Ten Principles of Effective Résumé Writing

For many people, one of the hardest aspects of implementing a career/job search is preparing their résumé.  After all, a résumé may determine whether you're called for an interview or relegated to the discard pile.  A résumé is that important!  Let's demystify the résumé and examine key components.

1.  First and foremost, a résumé needs to be purposeful and directed to a specific audience.  It is not intended to detail your entire career history.  It should be aimed toward the position you want and include the skills needed to be successful.  Remember, it's a marketing tool and you are the product!  Your goal in submitting a résumé is to have a prospective employer pick up the telephone and call you and invite you in for an interview.

2.  Basically, there are three types of résumés: chronological, functional, and a combination of both.  However, the majority of people will use the chronological since it's the most requested.  If you are changing careers, seeking employment in a different industry, and or have been unemployed for a while, then the functional style résumé should be considered since it de-emphasizes employment history.

3.  Next, ask yourself if you want to include an OBJECTIVE.  Be aware that many prospective employers believe objectives to be a waste of time, especially if the objective does not apply to the job you are seeking.  If you include an objective, make sure it strengthens your résumé.  It should not be so broad or wordy that it weakens and detracts from your presentation.

4.  Whether this is your first job or next to your last, always include a CAREER SUMMARY or sometimes referred to as a PROFILE.  A summary is like a mini snapshot of who you and what position you are seeking.  It's the attention grabber statement that shouts "Read Me!" It's a short, brief summation of your career.  Use key words to outline your strengths and experience such as; "action oriented with special strengths in problem-solving, creativity, planning, and managing change." Whatever words you use, make sure they are the ones a prospective employer is looking for.

5.  Regardless of the style of résumé you choose, you will want to present your PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE and qualifications in an accomplishment-oriented fashion.  Ask yourself, "What are the competencies needed to be successful in the position I'm seeking?" This is the section where you substantiate how you have and will add value.  Use strong action verbs to describe your accomplishments. 

6.  Wherever possible, use dollar figures and percentages.  For example, "Saved company more than $100,000 in twelve-month period.  Or, "Increased revenues by more than 15% during first year." Naturally, during the interview you'll want to be prepared to state how you did these things.

7.  Although there are exceptions, in most instances, a section on EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT should be positioned toward the end of your résumé.  Depending upon how long ago you graduated from school, you need not always include the dates.  (There are exceptions of course, like the individual who has been attending school continuously as a returning-adult student.) This is an opportunity to appropriately "showcase" your learning, certification or professional designations.

8.  Include a section such as PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS or COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES if they enhance your résumé. If you've had community service which you feel is relevant to the job you are seeking, by all means include this information.  If you've been in a leadership position with the local Chamber of Commerce, or served on a committee in a volunteer capacity, or did some additional work while attending school, acknowledge this as well, assuming it wasn't so many years ago that it's no longer pertinent.

9.  If you want to include a section entitled PERSONAL, make sure its information that benefits you.  For example, if you speak two languages, have traveled in other countries, have been an exchange student, or have hobbies which you know are helpful, then you might want to mention it in your résumé.  Do not include information that can lead to discrimination such as "married with two children," or age.

10.  Finally, remember that you and only you are responsible for your résumé "The first impression is a lasting impression," is appropriate when it comes to résumés.  Take time to review your résumé for grammar and potential typing errors.  Neatness counts too.  Use good quality paper and keep it professional in appearance.  Résumés generally are no more than two pages and in some instances, one page is fine. 

By constructing a purposeful résumé, you enhance your chances of being called for the interview, and your success!

John P. Creveling is a career / leadership development coach.  He has coached hundreds of individuals at all levels of employment from union and hourly employees to company executives.  His business and career-related articles have been published in professional journals, newspapers and magazines nationwide.  He is a frequent guest on radio and television promoting the benefits of career development and lifelong learning.  John and his wife, Christina Robertson, Ph.D., are co-founders of Career Resources Management LLC, located in Philadelphia, PA.  He can be reached at 215-988-0233 or email john@careerresourcesmgt.com.