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Your resume helps bring you one step closer the the job you want. Make sure that you have the essential items in your resume, and not the non-essential items that can stop you from getting the interview for the job of your dreams.
Many of you probably have items in your resume that are stopping you from getting to the next step of the job hiring process: The Interview. It's time to open up that document and make sure that your resume is interview ready!
Does your Resume have an Objective Statement? If So...
Objective statements are very much outdated. Archaic. Old-Fashioned. In it's place has stepped in the Summary of Qualifications. This section completely replaces the Resume Objective and provides the hiring manager with a great overview of who you are and what your strongest skills are. After reading the Summary of Qualifications section, the hiring manager can gain a great sense of what value you can bring to their company. This section can either be bulleted:
Or written as a paragraph:
The Summary of Qualifications section is a great place to insert some keywords that will further help grab the attention of hiring managers (and help you get through ATS). Check out our article: Hot Resume Keywords for more information on how to effectively use keywords in your resume.
Does your Resume use Third Person Voice/Point of View? If So...
Your resume is supposed to be written by you (even if it was written by a Resume Professional). The hiring manager wants to feel like you're actually engaging with them, not that someone else who's a friend of a friend is telling them about you.
"Spearheaded management of multi-functional business units, controlling all aspects of departmental activities, manufacturing projects, and inventory needs."
That sounds a lot better than...
"He spearhead management of multi-functional business units, controlling all aspects of
departmental activities, manufacturing projects, and inventory needs."
Does your Resume include Professional Experience that is not Important? If So...
Nothing puts someone to sleep faster than a resume that includes unnecessary professional experience. That job that you took at the local pizza shop right after college? DELETE. That job that you had in the 1980's? DELETE. That job that you had for one month that has absolutely nothing to do with your targeted industry? DELETE.
Make sure your resume only includes 10-15 years of your most relevant work experience. Save the other in-between jobs for the job application.
Does your Resume include a Reference Section or the phrase "References Available Upon Request" ? If So...
A resume should not be mistaken for an employment application. It should also not be mistaken for a job interview. Remember that the resume is used for hiring managers to learn more about you. Including a Reference Section or the phrase "References Available Upon Request" takes up unnecessary room in your resume. It also is a bit presumptuous. To maintain modesty, it is appropriate to wait until the employer asks for references or include the references in your application (if it is requested).