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HR and hiring managers like a chronological resume that is easy to read, accomplished focused with measurable results. I am seeing more HR and hiring managers lean more towards resume that have a target and/or is written to obtain a specific position.

Which is the best way to submitt a resume to HR or a hiring manager?

Hiring managers will state in the job description how they want you to submit your resume. Some will request a fax or submitting an online application. There are also some who will let you email them with an attached resume. There are three kinds of documents that job seekers need to know to ensure their resume is submitted to return the best results.

Three Resume Documents

1. Word doc
2. ASCII
3. PDF

Each document has their unique purpose.

Word doc can be changed. This version is gives you the ability to update or change anything on your resume.

ASCII is left-justified, plain text. ASCII files adopt the users default settings for typestyle and margins, and are void of formatting enhancements such as bold, italics, indents, or tabs.

ASCII resumes are unattractive to the human eye, but they offer the benefit of universal compatibility: They can be read by any word processor, e-mail program, or operating system (PC or Macintosh).

This format can be used anytime a text resume is required, but should always be used when the resume is being cut and pasted into an e-form, or when creating an HTML (Web) resume.

PDF document cannot be changed. It is best to use the PDF when sending your resume as an attachment, or when printing hard copies.

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

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I came across an article written by Liz Ryan, 10 Boilerplate Phrases That Kill Resumes.

This is Liz’s list of 10 phrases that kill resumes

* Results-oriented professional
* Cross-functional teams
* More than [x] years of progressively responsible experience
* Superior (or excellent) communication skills
* Strong work ethic
* Met or exceeded expectations
* Proven track record of success
* Works well with all levels of staff
* Team player
* Bottom-line orientation

When I first read Liz’s article a few days ago, I was very surprised. As a resume writer I am guilty of using some of the ten deadly phrases. When I have used them, I make sure my client can back it up.

If you are a result-oriented professional, then it would be important to show the reader how you produced results. Telling does not make the cut; you have to “show and tell”.

It is always better to be creative when writing a resume, especially in today’s competitive job market. Having a resume that sounds like everyone else will not put you above your competitors. It would not hurt to avoid as many commonly used resume phrases. Purchase a Thesaurus; this is a good tool when expanding your vocabulary.

What do you think? Do you believe these 10 phrases will kill the resume?

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

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SORRY to hear about your job search. The market is very tough and difficult. Ten months is a pretty long time and I know it can be frustrating. This compels me to ask what your job search methods are. How are you seeking your new position? I know there are some creative ways to job search.

Social Networking
Online Networking
Job Banks
Recruiters
View Resume
Online Resume

I know you have excellent career achievements and credentials, so it makes me wonder how they showcase on your resume. Employers have cut cost and time when selecting potential candidates by building a keyword list. These keywords are designed to capture candidate’s resumes. The keywords are uploaded to a special search engine, i.e. Resumix . When a resume is submitted online it has to speak the same language as the employers preselected keywords. The more keywords you have better your chance of your resume making it to a human.

If you have been sending out the same document for 10 months, it is best to rewrite your resume. Sending the same material month after month will get boring and cause more frustration. This lets you know that something is missing. Rewrite your resume to target specific company’s desires.

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

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As a professional resume writer I have seen resumes that are poorly written. What I notice what was missing are complete sentences. A resume needs to showcase what you did to achieve those accomplishments. Every word counts on a resume and they must be used wisely. Also in today’s competitive job market you want to be sure your resume has an attractive visual appeal. This will help your resume stand out from others.

Networking is good when you are looking for a job. Attend networking event or networking internet sites. You never know what someone else knows.

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

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Jobless is worse…

Hiring managers like to see their candidates working rather than unemployed. Also, when updating your resume you will not have a gap in your employment history.

You can also use your “dead-end job” to gain new accomplishments and skills that can be added to your resume.

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

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Hello, I run a resume writing company from my home. I really like your question. Being that I am a smaller company I felt I needed to share my view. What I like best about my services is I really take the time to get to know my clients as well as their desired position. I subcontracted for a bigger company before, and I was given a project with very little information about the client and the client’s objective. I was also told not to contact the client. I felt as if my hands were tied behind my back. I like to contact each of my clients. I take the time to hear their voice and really get to who they are. I may not be able to handle as many projects as most big resume companies, but I can say that each project I do is customized to around you and your objective.

