Note: Very lightly edited by David Marwick, KMJobAssist@gmail.com
Below is a list of 10 foundational strategies for a truly impactful resume that grabs a hiring manager’s attention.
1. Start every bullet with a powerful action verb.
Transformed, Spearheaded, Orchestrated, Pioneered, Secured- these are some of my favorites. Avoid passive phrases like “responsible for” or “duties included.”
2. Include specific metrics whenever possible.
“Reduced costs by 22% in 6 months” is more powerful than “Reduced costs significantly.” Name clients, industries, time, scope, volume, – the more specific, the better. Specifics are evidence of your value.
3. In the top 1/3 of your resume, answer the hiring manager’s 4 main questions.
- What role are you targeting?
- What impact have you made?
- Do you have the right skills/experience?
- Can you deliver results in the future?
If a resume doesn’t answer these four questions quickly and clearly, it won’t get a callback.
4. Look for themes across your career.
What are you consistently known for? Does your resume reflect that story? Incorporating your personal brand and career story sets you apart from every other candidate on the market. This is why we invest so much time in uncovering our clients’ career stories. It’s the difference-maker.
5. Use the C.A.R.T. format: Challenge + Action + Result + Tie Back.
Starting with the result grabs attention. Tying it back to the company’s needs proves you’re the right person for the role.
6. Include testimonials that reinforce your personal brand and the needs of the company.
7. Use bolded text for key achievements to draw the reader’s eye to your most impressive results.
8. List relevant professional development that aligns with your target role. It is important to align everything on your resume (including professional development) to your target role. This is probably the most critical rule for resumes.
9. Choose a professional format with white space in an easy-to-read F or Z pattern. If you have my executive resume template, then you’re already ahead of the game. It’s set up in an F-pattern for easy readability and scanning.
10. Proofread!
Nothing kills credibility faster than typos.