Hiring managers and recruiters are receiving more resumes than ever before. The average recruiter spends about 30 seconds reviewing a resume. That sounds shocking, I know. You spend so much time preparing a resume, and it gets a thumbs up or down in just a few seconds? That’s why it is so important to make sure that your resume stands out and makes a quick but lasting impression.
So, what should you include in your resume? My advice is to work with the rule of three:
(1) Education and (2) Certifications
Make it clear, and make it first. Name the degree, major or area of focus, school, and date of graduation. Also list all current certifications.
Example:
Education & Certifications
University of California, Berkeley
Degree in Health and Fitness, Exercise and Intervention; Honors; 2001
National Strength and Conditioning Association [NSCA] 1996 – present
American Heart Association CPR/AED/First Aid; Current to February 2010
(3) Experience
List experience beginning with most current practical experience. Include company name, location, dates of employment, and your title. Highlight major job duties and emphasize experience directly related to the position to which you are applying.
Example:
Experience
Wells Fargo Center, Minneapolis, MN: 2005-present Health Fitness Instructor
Conducted fitness assessments consisting of sub-max heart rate test, rest and exercise blood pressure, body composition, flexibility and strength testing. Designed and implemented fitness programs for Wells Fargo employees.
If you have no practical experience, list experience that reflects transferable skill sets – customer service, technical capability, sales, etc. Include related hobbies, activities, clubs you are a part of, workshops you’ve attended, etc. Remember, keep it applicable to the job to which you are applying!
Objectives are optional. If you decide to use an objective, tailor it to the job and company to which you are applying. It is a recruiter’s nightmare to read an objective such as “to begin a career in pharmaceutical sales” when the available position is for a strength and conditioning coach. Thumbs down, next.
Make your resume stand out by sticking to a few simple dos and don’ts:
Do:
Clarify any extenuating circumstances, such as your upcoming relocation to a certain area or the timeframe within which you will be available for hire.
Include a brief introduction if you are sending a resume via e-mail. Use just a few sentences to clarify the position to which you are applying and the best way to follow up with you.
Research the company and position before applying. Know your stuff.
Make your resume Google friendly! Recruiters use search engines when searching for candidates. Include popular keywords in your resume.
Spell Check. It's there for a reason. Use it.
Keep it to one page! Remember, you have just a few seconds to make an impression. Be short, sweet, and memorable.
Don’t:
Include a picture.
Apply to a position with a company you don’t want to work with. This might sound obvious, but ask yourself if you would accept a job with the company if it were offered to you today. If not, don’t apply.
Fail to return a phone call. It’s a small world out there, and recruiters and hiring managers stay closely connected. Failure to return a call for an interview at Company A can affect your chances of getting a call from Company B. You never know who knows each other. Give the caller a courtesy return call or e-mail to let them know you have decided not to pursue the position at this time.
Mass apply. Think quality over quantity. Take the time to tailor your resume for each position and each company.
Good luck!
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