A Contrarian’s Guide to Resumes

1. A Contrarian’s Guide to Resumes StandBy Talent presents by Howard Cattie of CareerOyster LLC Founder and Head Coach CONFIDENTIAL

2. Introduction to the Real “Resume Game” • The resume is a marketing document • 10% of resumes are exceptional • There are 6 types of readers of the resume • The resume must accomplish 8 purposes • The recruiters read a resume in about 20 seconds • 80% of the screening is done via resume • Resumes are read with a negative bias • A resume is the first determinant of “qualified” • A resume should say “ schedule me for an Interview’ It’s a one-way communication… Designed to screen you out! CONFIDENTIAL

3. Resume tips from ResumeCoach Okay Howard, you mentioned there are six readers of the resume. Who are they? CONFIDENTIAL

4. How Many Readers are There? In the interview process, there are many readers including: • The computer – ATS • The recruiter • The hiring manager • Peers and other managers • HR manager • Executives The resume must communicate what you want to do and why you are qualified to do it. And why you are the best candidate. CONFIDENTIAL

5. Resume tips from ResumeCoach I’ve always heard that the purpose of the resume is to get an interview. You mentioned there were 8 purposes. Really? What are they? CONFIDENTIAL

6. Contrarian View: The Resume is a Sales Document The resume performs a big job!! It must “sell” your background to many people: • It must rank you high in the ATS rankings and searches • It “hooks” the recruiter in 20 seconds with the front page • Manager approves the interview based on clear qualifications • It facilitates and supports the agenda for every interview • It sells you after you leave the building • It helps HR justify a “top of the range” offer • It differentiates your capabilities from the other candidates • He remains in their database “being found” for future jobs CONFIDENTIAL

7. Resume tips from ResumeCoach From Sarah, I have sent resumes into job postings where I am very qualified and I get no response. Howard, what are some of the possible reasons for this? CONFIDENTIAL

8. Contrarian View: It is a “SEO / Marketing” Competition It’s a one way communication…..designed to screen out! • 80% of the screening for interviews is based solely on the resume! • The initial ATS screen is based on the “keywords” • Most recruiters scan for keywords and are biased toward “what’s missing with this candidate” • Most resumes look alike • Most resumes are not “selling resumes” • Managers look for Keyword qualifications “Recruiters never find the 5 best candidates…. They present the first 5 candidates” CONFIDENTIAL

9. Resume tips from ResumeCoach What do you mean by a “selling resume”? And what does an exceptional “selling” resume look like? CONFIDENTIAL

10. Contrarian View:The “Selling” Resume? A selling resume is “easy” • Easy to understand the objective – What are you looking for? • Easy to find by ATS – marketable keywords • Easy to read –a layout with “scan appeal” • Easy to understand – clear accomplishments, expertise and tasks • Easy to relate to –qualified , aligned • Easy to follow –consistent and clear story supporting the objective • Easy to visualize –solves similar problems, achieves results • It is forward looking versus a historic bio CONFIDENTIAL

11. Resume tips from ResumeCoach Howard, everyone talks about keywords and how important they are. So what are some examples of effective “keywords” ? CONFIDENTIAL

12. The Effective Keywords used in searches These are the same nouns that you would use to search job postings. • Number 1 keyword is titles. Use generic titles • Industry • Products or services – can be internal services • Functional expertise or major responsibilities • Marquis companies • Acronyms and jargon • Action verbs and tasks are not keywords CONFIDENTIAL

13. Resume tips from ResumeCoach From Elijah, I read that objectives are passé and they narrow the resume options in the eyes of the recruiter. This seems to be a prevailing opinion. What is your advice on this? CONFIDENTIAL

14. Contrarian View: Clearly focus what you want to do The first question the recruiter asks when they review a resume is: What is this candidate looking to do? • A headline of 3 titles at the top is an implied objective • Including “their title” within the 3 is very effective • An objective may be necessary when a transition is sought • A clear description of expertise in the first sentence of a summary. • Covering it in the cover letter does not work • Now, does the rest of the front page support the Titles? CONFIDENTIAL

15. Resume tips from ResumeCoach Most people say I need a Chronological Resume. Do you agree with that? CONFIDENTIAL

16. Contrarian View:Is Chronological the best Format? • Types of resumes: • Chronological – recommended by most • Hybrid – Professional Highlights Summary then Chronological • Functional Expertise – Forward Looking • Task based • Addendums • Sales profile / Skills Summary using tables • Publications, patents, recognitions, articles, • Website references CONFIDENTIAL

17. Resume tips from ResumeCoach Everyone says to keep your resume short - 1 or 2 pages. No one reads them if they are longer. What is your advice on that? CONFIDENTIAL

18. The Contrarian View: Resume length? Myths about Resume length • Myth: The resume should be one page • Reality: for entry level or College students • If you’ve had one job and less than 5 years experience • 84% of employers feel that a resume should be less than one page. If you have less than five years experience. • Content and experience should dictate the length • Professional resumes can easily have 2 – 3 pages • Consulting and Academic CV’s can have more • Length is an advantage with Applicant Tracking Systems • Recommendation 2-3 pages • Focus on the first page instead of on the length CONFIDENTIAL