Resume Writing

For most job hunters, resume writing is generally considered the most important skillset required during your job hunt.  It is your most important physical/visual tool because it has life before and after the job interview.

Here’s a partial list of individual skills you will learn by developing this Resume Writing skillset:

• The best format and content for your resume
• How to include something about your character and work ethics
• Using accomplishments and results instead of responsibilities and tasks
• The value and use of an optional functional resume in addition to the more common chronological resume

The most important ingredient you can add to your resume is character.  I describe this as your Three Key Strengths.  They articulate your ability to see and understand the big picture, your ability to create effective working relationships, and they define your work ethics.

There are opportunities throughout each skillset to introduce and reinforce your Three Key Strengths.

Work History

Listing your entire work history enhances your skillsets, competencies, and achievements.  Collectively, they demonstrate the range of your expertise and experience.  On occasion, however, it may be advantageous, or even necessary to limit listing your entire work history, if that work history extends over a long period of time or includes minor developmental activities.  You may want to exclude your newspaper route or Girl Scout Cookie sales, unless there is something unique or unusual you learned during that experience.

Limiting the use of your entire work history may be advisable, but I do not recommend limiting or compromising your list of skillsets and competencies. I urge you to include a comprehensive list.

Your resume represents a valuable summary of your work experience, your accomplishments, skills, knowledge, expertise, and it reflects your Three Key Strengths.

Developing this documentation of your work history and achievements is critical, and I delve into the details of all sections of your resume in my Source blogs and my upcoming book, Job Hunting – Launching to Landing