Although there may be many ways to showcase your skills, the resume still holds a place in many organizations as a starting place for employment. I review nearly 1000 resumes per month and over the years (too many to count). I have seen many trends, blunders and creative masterpieces. Your resume should change (be tweaked) for every applied for and separate position. Your resume and cover letter (an important addition) is a reflection of you (prior to seeing you in person, skype, zoom). Make it your best reflection.
Below are a few tips to keep in mind:
Summary of Skills
YES: In no more than 5 sentences, I want to know your key skills. You should be so clear about what you do well (keep it simple in the resume and make it clear with examples in the interview)
Objective
NO: Your objective tells me what you want, not what you have to offer. I want to know what key skills (added value) you can bring to the organization. I don’t want to know what you want unless it has to do with mutual want and added value.
Complete Research of Players & Organization
YES: Weave in your knowledge in cover letter of mission, clients served, major players (CEO & other C-Suite members), number of employees (your comfort level/experience with big or small organizations), understanding of posting (commuting distance, relocation, telecommuting) and other organizational offerings in posting.
You Know What Job You Want & Why
YES: Your resume should reflect, the position you want and why. I immediately become disenchanted and disenfranchised with the candidate who applies for more than 2 open positions within the organization, using the same resume. This mass listing has no appeal and says little about where you believe you are best suited. If you are not sure, speak to someone in Human Resources or someone who may know someone in the organization who can assist you with best skill fit. Many times, asking someone will lead to your resume going to the top of the pile.