Writing an Effective Resume (when you hate writing resumes)

I get so many requests for help on resumes.

As a resume/LinkedIn coach, I have thousands of resumes cross my desk. They all have one thing in common: I don't want to read them.

And guess what? Neither do recruiters.

So how can you make people like me want to read a resume?

SIMPLIFY IT.

Try these 4 steps to stand out to a recruiter and make your resume an enjoyable and effective experience rather than a necessary evil:

1) Commit to your personal brand

Are you an innovative leader? Are you a risk-taking perfectionist? Are your decisions rooted in love? Do you excel at having hard conversations with empathy? What are the key words A resume is simply a hard-copy of your personal brand, so this step is CRUCIAL and is the one that most people overlook. This part is introduced in your COVER LETTER and is reaffirmed throughout your resume.

2) Prove it

Now that you know your brand, you need to prove it. So you're a risk-taking perfectionist? Talk about the metrics of your last project that had to change 24 hours before the presentation and won your firm $50,000. You have hard conversations with empathy? Focus on how in your last three positions, you've become known as the "problem solver" with over 15 difficult customer issues (You weren't even in customer service, you were just THAT good.) This part goes in your WORK EXPERIENCE. (bonus: use this section in your LinkedIn)

3) Personalize it

This one everyone knows, but it's a daunting task. Personalizing your entire resume to each job IS daunting. Luckily, you don't have to. When you know your personal brand, it forces you to only go for jobs that will be a good fit. Therefore, your work experiences will be suitable for what all the positions you're applying for. That being said, here's what you should personalize:

• Cover letter: No more than one page. Put two of your personal brand values and an example of your work experience (with metrics, always) that proves you do have those values.
• Highlight section: ditch the "summary" for a more lively, positive word like 'highlights'. This section should be your most relevant to the job description and the most impressive metrics from your resume that show that you're right for this specific job.
• Skills: Particular jobs use algorithms or won't consider you if you don't have certain skills. Make sure that somewhere on your resume (I like the bottom...lists of skills are so boring) is the relevant skills you have, even if it seems obvious. Job description asks for "proficient in Microsoft Word", you bet your ass thats going in your skills section. Same goes for LinkedIn. Again...your skills DO NOT belong in the highlights section of your resume or the summary section of your LinkedIn. Only put the skills that are unique to the job you're looking for. If they don't ask for Microsoft Word, don't put it.

4) Make it readable

Whitespace

Whitespace

Whitespace

NOBODY wants to read a (insert notoriously long book writing author) novel when they're reading your resume. Make it consistent, easy to read and professional.

What this looks like is up to you. Graphic designer? Show it off. Accountant? Stay professional. Be wary of the industry you're applying to as well. Conservative company with a boomer generation hiring manager? Stay classic with black and white and the usual format.

And for the love of God, use point form.

Other things to consider:

• Take out your summary section, it's unnecessary and redundant...you have a summary section on LinkedIn
• Don't list your skills anywhere but under an "additional skills & experiences" section
• Ditch the picture, they're going to look at your LinkedIn anyway
• You don't need to put your address, just your email, phone number, LinkedIn and website (where applicable) is appropriate
• 1-2 pages is fine. Most of the resumes I help create are 2 pages. Why not give yourself the opportunity to use whitespace
• Put your personalized header (name, phone number, email, linkedin) on each page, including your cover letter. Doesn't have to be fancy, but this is where you have an awesome opportunity to show any visual talent you have. Important: If you are applying online or know that the company uses an Applicant Tracking System, put this information in the body of your resume. This is important for the ATS to be able to pick up.
• Some recruiters might want an objective...put this in your cover letter. It's obvious that your objective is to get a job with that company, and your resume should serve as proof that you can do the job and that you're the right fit.

Hope this helps! I'm always here to answer questions about your resume/LinkedIn!

For more about how to find and articulate your personal brand, and for full resume recreation, go to www.mpwrperformance.ca