MBA Resume Fashion Makeovers!

• Wonder if your current resume is any good?
• Is it worth the paper it's written on?
• Want some detailed tips - to get noticed?

Let me share some of my best resume tips! As someone who works with up to 1,000 business professionals and students a semester - I have reviewed my share of resumes. I note styles, formats and content that get's noticed and what is discarded!

Sharon's Resume Tips - your personal "Career Manager!"

Heading:

-18-20 font on name

-Use student email address for contact information

-Phone numbers should be spaced like: 555.444.444

-Attach LinkedIn hyperlink next to contact information

 

 

 

 

Summary/Positions sought:

-One/two lines, tightly written, highlight experience in the field that you worked in.

And/or

-Three positions sought, "Title-Title-Title"   i.e: Human Resources Manager-Project Management-Professional Recruiter

 

 

Experience: Make the resume reviewer happy. If you worked for an obscure company, they will have to copy, cut and paste the company name in a browser to find out about you.

-Instead, create a Hyperlink for companies which you worked for (the name to the official website)

-Summary per job position. Don't add old jobs, over 10 years old. Use quantitative data which explains your results and projects in which you made an impact.

-Summary of each position should highlight areas that are central to desired next position. Don't just do a laundry list of responsibilities and duties.

-Make sure a key word search is completed of positions that may be sought (to help your resume to be found in online searches, by applicant tracking software).

 

 

 

Languages &/or International Experience:

Detailed: Fluent or conversational. State if you are bilingual or biliterate. Be factual.

 

 

 

Software skills:

Detailed: Type of programs used and skill level:  intermediate, proficient or advanced  (i.e. list: Advanced in MS Office, Project)  Listing MS Office if you have a graduate degree, is just plain silly. This is assumed. If you are a techie, break this down into hardware, software, OS and platforms. Don't just lump together a list.

Do not list "References Available" as companies will request that information if needed. Also, if you are a professional, it is assumed that you have references. Create a separate reference page. Ask references if you can still use them, send them your latest resume and a Thank you card.

 

 

 

Paper:

Thick, with watermark if possible. Yes, recruiters and resume screeners  still print resumes. We often do the touch test. If it feels like cheap photocopy paper - what does this tell us about the applicant? Will they also have low standards with our clients?

If you want even more personalized help, contact me for resume review and resume writing services. (sharonbcohen@bellsouth.net)

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© 2012 All Rights Reserved. Blog post by Sharon B. Cohen Global Career Consultant