Your resume Part 4

In part 3 of the series on resumes I mentioned that honesty is the best policy and it is the best way to start a relationship with a potential new employer. That brings me to the next resume topic -- the chronological versus topical resume. A recent study showed that most hiring managers prefer the chronological resume as it is easier to read than a topical resume. The chronological resume lends itself to showcase accomplishments with each position and ideally will show growth. 

Two other points to remember is to put education at the bottom of the resume and it is not necessary to include references or even typing in "references available upon request" at the bottom of your resume as recommendations come much later in the application and interview process.

You can go to www.rpssearchgroup.com to submit your resume for a free evaluation

Your Resume Part 3

The retail industry in a sense is a “small world”.  After almost 45 years in and around the industry, I have gotten to know a great many people and I have been asked all too many times, “Do I have include all of my jobs on my resume even if I was only there for a few months?” or “How far back should I go with my resume?”. Basically, you do not have to include anything on your resume. What you include on your resume is up to you. However, when asked the advice that I give is to ask the person if he or she wants to start a relationship with resume omissions or incorrect dates of employment. I am of the belief that everything you write on your resume should be true and accurate. 

Over the past few years, gaps in employment are commonplace and easily explained. Be prepared to explain the gap itself by pointing to an activity that filled it, such as volunteer work, caring for an ill family member, or launching a business. The best strategy when dealing with any potentially negative information is to focus on your accomplishments and the value you can bring to the table.

For a free resume evaluation you can contact me at lance@rpssearchgroup.com or at 973-627-1888.

Your Resume Part 2

I cannot tell you the numbers of times that I have heard from a candidate who sent in a one page resume and upon questioning learned that anywhere from 5 to 15 years were left off the resume!

People have been told at one time or another to keep our resume to one page, but this old standard no longer holds true. If you have enough experience and accomplishments to highlight on two pages, go for it. Of course, if you're new to the workforce, one page should suffice.

Now that resumes are often entered into an applicant-tracking system, it is more important than ever to include keywords that help the system match you to the appropriate position. You might need more space to do that. This is even more essential for loss prevention professionals who have evolved into more technical or analytical roles. If you are an experienced professional and you need the room to showcase your accomplishments, do not be afraid to go for the extra page or pages.

As to the objective or summary sections at the beginning of the resume, there is a school of thought that suggests going right to your experience. I personally agree with that suggestion. If you have strong skill sets and good accomplishments, they will come out loud and clear in the experience section.

Please go to www.rpssearchgroup.com to submit your resume for a free evaluation and under to opportunities tab review current openings.

I can be reached at lance@rpssearchgroup.com or 973-627-1888

Resumes are Your Personal Advertisement

After almost thirty years as an executive recruiter, I have lost track of the number of resume formats that I have received. I have received resumes from candidates who paid hundreds of dollars to have a resume professionally prepared and I have received resumes prepared by the candidate. The major similarity in all of those resumes is that the the accomplishments/results were missing but there was a good deal of space dedicated to what that person did in his or her various positions. 

Most hiring managers and human resource professionals will know by job title what a candidate does in his or her job. That being the case, why would you want to dedicate so much space on the resume with job duties and responsibilities when it is the bottom line accomplishments/results that relate how well you have done your job and it is those accomplishments/results that will set you apart from other candidates.

I recently received a resume from a candidate and under each of his positions he listed 4 to 5 accomplishment bullet points. He did a great job relating how well he did in his various positions and when I called to discuss his credentials I asked why he prepared his resume with accomplishments. He told me that he felt it was important for people to know how well he did his job and not necessarily what he did. 

A big part of recruiting is building relationships and I have to thank one of my clients for bringing the accomplishment resume issue to the forefront. In my next three news posts I will be discussing other resume issues that will help you in preparing your personal advertisement.

I can be reached at lance@rpssearchgroup.com or 973-627-1888