Content (Part 1)
How important is your content in a resume? While I believe that a resume format is of the highest importance (and some people would definitely argue that point), resume content is what will eventually procure a phone screen or an interview for you. If you do well in those venues, you will eventually get the job.
Your content should consist of:
Name
Contact Information
Objective (optional)
Education (at the top if you are degreed; at the bottom if not)
Licenses, Certifications or Registrations
Professional Profile or Summary 7 years or less – profile; 7 years or more – summary)
Employment
Professional Affiliations, Memberships and/or Organizations
You name is obvious, but your contact information not so much. Arguably, the most critical content (if a company can’t find you, the rest does not matter), double-check your contact information for accuracy. One incorrect digit or character and you could be forever lost.
I always tell people to use an objective if:
They are applying for their first major job
They are changing careers
They are re-entering the workforce after a significant absence
Your Objective section should state your employment goal and it should also reflect a mutual benefit to the company to which you are applying. Companies appreciate the fact that getting a job is not all about you, but also what you can do for them.
Your Education section is one of the few sections that can be located at the top or bottom of your resume, depending on the level of education that you completed. I prefer to place the Education section of my clients at the top of their resume, right beneath their Objective IF they graduated college with a Bachelors or higher degree. A degree shows a level of commitment and that should be recognized. Also, if the position requires a degree, whoever is reading the resume does not have to search for it.
If your profession requires a License, Certification or Registration, I usually place that right below the Education section, along with any numbers associated with it in order for a prospective employer to verify if they please.
Part 2 Tomorrow
2 Timothy 2:15
