher.
- Career History: Under each company name, title and years of employment, list key worded accomplishment statements, just like those shown above.
- Education
- Mouth-Watering Quote.
Try it out. Watch the reaction and pass it on. Together, we can change the demands that a resume should have no personality. Your personality and accomplishments will make you stand out.
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Comments
08.19.10
Kate, I agree with 1 and 2. But 3 seems a little strange. I understand your agrument of getting away from the norm and but into "the box." But are we not suppose to have structure in our resumes? What are we suppose to do besides the resume template?
08.19.10
William,
I understand your point. There has to be a norm, right? We need some sort of formatting that HR personnel and hiring managers can look for. But really, in a world where I tell job seekers to stand out, I also tell them to change the formatting and capture eyes where they might have not done so, before. The quote is there for one reason: To showcase their value from someone else's eyes.
If a resume is a sheet that literally proves our accomplishments, experience and value, we need to show the very best of who we are.
There are lots of different ways to do resumes. It's always important we identify our key market, first. This format is one that has always worked for me and my clients, in multiple settings. Why be ordinary, when we can be brilliant? :)
08.19.10
Kate, great post. This question might be odd, but I guess it has to do a bit with formatting. I completely understand that employers are looking for something unique and eye-catching when they receive a stack (or inbox) of resumes.
In that case, what type of paper should I use? As strange as that sounds, is white the way to go? ivory? Something else? I know you're supposed to use a heavier grade of resume paper that's 25% cotton - so I've heard - but any input on the color would be appreciated!
08.19.10
Tim,
It's actually a GREAT question. I recommend white paper with a splash of color either in your name, or the headers. I usually recommend a dark color 'splash' on the name, headers, and quote at the bottom. 25lb touch paper is fantastic, any office supply store should have a great selection.
Most importantly, remember to have a .pdf version, a .rtf, (rich text format) version and a .doc version of your resume.
Good Luck!
08.19.10
Hi Kate,
I really love these ideas, but I was wondering what your idea of an appropriate yet clever quote for your resume? Is this just one that you would extract from a letter of recommendation?
Thanks!
Emily
p.s. - I use that trick with chocolate chip cookies too! Very tasty!
08.19.10
Emily,
A quote you can never go wrong with is one that highlights your personality and achievements. Check your LinkedIn profile and see if you have a quote that speaks to who you truly are. If you don't have any recommendations on your profile, search through old letters of recommendation or past annual reviews. A quote should be no more than 2-3 sentences. You can cut out the 'fluff' of many recommendations and just use the meat.
Like This:
"Emily has a leadership mindset. Not only does she offer great goal-planning and energy, but she exemplifies company best practices. Her positive outlook is an asset to any company."
Take just the first TWO sentences above, (in quotes: less means more.)
Good luck!
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