Stay on target: This
is often the most critical task in crafting a resume that will get you through
the door. Generic resumes just don’t cut it in today’s highly competitive and
specialized job market. Hiring managers want to know why you’re right for the
job you’re applying to, and they want to see how well you communicate that
message.
It’s not about you: In today’s competitive job market, employers
want to know how you can help them improve their bottom lines and bring value
to their organizations. Describe your achievements in terms of quantifiable
outcomes. Make this your mantra: it’s not about you, it’s about what you can do
for the employer.Avoid industry-speak: Keep military-speak and field-specific terms and acronyms to a minimum. Your resume should communicate the parallels from your previous career to the job to which you are applying in terms of skill sets, leadership and management experience in language that is intelligent, as well as universal.
Don’t trust spellcheck: In our technology dependent world, we’ve become slaves to editing features like spell check. While spell check can be a useful tool, it does not always pick up the differences between words like “its” and “it’s”, “your” and “you’re” and “whose” or “who’s”. Editor’s tip: always print out your resume on paper and get at least one more set of human eyes to proofread your resume before you send it to an employer.
Quality over
quantity: Even if you’ve got 25 years of work experience, hiring managers
are most interested in candidates with experience that is current and
relevant. Instead of your years of
experience, keep your resume focused on what experience in your background is
relevant to the job to which you are applying. Limit your resume to one page,
two pages maximum.
Mind the gaps:
Employment gaps are sometimes red flags for hiring managers, but they don’t
have to be fatal flaws for job seekers. Be honest. Account for your time out of
the workforce honestly and effectively. Volunteer work, continuing education,
travel, caregiving and raising a family are all examples of life experiences
that can enhance personal and professional development, adding value to what
you have to bring to your new job.
Keep it simple:
When it comes to creating a resume that will land you an interview, avoid fancy
fonts and formatting. Use a standard MS Word format, with a font size and style
that is easy to read such as 12 point Times New Roman or Ariel. Font color
should always be black, and always print your resume on white or off-white
paper, not craft or specialty paper.
While writing a resume can seem overwhelming in the beginning,
keeping these tips in mind can help you stay on target. Orion International’s knowledgeable
team offers many ways to assist you as you embark on your career search. As a
first step, register on our website and
browse our TransitionCorner for helpful job seeking tips, tools, and resources.
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