Step 2: The Lead Line | Susan Ireland's Resume Site. « Back to: 10 Steps: How to Write a Cover Letter Next » Time is money in the business world. You need to grab the employer right away with the first sentence of your letter. The point of your lead line is to engage the hiring manager — make her sit up straight and think, "Ah, here's someone who has something to say! " If you can elicit that kind of response, you already have her wanting to meet you. Here are some ideas for composing lead-in grabbers: Mention the name of a personal contact whom your reader knows. For example: "Blaine Powell recommended I speak with you about your opening for sales manager. " "My former associate, Ellen Fairbanks, spoke so highly of Tannen & Associates that I decided to send you my resume.
" Deliver a statement that begins a relationship with your reader. "In your presentation at the International Food Conference last month, you spoke fondly of your apprenticeship under Chef Marseau. "As an experienced (whatever professional), ... " AvidCareerist. Lead by telling them how many years of experience you have. Like this: Twenty-two years of experience in…Over twenty years of experience in…More than 17 years of experience in… Why? First, if you spell a number when you should have used numerals, or you use numerals when you should have spelled the number, you can confuse your reader. They might stop reading your resume and google something like “when should you spell a number instead of using numerals?” Second, if they stick with your resume, they might ask themselves, “Hmmm, I wonder if that is 17 years of progressively responsible experience or if it’s one year of experience 17 times?” Third, if your reader is more than ten years younger than you, they are going to de facto think you are old.
Fourth, if the most compelling thing you can say about your work is how long you have done it, there’s a problem, a scary potential mediocrity problem. Summary So what is the common, mediocre phrase to banish from your resume? AvidCareerist. It’s critically important to write your resume to your audience. OK. Thanks. I feel better now. I have tussled with clients over this. Being right, and a few dollars, will get you something frothy at Starbucks. Why didn’t she get an interview? There’s a time to tell a future employer what you want them to know about you. So, how do you figure out what a future employer wants?
AvidCareerist. If your credential has been listed as a must have, or a nice to have, in the position description, you don’t want the reader to have to work to find it. Serve it up to them front and center.When the reader knows that you have earned a credential relevant to the position they are recruiting for, they are more likely to read your entire resume and read it very carefully.When the reader knows that you have earned a relevant credential, you set up a positive expectancy. They read the rest of your resume expecting to find other qualifications they are looking for. Your credential subtly says, “I’m a player.” That commands their respect and attention.If you don’t put the credential at the top of your resume, you will likely put it at the bottom of your resume along with your education. If the reader doesn’t go past the jump, they won’t ever see it.
Here are some examples of how you might present your credential(s) at the top of your resume: Two more thoughts: AvidCareerist. I like the first one. Why? Because the word “use” is simpler, and easier to say, than the word “utilize.” When we speak, we say “used.” We don’t say “utilized.” So why do people frequently use, I mean utilize, no, I mean use, the word “utilize” on their resume when they can utilize, I mean use, the word “use?” I have no idea. A quick way to strengthen your resume is to search for the words “utilize” and “utilized” (Edit/Find in Word) and either swap in the proper tense of the word “use” or rewrite the sentence. Rewrite the sentence? Here are a few examples from resumes I have received: Example 1, as received Utilize my skills in a senior administrative role to provide leadership and direction for all fiscal areas as well as office administration, human resources and technology.
Example 1, as re-written CFO with record of significant contributions to business operations, earnings, and growth. Example 2, as received Over 15 years supervisory experience utilizing strong team development skills. No more weak resume words. I really loved this post by the Avid Careerist, Donna Svei. She writes on one of those pesky weak resume words: “utilize.” As Donna says, we never “utilize” the word “utilize” when we speak, so why should we “utilize” it on a resume? Good point. We use this language when we are trying to sound impressive on our resumes, we don’t know what we should put, or where we reflect the cloudy language we often find in position descriptions. One application I wrote a few months ago asked that the candidate have “high level legal experience.” The role was for a lawyer. We had to check with the panel convener about what this meant. Like Donna I have a few resume pests of my own.
“outcomes” “agreed outcomes” “liaised” “in order to” “facilitate” “responsible for” “actioned” “address” “behaviours” Have a look at this post on action words for resumes, if you are in any way confused. Read Donna’s full post here. C-level Executive Resume Writing, Biography, Personal Branding, Online Identity, Job Search Services. AvidCareerist. Resume Critique Checklist. Resumes normally get less than a 15-second glance at the first screening.
If someone has asked you to review his resume and you want to help him ensure it gets read -- or want to know if your own is up to par -- be sure you can answer yes to the following questions: First Impression Does the resume look original and not based on a template? Is the resume inviting to read, with clear sections and ample white space? Does the design look professional rather than like a simple typing job? Is a qualifications summary included so the reader immediately knows the applicant's value proposition? Appearance Does the resume provide a visually pleasing, polished presentation? Resume Sections Are all resume sections clearly labeled? Career Goal Is the career objective included toward the top of the resume in a headline, objective or qualifications summary? Accomplishments Does the resume include a solid listing of career accomplishments?
Relevance Is the information relevant to hiring managers' needs? How to Write a Resume - Mahalo. There are several types of resumes5: Chronological Skills Functional Combination VideoYou'll want to create the best resume for your experience and desired job. Most recruiters want your resume to show your career progression.6 Therefore, chronological or combination resumes (resumes that list your work history in chronological order, starting with your most recent job) are the most common types. If you have no work history or have worked multiple jobs over a short period of time, an unconventional format may present your talents and abilities in a better light.
Pick the type of resume best suited to your work history and goals. If you're unsure what type fits best, try writing your resume in two or more formats, then ask for feedback from friends or relatives. It is better to go to a second page than to leave out important information. AvidCareerist.