A resume is much more than your job history, skill summary, education, and interests. A resume is the selling of you.
The pandemic has shaken our economy, commerce, and employment to its core. Depending on the size of the company, a human resource or hiring professional can receive hundreds if not thousands of resumes for a single position. Assuming the average amount of time spent on a quick perusal of each resume is 5 minutes, these professionals are just wading through the flood waters. How do you get your resume to stand out?
The writers at Put Another Way are proficient in penning a resume, however, we thought we would solicit some expert advice and resume tips from a Human Resource professional. Special thanks to Rose Miller, SPHR, President of Pinnacle Human Resources, Inc. for sharing her insight and experiences regarding resumes.
Question: What is the value of a resume?
Ms. Miller: Your resume is your virtual introduction to the reader. The resume should appeal to many types of people and is used to differentiate you from the other applicants. For example, if you were a car and you portrayed yourself as a high-end import luxury brand, you may appeal to 10% of the consumers. But, if you were a sharp design, mid-line sedan with some bells and whistles, you may appeal to 90% of the consumers. Your resume should be built to appeal to that 90%. Strive to make the content attractive to the majority.
Question: Do Human Resource Managers look for anything special in a resume such as format, color, or content?
Ms. Miller: Do not submit a generic resume or use a generic and impersonal summary. The summary is very important and should be reflective of a two-minute elevator speech. Address the company by referencing the job posting and the specifics in your background that make you a perfect fit…for at least an interview! The summary should be no more than six sentences and is more valuable than the cover letter. (Which is rarely read.)
The job history section should present some ‘texture’ to the person reading through your positions. For example, we all list the company name along with your title and tenure. You could add a brief company description to demonstrate the weight of the position. An electrical engineer at a $25 billion-dollar global manufacturing facility is significantly different than the same position at a smaller, local plant. Elevate your level of expertise!
Differentiation is ok, but do not lose the professionalism with boxes, borders and multiple colors or fonts. The use of color as an accent can be useful but never use an image of any sort.
Question: What can you share with us about artificial intelligence in the resume submission and review process?
Ms. Miller: Artificial intelligence is often used by larger human resource departments. When the flow of resumes exceeds one thousand or more, human resources and the hiring manager look for ways to streamline the process. The use of AI has been met with some controversy with questions of faulty mapping and data resulting in overlooking real talent.
Others use AI as a filtering tool, like an assessment test. If utilized properly, it can be utilized as a highly efficient tool to sift through candidates in the application process.
resumes reviewed by AI programs
Question: What are your experiences with Curriculum Vitae (CV) vs. a standard resume?
Ms. Miller: Curriculum Vitae or CV should be used for high level executives, CEO and Executive Directors. These high-level positions have earned the right to use a CV to display more than ‘resume type information.’ A CV highlights White papers, publications, speaking engagements, awards, and honors.
Question: Care to share advice and resume tips with Put Another Way clients on resumes and interview suggestions?
Ms. Miller: Do your research. Spend the time to learn about the company you are applying to, and if possible, the person you are going to be speaking with. Make the resume and subsequent interview about them, not you.
Don’t just plaster your resume everywhere and apply to all job postings with a generic and bland resume. Ironically, the cover letter is rarely read before the resume so be sure you have represented your ‘pitch’ in the resume. Human resource professionals are more experienced and seasoned than a hiring manager so be sure your resume speaks to both…effectively.
Special thanks to Rose Miller, President of Pinnacle Human Resources, LLC for taking the time to share her resume tips, thoughts and expertise. Pinnacle Human Resources, LLC is a NYS certified Women’s Business Enterprise #556556 and a Nationally certified women’s business enterprise through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation’s largest third- party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women in the US. Read more…
0 Comments