| You should only build a resume for one purpose - to | | | | Second, the reader/interviewer may want to know |
| get an interview.Keep this purpose in mind as you | | | | how you increased efficiency and how you |
| read the article below: | | | | developed that reuse policy. The strategy is to place |
| Why did I say 'build' a resume and not 'write' a | | | | ideas and questions in the readers head. Just make |
| resume? | | | | sure you have the answers. |
| A resume is not a story, it is not written with stream | | | | Your resume must be constructed - 'built' in such a |
| of consciousness like a novel. Resumes are built in a | | | | way that it structures the conversation before you |
| purposeful, strategic way to sell your strengths and | | | | get to the interview. |
| eliminate your weaknesses. The best resumes turn | | | | The Interview process is like dating. You wouldn't sit |
| your Tasks and Responsibilities into Accomplishments | | | | down on a first date and say - "let me tell you what |
| and Results | | | | my worst qualities are". Yet, people do this all the |
| A resume should not be purely chronological - that is | | | | time on their resumes. |
| a big mistake. I don't know anyone who has had a | | | | Now, let's continue with the checklist: |
| consistent rise in significant accomplishment over a | | | | 6. List all tasks in the active voice. For example |
| long career. Most people, including you, have nuggets | | | | Developed, Initiated, Directed, Organized |
| of brilliance - accomplished at many different times | | | | 7. Never say 'responsible for' just use the action |
| throughout your life. | | | | word. |
| Your resume should be a highlight reel not an | | | | 8. List your accomplishments before you build your |
| autobiography. The strategy is to match significant | | | | resume. I guarantee that this is the most difficult part |
| keywords, (Knowledge Skills and Abilities), to your | | | | of the process. |
| accomplishments. You can't do this with a | | | | 9. Select the strongest accomplishment and place it |
| chronological resume, | | | | after your keyword table- (more on this in my next |
| The only purpose a chronology has in today's job | | | | article), and before your chronological list. |
| market is to help the reader understand when you | | | | Wait a minute - I thought you said chronology |
| moved from job to job and which job you had first, | | | | doesn't' matter. I didn't say that. What I meant was |
| second, and third. The chronology doesn't explain a | | | | it is the least important part - but an essential price |
| thing about who you are and what you accomplished. | | | | of admission. |
| Neither does your longevity. Some people accomplish | | | | 10. Identify your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities |
| more in six months than others do in five years. | | | | (KSA's), by using the Occupational ONET Online |
| Never confuse a job title with an accomplishment. | | | | database. This is an excellent repository developed |
| Resumes must be functional to attract attention. | | | | by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and contains |
| Many say it's the first third of the page that sells - if | | | | occupational information that can be an invaluable |
| you can't grab the reader at the top, the list of facts | | | | resource for education and research. |
| at the bottom will never be read. That is why it is | | | | When you are ready, please visit |
| critical to sell your key accomplishments and KSA,s | | | | Now, lets continue. |
| up front. | | | | 11. Smooth out small gaps in employment by using |
| Use the following checklist to help you think outside | | | | annual dates i.e., (2006-2007) instead of the month |
| the margins of your resume: | | | | and date. |
| 1. Prepare a profile that matches your background to | | | | 12. List awards and citations/achievements only if |
| the job description. | | | | they compliment the job you are seeking. |
| 2. Prioritize your tasks and responsibilities to match | | | | 13. A note on Education. Include all completed |
| the job description. | | | | degrees, regardless of subject matter. All employers |
| 3. Only list tasks that are relevant to the job you are | | | | value education. One caveat: Don't include |
| applying for. | | | | Certifications that do not apply to the industry in |
| 4. Select tasks that you can back up - preferably | | | | question. |
| with a strong accomplishment. | | | | Example: I am a professional writer and in addition to |
| 5. Use a qualifying line to describe how you were | | | | my B.S. and M.A. I am a certified professional Coder |
| selected for the job. | | | | (CPC). This is a health care certification. The only time |
| Example: | | | | I include it on my resume is when I am approached |
| ABC tech Firm - 2006-2007 | | | | about a writing opportunity that requires some |
| Technical Writer | | | | understanding of health care issues. |
| Hired by the V.P of Documentation to improve RFP | | | | Finally, remember that building a resume is one of the |
| efficiency and develop a document reuse policy. | | | | most difficult jobs you will do - if its done right. Its |
| This line adds a little zing because it gives the reader | | | | not easy to capture the essence of a persons |
| some insight into your story. Be prepared to add | | | | talents and abilities in one or two pages, especially if |
| more details at an interview. This short descriptor can | | | | you are a mid-career professional. There is no recipe. |
| help you build interest in your story. First, you name | | | | The checklist I provided is only a guide. Always |
| drop a little. In other words, you tell the reader who | | | | practice good judgment and use what works for you. |
| hired you and the title they command. | | | | |