How do I build an attractive resume?

[bdm860]

My view on résumés (and cover letters) is you're just trying to get your foot in the door for an interview.  So think about who will be looking at your résumé.  Chris as a hiring manager or HR person might look at a résumé and not like it, but IndeedProceed or Mastreo might look at the same résumé and love it.

Put yourself on the other side. You have a hundred résumés and cover letters in front of you, and have time for 20 interviews, what do you think will make yours stand out to get called for the interview?  Personally if it's too long or bulky or clunky I'm likely to skip over it, especially if I have a pile of a hundred in front of me, I don't want to spend 20 minutes just reading one to find out if I want to call you for an interview or not.

[acieEarl]

put a big picture of Eva Mendes in it.

[blake]

I'm applying for a position in the criminal justice field (Management security, Homeland defense, MBTA officer ect.)

I'm in the hiring process right now, and I can tell you that what I'm looking for in a resume.  The resumes that are getting a call back are those that have 2 things:

 relevant work history, and an explanation of what they did.  I don't need the work history to be exactly the same as the position I'm hiring for, but looking for something similar and something that might bring an added value to the position.  Also, I like to see explanations of what they did and I need to see how those explanations would overlap into this position.  I'm not suggesting putting, "My experience with "job A" will help in the position you are hiring for", but rather "Interacted with clients on the phone and worked with Siebel based platforms for client management".  Let the employer draw the conclusion to the relevancy.

Also, if you have bounced from job to job alot you don't want to put them all on there.  Only put the 3 or 4 most relevant jobs on there.

My format would go:

name
contact info
relevant work history
education
philanthropic/personal info

Good luck.

[Neurotic Guy]

It really depends on the position you are applying for.  I know I look for very different things than other managers might on a resume. 

What type of experience do you have?  Is it mostly entry level stuff/summer jobs, or do you have much professional experience?

I can tell you one of the things that scares employers more than anything else is a resume that looks like someone has jumped from job to job.

I also would say that as important as a resume is, a good, concise cover letter, written specifically for that one position is much more powerful.

Chris is spot on.  It really does matter what type position you are going for -- and to some extent it matters what the 'pet peeves' are of the first reader -- but here's what I like to see/not see:
1) NO spelling or grammar errors in the cover letter or resume.  I can't tell you how much of a turn off it is to read poorly constructed sentences or misspelled words or run-on sentences.  Get help from your best editors before sending the resume out.

2) Self-congratulations is a turn off to me -- even though I expect cover letters and resumes to embellish strengths -- there is a fine line between speaking of your value/strengths and sounding arrogant or too self-assured.  

3) Not too self-assured is good, but also important not to be self-depricating.  I like to hear about values in a cover letter, so I am drawn to letters that speak values I admire:  dedication, hard work/strong work ethic, professionalism, collaboration.  

4) I am not a fan of folksy or casual language in a cover letter or resume.  It is important to sound serious and professional.  If you have a sense of humor, I would recommend saying it (my interpersonal strengths, including a sense of humor, help me to be an effective collaborator/team player), rather than trying to show it (i.e., don't try to be funny).

5) Try not to use the same words multiple times.  Use a thesarus.

6) Write a concise cover letter and make it well written (balance is key; not too much, but definitely not just a casual 'here's my resume for your perusal') -- a couple of well-constructed paragraphs can get you past square one.  Write seriously with a sense of optimism (the big outcome is that reader will think you have been thoughtful in the writing, that you are serious in your interest, that you would bring something of value to the organization).  

Remember, the one SKILL that will be evident in your cover letter and resume is your ability to communicate effectively through written language.  These days, when there are SO many qualified candidates apllying for jobs, it is critical not to get thrown on the discard pile for a few writing mistakes.  

[cdif911]

I spent a few days doing mine last year and it's very, very sweet.

I'd say exaggerate everything you did in previous jobs, talk yourself up but not too much and keep it short and sweet preferably one side of A4.

