The most important objective of a resume is to get you an interview. With that in mind, you should never create a resume from your own perspective. It should always be from the perspective of the decision maker that will be reading it. Put yourself in their shoes as you proof-read the resume. Crafting a resume that makes you feel warm and fuzzy, showcases your personal interests, sense of humor and incorporates wonderful memories of events in your life is of little use if it ends up in the circular file.
Some Items Don’t Belong in a Resume
Salary.com once published an article listing ten things that you should never put on your resume. Although some of the items on their list were so obvious they were almost laughable, some items might just make you blush and caused you to make a few changes to your resume. On the other hand, there are sometimes things we don’t even consider including that might just make the difference in getting the interview. Some of them should be obvious yet many people neglect to include them.
Potential Things to Include
Keep in mind that virtually everything you include in a resume besides the obvious personal contact information and previous employment history should be relevant to why you would be well qualified for the job you are seeking. As you prepare your resume, be sure to get check out resume examples online for ideas and get feedback from friends and associates. Listed below are five things that might be appropriate depending on relevancy, the type of job and the corporate culture of the company you are interested it.
1. Competitive Advantage Statement
Many resumes have a profile area that summarizes the candidate’s personality and experience. In many ways this is the most powerful part of the resume because if the reviewer is not impressed with this part they may not spend much time reading the rest of the resume. Don’t forget to include a competitive advantage statement that shows why you are better qualified for the job than those competing with you.
2. School Projects
In most cases, school projects should not be included in a resume unless they relate specifically to the job that you are interested in. When a school project does relate to the job, it can be a powerful way to differentiate yourself from candidates with similar educational and work experience. Be sure to evaluate if you have been involved in school projects that have specific, direct significance to the job you are applying for.
3. Extra Curricular Activities
These types of activities are also usually not appropriate unless they relate, in a positive way, to the job you are applying for. When they do specifically relate they can also be a differentiating item that can make you stand out and get your resume in the interview pile. Review your past very carefully to see if providence has provided you with a previous life experience or activity that has prepared you for the current opportunity.
4. Accomplishment Statements
Many applicants simply list each of their previous employment opportunities and positions without emphasizing any specific accomplishments. If you do this you are missing an incredible opportunity to market yourself and make yourself stand out. Focus on the various skills you used and the successful outcomes you achieved. You should list quantitative results whenever possible.
5. Professional Associations and Activities
Just like many of the other items mentioned, context and relevancy is critical. Don’t list associations, activities and volunteer work that are not specifically pertinent to the job you are applying for. Zero in on anything that is going to position you better as a candidate for the job!
By giving these five things a little consideration, you may find a way to increase the effectiveness of your resume and in obtaining an interview.
Linda Hildebrant
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- 5 Things to Consider Adding to Your MBA Resume - August 13, 2012
