Resume Help Blog

Most people, no matter what job they seek or how long they’ve been part of the working world, make the same mistake when it comes to the resume writing process. They forget – or simply don’t know how – to develop their resume from the employer’s point of view.

“Employers want to know several things about you within seconds of glancing at your resume. Your job, then, is to be hit-them-over-the-head obvious about who you are, what job you’re seeking and what you have to offer them,” says Louise Kursmark, a certified professional resume writer and author of “30-Minute Resume Makeover.”

When sifting through resumes, most employers and recruiters know exactly what they’re looking for. Resumes that meet their expectations are ones that respond to the following questions:

Who Are You?

To determine how well your resume addresses this, Kursmark suggests having friends or colleagues read it. Within five seconds of them looking at the resume, snatch it back from them and quiz them on what they know about you as a job seeker based on what they read. If they can’t offer a quick answer that truly describes you, your resumes summary needs some work.

What Can You Do For Me?

The most effective way to show employers the value you offer is to show them how you’ve contributed to an employer’s success elsewhere. These examples must be specific, measurable accomplishments that cite numbers and other details. For instance, did you create a report that tracked results, or saved the company work and time? Did you find a way to save them money by taking on a responsibility?

Do You Have The Skills I’m Looking For?

Scan job ads and job descriptions to discover which skills are most relevant to the employers and recruiters receiving your resume. Then strategically place them throughout your resume to ensure it makes it past computer scans and into the hands of employers and recruiters. If they say you need to have customer service skills then describe your previous position in such a way that it highlights that. If they want you to know a certain computer program then describe how you used it at your last job.

Where Have You Worked Before?

This one should be simple. Employers want to know where you worked, for how long and which job titles you’ve held that may indicate how prepared you are for a role at their organization.

Is Your Experience Relevant To My Needs?

Sometimes it’s necessary to expand upon a job title or job description to truly demonstrate that you have experience that applies to the job you’re seeking. Consider using bullets to present brief and interesting information that is relevant to the employer.

Do You Have The Right Education And Credentials?

If you have the education, credentials and training needed to qualify for the job, be sure to say so! Use commonly accepted terminology and keywords in this section to ensure your information isn’t misinterpreted or overlooked by employers or resume scanners.

Do I See Any “Red Flags” In Your Background?

Gaps in employment (an indication of job hopping), spending too much time in the same job or resume errors may alert employers and recruiters that you are not the type of candidate they’re looking for in their organization. You can turn “red flags” into a positive by calling attention to it first and making it a positive. Call attention by addressing the issue and explaining it thereby disarming the hiring person.

For instance if you’ve been 8 years at one job outline the various job titles, or responsibilities that were added in a date format. Say you started as the receptionist and then 2 years later you were an administrative assistant and then 2 years later you were the executive assistant to the president. Show a progression of responsibility within the company.