I'm going to agree with keep it short and sweet, I'm going to disagree with the exaggerate, especially in your previous job.  They will contact your former employers for references and if you exaggerate (or make up as many people do) things, it could become apparant, especially if things didn't end well.  I think the key is the cover letter - make it as personalized as possible, show why you want this job, etc. But keep that to a page as well - resumes that are too long end up in the recycling bin

[Chris]

1) NO spelling or grammar errors in the cover letter or resume.  I can't tell you how much of a turn off it is to read poorly constructed sentences or misspelled words or run-on sentences.  Get help from your best editors before sending the resume out.

Great point.  The vast majority of Resumes end up looking incredibly similar after a while, and the people looking at them will use anything they can to throw a portion of them in the garbage.  Do not make this so easy on them.

2) Self-congratulations is a turn off to me -- even though I expect cover letters and resumes to embellish strengths -- there is a fine line between speaking of your value/strengths and sounding arrogant or too self-assured. 

I completely agree.  It is very easy to come across either as arrogant, or as a liar.  This is about your qualifications as an employee, not how awesome you are.

3) Not too self-assured is good, but also important not to be self-depricating.  I like to hear about values in a cover letter, so I am drawn to letters that speak values I admire:  dedication, hard work/strong work ethic, professionalism, collaboration.

 

Again, great point.  Keep it simple, and don't try to joke around.  It ussually does not translate well.

4) I am not a fan of folksy or casual language in a cover letter or resume.  It is important to sound serious and professional.  If you have a sense of humor, I would recommend saying it (my interpersonal strengths, including a sense of humor, help me to be an effective collaborator/team player), rather than trying to show it (i.e., don't try to be funny).

As a manager, someone who makes jokes in their cover letter is someone who does not have a good grasp of appropriateness in general.

5) Try not to use the same words multiple times.  Use a thesarus.

Yes, but do not go overboard.  It is incredibly easy to spot someone who is trying to impress with big words, over someone who simply has a good vocabulary. 

6) Write a concise cover letter and make it well written (balance is key; not too much, but definitely not just a casual 'here's my resume for your perusal') -- a couple of well-constructed paragraphs can get you past square one.  Write seriously with a sense of optimism (the big outcome is that reader will think you have been thoughtful in the writing, that you are serious in your interest, that you would bring something of value to the organization). 

Remember, the one SKILL that will be evident in your cover letter and resume is your ability to communicate effectively through written language.  These days, when there are SO many qualified candidates apllying for jobs, it is critical not to get thrown on the discard pile for a few writing mistakes.   

Again, well said.  And let me just reiterate that the less generic you are in your cover letter, the better.  The cover letter is an opportunity to show that you really want the job, and are not just sending out a form letter to everyone who is looking to hire.  And you need to be able to do this within a maximum of two paragraphs (one page, including a header, and signature).

And I also want to add that exaggeration is BAD.  Not only can it bite you when they check references, but it also can be pretty obvious to someone who looks at resumes all day.  And PLEASE do not try to make yourself sound better by renaming your position.  A mailroom clerk is not a "Communcations Associate".  You can't count on the person hiring you to be an idiot.

Oh yeah, and the most important thing of all is...if you can find a way to get the resume and cover letter directly to the hiring manager, it is much better than going through some website or HR system, where if they see it, it will be in a pile of 50.  Go out of your way, try to find their email address, and send it to them. 

[Neurotic Guy]

Oh, one other thing that may have been mentioned by others.  I like receiving recently written letters of reference with a resume (even though I am always sure to thoroughly contact references).  While this is not required for some organizations, when it is requested or recommended, the quality of these can be influential in getting you an interview. 

While professional ethics would preclude me from recommending that you write your own letter of reference and ask someone to sign it, there is no harm in asking a former or present boss if they would emphasize a particular trait or 2 (as long as you are asking them for something they believe is true).  A good reader of reference letters can immediately spot the difference between a mediocre reference and an enthusiastic reference.  If you are gathering references and sending them in the same envelope as your resume, I would rather NOT receive a reference at all than receive a mediocre reference.  No one who agrees to write a reference for you is likely to say bad things, but the words they use are often telling to the reader. I want to read things that convey "your gain is our loss"; "outstanding/ unparalleled performance"; "among the hardest, most dedicated workers I have had" -- statements that convey unequivocal respect for your work ethic, professionalism, knowledge, skills, team work,....   If your reference sounds like you are just another guy, don't send it as your goal is to get that interview.

