Getting Started on Your Resume

Getting Started on Your Resume
It’s not always possible to get it onto two pages but it really is worth the effort to do so. Be ruthless with your editing - you’re not trying to include everything you’ve ever done; in fact if you do then you’ll probably end up disguising the very things they need to see. So keep it to as few words as possible.
What you see in the Resume detail on this page is a very clear two-page layout; there’s plenty of detail but it is not packed so tight that it becomes an effort to read.
What you are also seeing is a real CV which I produced for a client in January. Only the name has been changed to protect the innocent!
He admitted to being sceptical about the value of having his Resume professionally prepared but wanted to 'give it a go' because his own Resume was getting him nowhere.
Within two days this new professionally prepared Resume produced a stream of interviews and he is now considering offers.
Let’s Get Started

The Resume starts with your name written very clearly and prominently at the top of the page using Arial and 16 to 20 point font size. Follow this with ALL of your contact details so they don't have to search for them, if they can’t see how to reach you right away they might not bother. Include all your phone numbers; any email addresses where you can be reached and your street address. A quick call or email may be needed to clarify a point and could influence whether they want to see you. I suggest you use Arial size 10 or 11 point font. Never go smaller than 10 as it gets too hard for some people to read.
Make sure there is plenty of white space on the page. Then insert a three to four line summary statement about your level of work, sectors and key skills.

As an example a Project Supply Manager's statement could read:
“Qualified Project Management Professional (PMP) highly experienced in managing people, the associated professional services, suppliers and technology for multiple national and international large-scale projects in the telecoms, engineering and public sectors. Excellent financial budgeting analysis and management; business case and business plan development.”

An Engineer might write:
"Chartered Professional Engineer, with strategic and operational achievement in Engineering, Production and Quality management roles; Excellent track record in blue chip international organization and in FMCG, Food and Manufacturing environments."
More examples follow:

An Accounts Assistant could say:
"Experienced accounts assistant capable of handling both the Purchase ledger and the Sales ledger duties in an international trading company. Regular liaison with customers and suppliers; always hard working, adaptable and enjoys a challenge."

An IT Manager:
"Senior IT Manager experienced in formulating and negotiating commercially sound solutions for a large number and range of projects, services and technologies; well developed inter-personal skills, motivation and team building, with an analytical and investigative approach to work."
A Commercial Manager could write:
"An experienced commercial manager with a broad European business background; skilled in development areas such as new start-ups and joint ventures. Fully accountable and responsible to Board for both regulated and non-regulated businesses where risk management and cost control are critical."
Identify your (most recent or current) employer with dates. Don’t bother about the months unless it’s just a short period. Use the same font and point size as above but make it bold. Employers check dates so make sure they add up.

Job TitleShow your job title on a separate line and make that bold as well.
Side Note If your actual job title is one of those wonderful but meaningless titles, change it to something that everyone will understand for the CV. You can explain at interview "my real job title was..."

See u on top reall soon!