Back to Basics

You won't get a second chance to make a first impression.
What kind of impression is your resume making?

Fads in resume writing come and go, but keep in mind that people reading resumes generally are reading many, many at any one time. Lists of strengths, lengthy general discussions of background before getting to your actual work history are likely to get your paperwork roundfiled!

Many jobseekers fear that they will not be considered for every position, so they include in their resume anything they have ever done. Outplacement and career advisory firms frequently advise including a long list of skills in hope of the resume being pulled up in a google search. This unfortunately has the effect of making the person appear scattered, with little depth in any one area. It ends up watering down the individual's true strengths.

Make it as easy as possible for your audience! State clearly your employers' products, size and market channels. Don't assume a reader will know what markets you have been working within. Tell them. Distribution channels are often a more important element in a hire than products themselves.

A clear, concise chronological resume stating specific accomplishments is your best representative. The chronology is not just positions held, where and when. Your resume should make it clear why anyone was glad that you were there! Quantify and be as specific as possible. What were things like when you arrived and what are they like now? Did you change or improve things significantly?
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"Accomplishment Summaries" that are general and not related to a specific position can be confusing and may prevent a potential employer from recognizing how your background could be important to their business. You could lose them before they get to the real content. In 30 seconds, a clear picture of your skills and accomplishments should emerge. If it does, you will have plenty to time to elaborate!