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You've highlighted your skills and formatted your resume for email. But before you hit Send or pop it into the mail, give it one last once-over with this six-step checklist to make sure your resume is top-notch.
Have you kept it short?
Human resources personnel initially spend 10 to 20 seconds with a resume. The shorter and more concise your resume, the better. Unless you're a Nobel Prize winner, don't go over one page. Make sure the most relevant information is within the upper half of the first page and will catch a reader's eye immediately.
Spelling, spelling, spelling?
It's not good enough to run the word processor's spell checker. Proofread your resume at least three times, once backward. Remember, sloppy presentation or a typo practically guarantees it will end up in the circular file even if you have all the qualifications in the world.
Is your objective a power statement?
Many resume writers suggest an objective. I suggest you start with a power statement such as: "Award-winning, highly accomplished operations manager with successful track records of consistently increasing revenue and slashing operating costs."
Verbs aren't necessarily an integral part of power statements. Instead, the statement focuses on telling the employer in quick, dynamic way, (1) what job you are looking for, (2) what kind of track record you have and (3) what you can do for the company.
Whereas the objective tells the employer only what you want to do, the power statement showcases what you can do for the company.
Do you begin your sentences with action verbs for added punch and to express a sense of accomplishment?
Do you use specifics such as numbers, percentages, figures and facts?
For example: "Exceeded sales quotas by 25 percent within one year." Numbers stand out and communicate clearly and openly the results you produced and what you bring to the company. (Ultimately -- I can't repeat this enough - this is what you're selling.)
Do you answer the "What's in it for me?" question every employer is asking while reading your resume?
Employers are looking for people who will solve their problems. You have to present your case accordingly. How? By answering these questions:
What kind of problems did you solve on the job?
How did the company benefit from your performance?
How did you do the job differently and better than the person before you did?
Did you introduce a new program or system? If yes, what were the results? Did you save or earn money for the company?
What were you most proud of in your job?
What would your supervisors and coworkers say they will miss most about you when you leave?
How did you make a difference in your job? How did you affect the company's bottom line?
Have you kept it short?
Human resources personnel initially spend 10 to 20 seconds with a resume. The shorter and more concise your resume, the better. Unless you're a Nobel Prize winner, don't go over one page. Make sure the most relevant information is within the upper half of the first page and will catch a reader's eye immediately.
Spelling, spelling, spelling?
It's not good enough to run the word processor's spell checker. Proofread your resume at least three times, once backward. Remember, sloppy presentation or a typo practically guarantees it will end up in the circular file even if you have all the qualifications in the world.
Is your objective a power statement?
Many resume writers suggest an objective. I suggest you start with a power statement such as: "Award-winning, highly accomplished operations manager with successful track records of consistently increasing revenue and slashing operating costs."
Verbs aren't necessarily an integral part of power statements. Instead, the statement focuses on telling the employer in quick, dynamic way, (1) what job you are looking for, (2) what kind of track record you have and (3) what you can do for the company.
Whereas the objective tells the employer only what you want to do, the power statement showcases what you can do for the company.
Do you begin your sentences with action verbs for added punch and to express a sense of accomplishment?
Do you use specifics such as numbers, percentages, figures and facts?
For example: "Exceeded sales quotas by 25 percent within one year." Numbers stand out and communicate clearly and openly the results you produced and what you bring to the company. (Ultimately -- I can't repeat this enough - this is what you're selling.)
Do you answer the "What's in it for me?" question every employer is asking while reading your resume?
Employers are looking for people who will solve their problems. You have to present your case accordingly. How? By answering these questions:
What kind of problems did you solve on the job?
How did the company benefit from your performance?
How did you do the job differently and better than the person before you did?
Did you introduce a new program or system? If yes, what were the results? Did you save or earn money for the company?
What were you most proud of in your job?
What would your supervisors and coworkers say they will miss most about you when you leave?
How did you make a difference in your job? How did you affect the company's bottom line?