Published by Kim Thompson on June 8, 2022
About this time of year, people are psyched up for a new beginning, and changing jobs ranks high on their list. Before you set out to start a job search here are the top three questions that candidates have concerning their resumes.
Should my resume be one page or two pages?
It depends, both are appropriate. There is no such thing as a “one size” fits all resume. You may need different resumes for different opportunities, in some cases a three-page resume works.
I have been reviewing all of my old resumes and noticed I used an objective statement. I have stayed in the same field however my objectives have changed. Is it necessary to use an objective statement? The first part of your resume is the most expensive real estate and can either generate interest or deflect it. You might want to reconsider using an objective statement for a variety of reasons.
If you have just graduated with minimal experience the use of an objective statement might be appropriate however if you have work experience an objective statement does not tell much except what you are seeking from an employer.
A typical statement might read, “Seeking a growing position in the Software Development Field” or “Electronic Engineer seeking a management role in a growing company”. Both examples lack attention and miss-selling your value to the prospective employer.
In today’s job market, you want your resume to quickly interest the reader in what you can do for them instead of vice versa. A career summary is a more effective way of describing your profile rather than using a one-sentence objective statement. A summary replaces the objective statement and consists of a small paragraph describing your unique set of skills, credentials, or expertise that you offer.
Consider dropping the objective statement and using a summary instead to generate attention.
How do I know if my resume needs a makeover?
A good indication is the type of results your resume is generating. Hiring professionals will agree that most resumes give too much information and lose the reader with too many details.
Keep in mind what a resume is for. It’s not designed to take the place of an interview; rather, it should showcase your skills as they relate to the position you are pursuing. Here is a checklist of suggestions to help you determine if your resume needs a makeover.
• Present a clear picture of your background and experience as it relates to the position you are applying for.
• Never misrepresent your background, it will only circle back to cause a credibility issue.
• Make sure you use keywords throughout your resume.
• Be concise with your experience yet do not make the mistake of keeping your information so brief that you end up minimizing your value.
• Avoid limiting your resume to one page unless there is a strategy to do so, a two-page resume will often give the reader a chance to review your career history without taking away your credibility.
• Use results-oriented accomplishment statements that help the reader visualize your contributions.
• Take out the statement such as “references available upon request”. The hiring decision-maker will ask you when they need your references.
• Your resume is a marketing sheet – it is designed to sell your experience, qualifications, and value to the potential employer. It is not a biography of your life with every role and responsibility spelled out in detail.
• Be careful not to date yourself by going back 25 years + at the beginning of your resume. Senior job candidates have no reason to hide their experience however you need to consider starting out your resume with such information.
Resumes do not have to be complicated. They should be written in a clear concise way that sells your value to the reader. Also, keep in mind that your resume will change as your needs change, most professionals have two or more versions of their resumes.
While resumes will not land a job for you, they will generate attention and it’s always a good idea to address concerns before they turn into stumbling blocks.
What concerns you most about your resume?