The Most Important Part of a Resume

Unemployment is at an all-time high great and it seems like there are 100 applicants for every one job. This is undoubtedly a true statement! In order to bring your skills and experience to the forefront of an HR representative, you will need to format a professional, concise, and pleasing resume. There are points to include getting your resume in the interview file.

• Use a professional summary. This is a 30-second sales pitch about you. In this summary you will need to demonstrate your ability to communicate your skills in a manner that leaves the interviewer wanting to talk to you. When writing this summary include keywords that will match the job description. For example, if you are applying to be a teacher the interviewer does not need buzz words that are formatted for the construction industry.

• Include professional and technical experience. These are called hard skills and include your abilities and expertise. Keep it simple and short, but direct.

• Personal attributes are soft skills or items about you. Let your resume give a very brief description including your ability to be a team play or give examples of hard work and dedication.

• Include your years of experience in an industry or marketplace. You may want to include a statement similar to “my 35 years as a carpenter make me very valuable to any construction company.”

• As you write your summary include advanced degrees. A high percentage of applicants can claim a high school degree and today’s marketplace stresses that you have reached higher skills. A college degree is not always necessary, but you need to emphasize what skills and education you have beyond the requisite high school diploma. Check out a similar sample resume to yours online to get ideas on how to write this if you are lost.

• As you write your professional summary, take time to reflect on what you have done in the past, what you want to gain, and how you plan on achieving your goals. Describe you goals and dreams briefly but succinctly.

• Solicit feedback from co-workers, family members and friends regarding how your qualities are positive for the job you are seeking. Find all the encouraging feedback you can. Self-reflect on what affirmative qualities you feel you hold. Rediscover the awards you have received in the past and weave these accomplishments into your professional summary. Think about how you have handled emergencies, taught something, or contributed to a work environment. Include these in our professional summary.

• Words to avoid in your professional summary include “great” or “excellent.” State your qualities factually. The interviewer can determine your attributes from the examples you write.

• Always paint yourself in a positive light. Give the interviewer a sense that you are willing to turn your experiences and skills helping your new potential company grow and advance.

A potential interviewer will only dedicate 10-15 seconds to reading a resume. Time is of the essence. Sell yourself in the professional summary, be positive, willing to answer tough questions, and give feedback to the interviewer.