1) Why do I need a professionally written resume?
Unless you are a professional resume writer, you will write a resume based on what you think you should say, or how you think your resume should look. Generally, people are emotionally attached to their personal and professional information. Unfortunately in today’s job market, human resources personnel don’t have the time or interest to review everything you want to say about yourself. They will only take a 10-20 second glance and they’d better find the just the facts they need or you won’t be called for an interview.
2) Why are there certain ‘resume rules’ that must be followed?
Human Resources personnel look at thousands of resumes. Because it can be a tedious process, a professional resume writer knows exactly what rules to follow that will match you to a specific job posting. They know what HR is expecting to see and only a professional knows what the rules are and when they change. If you choose not to follow the rules, HR will choose not to call you.
3) Why do I need a one page resume?
An effective resume is targeted and only includes the most important job-related information. This can be accomplished on one page. HR does not like stapled documents and a one page resume is easy-to-read and file. Plus, a 2-4 page resume is reserved for doctoral level positions where there are publications, honors, and achievements that should be listed.
4) What is a ‘focused’ resume?
A focused resume tells HR what position you want, the exact responsibilities you have performed, and the education you have received. A general resume with different work experiences will not get any attention. HR doesn’t have time to work out a maze of job titles and duties.
5) Why can’t I use one resume for all positions?
HR’s job is to collect resumes that match each job opening, so each resume you submit should clearly state what position you want. It should also be clear to anyone looking at it that you have the appropriate experience and education to perform that job.
6) Why can’t I list all my previous employment?
While there are positions with similar job responsibilities, HR doesn’t have time to make correlations and assumptions. They have to see exactly what you have done, one past-tense verb at a time, and see how it relates to the job you are applying for in a direct way. HR only needs to see a ten year work history that matches their posting. They don’t want to see everything you have ever done.
7) Why don’t we use an objective statement anymore?
Resumes don’t have a title for every section anymore. There is a statement at the top of the resume, so HR can immediately identify which position you want, but it isn’t labeled. It also isn’t filled with adjectives and personal qualities. Hiring managers will find out about your personality during the interview.
8) When should I list employment dates?
If you have a solid history with an employer, like 4-10 years or more, then dates are very helpful. If you have gaps in employment, short term positions, you have moved, or had major family events, it’s better not to put any dates on the resume. The dates will go on the application anyway, but you don’t want any ‘red’ flags to go up before you even have a chance to interview.
9) Why are today’s resumes so different?
The entire process of finding work has changed, so resumes have changed too. Most applications are submitted online and organizations don’t want you dropping by with your resume. Companies see so many resumes, they have to make their own lives easier, and they are held accountable for being efficient. It’s the do more with less time, less money, and less training mentality of corporate America.
10) Why is the hiring process so impersonal?
We are a busy society and companies spend their time finding ways to increase profits. They don’t take time from the profit bottom line to talk. Priorities have shifted, available jobs have changed, and so has the way we are hired.
