Don't drop the ball. A client just came in with an old, old question. She was misadvised that she should have a "functional resume." Not wanting her to waste her money when she had already invested in a top-drawer resume from Executive Writing Services, I gave her the following article.

Yes, I talked her out of spending her money with me But that is what I do -- I give people good advice, and I feel good about myself for having done that. She told me that her EWS resume had received rave reviews and had interviewed for better jobs, and, yes, was offered a job.

Please remember your friends at this time of year -- especially those who are graduating or being downsized. Friends don't let friends write their own amateur resumes. Send them to me and to my website. I now have over 27,000 clients worldwide, and am presently writing resumes for some military personnel serving our country on the USS Anzio in the Persian Gulf.

Peace and prosperity!

P. Michæl Young
http://writearesume.biz/
http://www.ews.blogspot.com/
http://writearesume.biz/memoriam.html


Tuesday, May 22, 2007

RESUME MYTHS 101

The “functional résumé” is a favorite fiction of résumé writing books and résumé writers without relevant real world experience. In theory, functional résumés help conceal deficiencies in a candidate's background; in the real world, recruiters, staffing managers and hiring managers view functional résumés with suspicion and disdain. In practice, functional résumés raise a red flag before each employer.

Authors of résumé writing books, and unsophisticated, naïve résumé writers who buy into their hackneyed nostrums, often advocate functional résumés for three reasons: it is a simple solution to a complex problem, the advocates do not know any better -- and they do not have to live with the consequences.

If you assume that most people who make hiring decisions are of above-average intelligence, it stands to reason that they would recognize an overused method of hiding information. Many gatekeepers trash functional résumés as soon as they see them. Employers use chronological employment application forms. Therefore, use a chronological résumé format.

To that you should add a Summary of Qualifications, which pinpoints your “functional” qualities.

The Essential Summary of Qualifications

A Human Resources Manager, working at a Fortune 500 company, asked for my help in writing her resume. She told me: "Thousands of resumes have passed through my hands but when it comes to writing my own I have a difficult time doing it." She isn't alone in her concerns. Most people find resume writing challenging. A resume is nothing more than a slick piece of advertising, but an important piece, especially in today's job market. It can be a gateway to an interview or a barrier, a first and lasting impression or a last impression.

Employers report that most resumes get only a 15-20 second glance. If you don't capture the reviewers' attention and interest quickly they will pass you by and call in someone else for the interview.

There is one effective technique that you can use that dramatically improves your resume. In our national survey of 600 hiring managers, the overwhelming majority said the most important part of your resume is the SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS section. Employers reported that this was one of the very first areas they read and when the summary demonstrates solid ability to perform the job it catches their attention and they slow down and give the applicant more careful consideration.

Hiring managers also reported only about 5% of resumes received contained this key section, and I never write a resume without it. It's just too powerful to leave out. This section usually consists of four to six sentences that present an overview of your experience, accomplishments, talents, work habits, and skills. Think of it as a mini-outline of you; a highly influential summation of the specifics you bring to the job.

Here is a good example from one of the resumes I wrote for a client:

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Proven track record serving as corporate counsel with eight years experience dealing with intellectual property and partnerships in a global environment. Responsible for a broad range of legal matters including: copyright and trademark protection, contract negotiations, compliance, and litigation. Led legal team in completing sophisticated joint venture negotiations that delivered millions to the company's bottom line. Recognized for superior problem solving, project management, relationship building, and strategic planning skills.

It's easy to see by reading this brief summary how this candidate is qualified to perform as a corporate attorney. Indeed, she got several interviews and accepted a Fortune 100 company's offer, which included a very significant salary raise and signing bonus.

The SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS, which speaks volumes by consolidating the best you have to bring to the job, really makes you stand out and pulls the employer in for a closer look. Be sure that your resume has this essential section. It comes right after your name, address and career objective. One caution -- employers complain that many people lie on their resume. Exaggeration! Misrepresentation! LYING is a deadly error. Don't do it! Employers do more background checks now than ever before so when you get caught, and sooner or later you will get exposed, you'll likely be fired and/or sued. Only solid facts and verifiable experience should highlight your experience and accomplishments.