An Introduction
•Charles Hagan, Human Resources Manager, Morphotek, a subsidiary of Eisai, Inc.
•Matthew Levy, Senior Global HR Lead Generalist/Business Partner, Janssen R&D, Johnson & Johnson
•Sally Smith, Sales Manager, Joule Clinical and Scientific Staffing, a System One division
•Jordan Warshafsky, Partner, Ashton Tweed, LTD
Do I Need an Extraordinary Resume?The Gold Watch is no more…
10.8* The # of job changes by 44 year-olds
* Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Search vs. Career ManagementJob Search Unprepared, heads down
Unaware
Not networked
Not volunteering
Short-term focus
Start/stop mentality
Out of sync
Career Management Leadership roles outside of work
Actively networking
Write articles/presentations
Continue education
Understand the competition
Career documents up to date
Investigate other opportunities
Overarching Resume Writing Strategies
Tell the reader what you can deliver rather than what you want
Tell the reader how you can help their company make money or save money, attract customers, keep customers, innovate
Use industry-related key words and action words that grab the reader’s attentionDevised, instructed, spearheaded, streamlined, motivated, generated,
etc.
Specify accomplishmentsUse the “STAR” method – situation/task, action, result
More than one page is preferred over an unreadable resume
One resume is never, ever enough!
Everyone has resume advice…You need to be comfortable with it
Overarching Resume Writing Strategies
The Foundation of a Resume
No typographical errors
Proper grammar
Nicely formatted
Good readability (white space, use of bolding and bullets)
Standard, white paper, no silly designs
Stick with chronological resume
Sections of a Resume – Contact Info/Profile
Start with your contact information, including your LinkedIn URL No picture No crazy email addresses such as ([email protected] anyone?
Objective OUT, Career Profile IN Tell the reader what you can deliver – rather than what you want
Sections of a Resume - Education
During college, OK to have Education up front
Out of college for more than a couple of years, Education drops towards the end
Keep Education simple but list GPA if over 3.0, include Dean’s List and other academic accomplishments here
Special projects Particularly relevant coursework
No need to list High School
Sections of a Resume – Work Experience Company, Location, Timing
If company is not well known, include specifics on company industry, size, market
Provide overall responsibilities
Be quantitative – show what you accomplished and how you contributed to the bottom line
Use bullets to articulate accomplishments
Sections of a Resume – Professional Organizations, Honors and Awards
List volunteer postsInvolvement in professional
organizationsHonors
AwardsPublicationsConsider hyperlinking
Alternatives to Common Phrases Avoid overused and clichéd phrases. Whenever possible include specific, measurable
achievements and concrete numbers that are result-oriented. Here are some commonly overused phrases and samples of better alternatives:
Alternatives to Common Phrases Avoid overused and clichéd phrases. Whenever possible include specific, measurable
achievements and concrete numbers that are result-oriented. Here are some commonly overused phrases and samples of better alternatives:
Resume Don’ts No photographs
No personal references section
Avoid odd paper, coloring and fonts
Leave off salary history
Leave off reasons for leaving prior job
No personal hobbies, marital status, race or gender
List basic computer software
Remove non-applicable jobs early in your career
Remember, a great resume doesn’t guarantee long term career success…success…
Questions?