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

Create your online career profile – Free

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College students/grads with little or no work experience would benefit from a functional style resume.

The benefits of a functional format:

Camouflages unstable history.
Helpful for recent grads with limited experience.
Reentering the workforce (different career)
Changing careers
Lots of volunteer experience - related to chosen position
Overqualified and looking for less responsibility

Elements of a student/recent grad resume:

1. Heading (contact information)

What to include for your contact information.

Name (first name, middle initial, last name) NO NICKNAMES
Street Address ( 234 Hallgate Ave)
City, State, Zip Code ( St. Louis, MO 63123)
Residence Telephone Number ( 314-345-6789)
Cellular Telephone Number ( 314-776-2345)
E-Mail Address (use appropriate e-mail address, acceptable format for e-mail address lastname.firstname@…)

2. Your Job Objective or Title Statement

Objective Statement
Your job objective is a brief statement that describes the kind of job you want. Many resume writers are against the use of an objective statement. Why, it is now seen by hiring managers as generic and self-focused.

Example:

Objective: To obtain a challenging position where I can utilize my skills and experience in the field of finance.

Objective: To obtain a position in which I could apply my variety of Financial, Customer Service and Sales skills.

The two examples above are telling the hiring manager what you want instead of what you can offer company.

Good Example:

Sales Representative to grow your customer base through telemarketing and networking.

Shipping Manager to support program development, team leadership and customer care.

Title Statement

Or you can use a Title Statement. Best to use if you know the needs of the company matches your experience. The title statement is clean, focused and can save space. This technique eliminates the use of an objective statement.

Ex: Networking Recruiter
Program Coordinator

3. Education / Academics

For recent graduates it is best to list education closer to the top to of resume. Why, your work experience will be minimal. You want to highlight your accomplishments in school as much as you would do for accomplishments at work.

You can include

Schools you have attended (include GPA if is 3.0 or higher)
Academic honors
Awards
Recognitions
Honor Roll
Essay writing awards
Science competitions

4. Work History

The work history section of your resume can also be title as:

Career Experience
Professional Experience
Professional Background
Experience
Career Highlights
Relevant Experience

What to include:

Title of position
Name of organization
Location of work (town and state)
Dates of employment

To highlight your accomplishments, it is much easier to think of any challenges your experienced during your first 30/60/90 days of employment. Ask yourself how you reacted to those challenges and what were the results of your actions. This will give you a good list of accomplishments, instead of a list to duties and tasks.

5. Additional Information / Extracurricular Activities (Demonstrate your uniqueness)

Key elements of your background that don’t fit in any other section such as:

Special skills
Leadership skills
Leadership roles
Volunteer experiences
Sports
Band
Yearbook
Clubs you belong to
Volunteer
Special interest

6. References

Be sure to ask people if they would serve as your reference before you give their names out.
Don’t include your references with your resume

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

Create your online career profile – Free

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A cover letter should serve two purposes…
1. A soft introduction of you
2. To get employers to read your resume

It should demonstrate that you meet and exceeded the job requirements and it should demonstrate that you are interested in the position.

The three elements a cover letter should have…
1. Why you want to work for that specific company
2. Why are you fit for the company.
3. It should communicate your interest in scheduling a one-on-one meeting.

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

Create your online career profile – Free

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Invest into Your Future

A professionally prepared resume is an investment in your future earning power and career happiness. A Customized Resume has the experience and skills necessary to present applicants from diverse industries, career fields, and experience levels at their very best. We know how to set you apart from the competition, ensure that your resume gets read, and prompt the reader to take action by calling you for an interview.

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

Create your online career profile – Free

Suscribe to A Customized Resume Newsletter

Common Resume Pitfalls

Most people who write their own resumes are unsure of how to best present their strengths, downplay their weaknesses, and appeal to employer needs. Common mistakes include the omission of important information and/or strategic sections, the inclusion of irrelevant (and/or ill-advised) details, a shortage of keywords, a failure to emphasize transferable skills, a lack of a specific career focus, and an uninviting page design. And, perhaps most critically, the majority of applicants write “task-oriented” resumes vs. “achievement-based” resumes.

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

Create your online career profile – Free

Suscribe to A Customized Resume Newsletter