And be sure to let anyone who you list as a phone reference know that you are listing them and who may be contacting them.  If I am providing a phone reference for someone, I want to be prepared. 

[bdm860]

2) Self-congratulations is a turn off to me -- even though I expect cover letters and resumes to embellish strengths -- there is a fine line between speaking of your value/strengths and sounding arrogant or too self-assured. 

I completely agree.  It is very easy to come across either as arrogant, or as a liar.  This is about your qualifications as an employee, not how awesome you are.

Hey Chris, Neurotic Guy, would either of you be able to provide an example of something you see like this.  I would like your opinions on what  you think is good example of emphasizing your values/strengths vs. sounding arrogant/cocky?


Also is it appropriate to use Edgar as a reference  ?

[youcanthandlethetruth113]

It really depends on the position you are applying for.  I know I look for very different things than other managers might on a resume. 

What type of experience do you have?  Is it mostly entry level stuff/summer jobs, or do you have much professional experience?

I can tell you one of the things that scares employers more than anything else is a resume that looks like someone has jumped from job to job.

I also would say that as important as a resume is, a good, concise cover letter, written specifically for that one position is much more powerful.

Well said Chris.

I'm a recruiter and it all depends on the job you're applying for. Cover letters are more geared for managers looking for the right person as opposed to the person with the right skill-set.

Jumping from job to job is certainly a "red flag" for somebody hiring, but if the skill-set is right, the person hiring is always willing to listen to the story as to why the person jumped from job to job.

[Edgar]

Resume is resume

It only have to contain the resume itself.
Everyother info has to be asked for

dont ever go with a long (more than 2 pages resume)

u can do your resume
  1) by position
  2) by responsabilities

I usually go with the second one.



some info on this in english

Resume Format

Your Contact Information
First Last Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone (Cell/Home)
Email Address


Objective (optional)
What do you want to do? If you include this section it should be a sentence or two about your employment goals. A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition.   ( I PERSONALLY DONT LIKE THIS)


Career Highlights / Qualifications (optional)
A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements, skills, traits, and experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes. It highlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job.

Experience
This section of your resume includes your work history. List the companies you worked for, dates of employment, the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and achievements.

Company #1
City, State
Dates Worked


Job Title
Responsibilities / Achievements
Responsibilities / Achievements


Company #2
City, State
Dates Worked

Job Title
Responsibilities / Achievements
Responsibilities / Achievements

Education
In the education section of your resume, list the colleges you attended, the degrees you attained, and any special awards and honors you earned.

College, Degree
Awards, Honors

Skills
Include skills related to the position / career field that you are applying for i.e. computer skills, language skills.

References available upon request
There is no need to include references on your resume. Rather, have a separate list of references to give to employers upon request.


And thats it.
at least for me it had always worked pretty well

2) Self-congratulations is a turn off to me -- even though I expect cover letters and resumes to embellish strengths -- there is a fine line between speaking of your value/strengths and sounding arrogant or too self-assured. 

I completely agree.  It is very easy to come across either as arrogant, or as a liar.  This is about your qualifications as an employee, not how awesome you are.

Hey Chris, Neurotic Guy, would either of you be able to provide an example of something you see like this.  I would like your opinions on what  you think is good example of emphasizing your values/strengths vs. sounding arrogant/cocky?


Also is it appropriate to use Edgar as a reference  ?

Youre hired.

[Edgar]

In all cases, be sure to customize your resume, so, it reflects your skills and abilities and connects them with the jobs you are applying for.

[davemonsterband]

Just look at online examples and plug in your personal info, there are plenty of them out there. Good luck you team player you.

[Bowden75]

An attractive resume is something that is comprehensive and updated. We all know that most of the employees still prefer traditional way of writing resume. From the wordings, contents, format and the paper to be used, employers tend to critic your personality and knowledge based on it.

[Bahku]

Biggest key: Brief and concise ... don't try to dazzle with too much (un-needed) information/fluff. Keep it clean, easy-to-assess, and only pertinent details.