More Resume Tips from the Experts

As I stated last week in my first article, Resume Tips from the Experts, crafting your resume can be challenging for many professionals, as there is so much to consider prior to sending it out to employers and recruiters. I had asked resume writers and career-search experts from across the web for what they considered to be the top tips for writing and developing your resume in today’s job market. I could not include every tip from all of the experts in last week’s post; however, I did not want any of you out there to miss out on these other great resume insights and have compiled them in this second list to share with you today.

“Many resumes and job applications are now submitted online, and go through an electronic screening process before anyone at the company actually sees it. To ensure that your resume does not get screened out, use exact words or phrases from the job description in your resume and application. The program is scanning application documents to make sure that they are similar to the job posting, so HR does not waste time on those without the minimum requirements. Specifically mentioning the skills you posses that match the job description will keep you in the applicant pool.” – Liz Layton, Florida Gulf Coast University

“One of the biggest mistakes resume writers make is talking about what they want out of a job. My favorite is the candidate that starts their resume with something like “I am looking for a position where I can gain experience and get paid commensurate to my abilities.” I am always attracted to a resume that starts with what the candidate will offer the company or why will that candidate make a difference in the company, “I have consistently added bottom line profits to every company.” Know what the positive affect the job has on the company and pair that with your strengths. It’s not what’s in it for you but what’s in it for the company.” – Barry Wernikoff, 1-2-1-Consulting.com

“Maximize your exposure by having a strong, professional web presence to back up your resume. Use a professional online portfolio or robust LinkedIn page to help brand yourself. Include the web address at the top of your resume to help drive employers to see more of what you can offer them if they hire you. The same rules apply – your web presence has to be perfect and showcase your abilities as a professional to send the right message.” – Michelle Mercurio, DeVry University

“Add a ‘brag line’ immediately under each employer’s name you’ve worked for. The bragging isn’t about you, it’s about your current or prior employer. So in one or two sentences, summarize what the company does and brag about an accomplishment they achieved or something they are noted for. Many times this can be found on the company website, for example: “Intel is the worldwide leader in the development and production of microprocessors with 2008 worldwide revenue reaching $37.6 billion.” Or “Sam’s Sandwich Shop makes quality and affordable sandwiches. Family owned for 16 years, Sam’s was awarded the 2008 Food Service Business of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce.” A brag line is typically in italics to help separate the context from the business and your individual responsibilities.” – Ken Winters, Staffback.com

“Include a short, one-line or two-line testimonial from your manager, your client, or anyone else you work with that can attest to your skills. Job seekers can use their mid-year or end of the year reviews to get the quotes from their boss, and they can ask for direct quotes about their performance from others if they are comfortable and can ensure confidentiality. The testimonial grabs the reader’s attention because it is unexpected, and it adds credibility to what you are already saying on your resume. Some argue that they list that they have references available already but you only get between 20-30 seconds of the employer’s attention when they first review your resume. It is usually only after they have interviewed you at least once before they consider calling your references.” – Sherry Mirshahi, InterviewRoadmap.com

“Name the digital file clearly with “Bill Jones Resume” so that the hiring company clearly knows who it belongs to. Avoid naming your resume with initials that may mean something to you, like “BJRrevsales” but mean nothing to the hiring manager.” – Mark Greenspahn, TwoFeetintheSand.com

“Take a yellow highlighter and highlight two or three keyword on your resume that make you stand out for a particular job. It might be customer service, telemarketing, etc. Then, hand deliver the resume. When someone opens it, it will look like another person internally had reviewed it and passed it on.” – Susan Kennedy, CareerTreking.com

“Show off your creativity skills and add the logos of your companies as a part of your experience. Graphics always work and few people use them.” – Rusty Rueff, Glassdoor.com

Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this wealth of resume insight!

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Chris Perry

Chris Perry, MBA, is a Gen Y brand and marketing generator, brand marketing manager, career search and personal branding expert, professional speaker, entrepreneur and brand consultant. Chris is the founder of Career Rocketeer, the Career Search and Personal Branding Network, MBA Highway, the MBA Job Search and Career Network and multiple other ventures.