Will Your Resume Pass the 10 Second Test?

Will your resume pass the 10-second test? Follow these 6 vital tips. 1. Keep it short! Initially, Human Resources personnel spend approximately 10 to 20 seconds on a resume, so the shorter your resume, the more desirable it is. Aim for one page. Of course, it is not always possible to create a short resume, especially if you have a great deal of relevant information about your work experience or accomplishments. If that is the case, list the most relevant and important information within the upper half of the first page so that it will be noticed immediately. 2. Spelling, Spelling, Spelling It is not enough to run the word processor's spell checker on your document. Proofread your resume at least 3 times, once backward (sometimes that is how you notice mistakes). 3. Power Statement/Summary Start your resume with a Power Statement. Many resume writers suggest an objective. My suggestion is that you start your resume with a power statement such as: "Award-winning, highly accomplished Operations Manager with successful track record of consistently increasing revenue and slashing operating costs." An objective tells the employer only what you want to do, the power statement goes further. The Power Statement highlights the job you are seeking, your major achievements AND most importantly, what you can do for their company. 4. Begin your sentences with action verbs for added punch and to express a sense of accomplishment. Use words such as: accelerated, accomplished, achieved, bought, briefed, broadened, cataloged, caused, changed, chaired, delegated, delivered, demonstrated, identified, implemented, improved, incorporated, etc. A passive approach is a defeatist approach. Take control! 5. Use numbers, percentages, figures and facts. " Exceeded sales quotas by 25% within 1 year." Numbers stand out and clearly communicate not only the results you produced, but what you achieved for the company. 6. Answer the "what's in it for me" question. Every employer is asking that question 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 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 supervisor and co-workers say they would 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? Bonus Tip Job seekers often make many of the same mistakes on their resumes. The single-most common resume mistake I see is the use of terms, titles and acronyms that are common knowledge within a specific company or industry, but not necessarily to the outside world; which means that these resumes are at serious risk of being passed over for consideration. To improve your odds, show your resume to someone outside of your company and outside of your field. If they can clearly understand what you have written, then there is a good chance that your resume will pass the 5 to 10 second initial screening test. 2009-09-22T21:35:45Z