If you’re a manager, chances are, stacks of resumes have frequently
infiltrated your pristine desk, signaling hiring time. Unarguably, weeding through
throngs of initial candidate introductions just to land an ideal few is a chore
most abhor. Sure, it’s daunting, but also a task
I’ve had responsibility for tackling.
When you think about it, everything changes. Social Media’s surge
deserves mad props for propelling language and social mores to another level. So, why should resumes
be immune from upgrade? Based on employment solicitations I’m periodically required
to review, an outdated presentation format can crush a job seeker’s candidacy.
Whether you’re an out of touch hiring manager or anxious job
seeker, take a look at the ins and outs of planting resume swag:
1. Contact Info
IN: A
professional email address and mobile phone digits
OUT: Inclusion of physical address and business inappropriate
email address (ex: baller100@hotmail.com)
2. Job Description
IN: Achievement-driven content
OUT:
Task-focused content
3. Professional Experience
IN:
Limit to last 10 years of employment
OUT: Career history in its entirety, including first job fresh out of high
school or college
4. References
IN: Exclude from contents
OUT: “References Provided Upon Request.”
5. Length
IN: Single-page resume format is ideal
with a 1 ½ page maximum
OUT: Excessive if it exceeds the preferred
1 ½ page limit
6. Volunteerism or Hobbies?
IN: Volunteerism is a resume bonus
because it demonstrates a commitment to service.
OUT: Hobbies are irrelevant except when
commonality with the hiring manager is
struck.
7. Cover Letter
IN: Inclusion
OUT: Exclusion
8.
Jargon
IN: Avoid when not applicable to the position sought; include if it
demonstrates the required industry command
OUT: Academia or technical language
9. Phrasing
IN: Exceptional communication skills demonstrated in public
speaking and marketing collateral mastery.
OUT: Good communication, both written and verbal, is too generic.
10. Unique Sales Proposition
IN: USP inclusion lends competitive distinction or why you’re best-suited
for the position over your competition
OUT: USP absence defeats
the sales purpose.
11. Social Media
IN: Inclusion recommended ONLY
if representative of portfolio samples
OUT: Link listing to showcase tech savvy
What hasn’t changed is the fact
that the resume remains a job seeker’s sales tool. Although incorporating the
informational nuggets above may increase resume success, it’s advisable to
consult a writing professional who is positioned by craft to brand you
best.
