How to make a sale value CV?

EVER FELT LIKE YOUR RESUME IS LETTING YOU DOWN?

There are many reasons for writing a resume, but the most common one is to get a new job. More specifically, it is to get you the interview that gets you a new job. Why is it then, that so many resumes fail to achieve the desired result?

Let’s forget about analysing what doesn’t work and go straight to what does work? And there is nothing like an example, so see the link at the end of this document.


SO WHAT WORKS?

Have a look at your existing resume and ask yourself:
1. Does this document have simple structure and a clean layout?
2. Is it formatted properly and consistently throughout with standard fonts in 10pt or 11pt?
3. Does it make lots of use of bullet points?
4. Does it have a reasonable amount of white space?
5. Does it use a minimal amount of bolding?
6. Is it not too short and not too long?
7. Does it reveal the breadth and depth of my experience?
8. Is it relevant to the job for which I am applying?

Now compare it to the example… do you still think so?


Structure and Layout.
1. Eight out of ten resumes we see are poorly structured and that may well include yours. If you don’t know how to use Microsoft Word properly, pay someone to lay your resume out for you. It will be worth it.
2. You can use a template if you insist on doing it yourself and there are plenty of free ones on the web to choose from.

Length.
1. One page is not enough, but then you do not want to write a full on autobiography either.
2. Keep the body of your resume to three pages.
3. Use appendices to add relevant details.

Content
1. The first section of your resume is where you ‘sell’ yourself. This should be around three pages and should provide the reader with your contact details, your key selling points, tertiary qualifications and a synoptic chronology of your employment.
2. Always write in third person. The absence of ‘I’ makes the document read as being more authoritative and less egocentric.
3. Most importantly, write outcomes rather than actions. So you planned and drilled 5 multilaterals… big deal. But you did it in 3 weeks less than estimated, hit 4 pay zones, saved the company $2M and added a further 5Tj of gas… now that is a big deal! (When can you start?)
4. Make sure your synopsis of employment covers the ‘breadth’ of your experience. The ‘depth’ of your experience and other technical information should go in the Appendix. This is where you tell rather than sell.

Appendices
- These are great. In here go a few pages containing details of your Technical Experience, Professional Memberships, Training, Papers, Referees, etc.


A FEW DON’TS

1. Even if you have movie star looks, don’t put your photograph in your resume. You’ve heard the expression “If looks could kill…”, well they certainly can kill your chances of getting an interview. Your photograph will never get you the interview, but it sure can lose it for you… play safe and leave it out.
2. For the same reasons as leaving out your photograph, you should also leave out personal interests and other ‘non work’ related information. It will never get you the interview and only serves to distract the reader.
3. Don’t leave chronological gaps. If you took 12 months off to run a restaurant, say, “1999 – 2000 Pursued private business interests.” If you say you ran a restaurant, prospective employers may question your commitment to your profession. If you are suitably vague (as above) they will not draw any conclusion, thus giving you the chance to explain it at interview if needed.


IN CONCLUSION

A good resume demonstrates the way your mind works and displays your professionalism. Once you have finished it, get other people to critique it for you.

Don’t ask them if they like it. They will of course say “Yes” because they don’t want to hurt your feelings. Ask them, “Is this the best resume you have ever seen?” Then you will get some critical and useful feedback.