Resume Writing Seminar

Barry Horne Executive Career Coaching

T: (0425) 308 625 November 2016 E: barryjh@amnet.net.au

L: http://au.linkedin.com/in/barryhorne

23 November 2016

Search Strategy

Application Principles

Resumes

Achievement Stories

Overview

Apply for Advertised Positions

Approach (e.g. Graduate)

Recruitment Consultants

Network to Identify

Emerging Opportunities and Decision-

Makers

Directly Approach Qualified

Target Companies and People

Search Strategy

Horne (2016)

All [4Cs] : Concise, Clear, Correct, Courteous

Resumes [3Rs]• Relevance• Recency• Results

Letters [SWUC]• Show Interest• Why Me• Unique Sales

Proposition (USP)• Contact Me

Responses to Selection Criteria (STAR)• Situation• Task/Tactic• Actions• Results

Developing Applications: Principles

Career Solutions (2012)

What is the Primary Purpose of a Resume?

In Preparation, What Should You Focus On?

What are Your Goals?

What Content Should be Included?

What Content Should be Excluded?

Designing Resumes

Horne (2016)

Primary Purpose is to Secure an Interview!

A Resume Markets You - Does Your Resume Do YOU Justice?

TAILOR to Target Role

NO Magic Format/Style

(Robot or Human) Recipient’s Goal is to Quickly◦ SCREEN OUT Majority of Applications◦ DEVELOP INTERVIEW Short-list

Designing Resumes : Overview

Horne (2016)

Meeting Challenges/ Needs of Organisation

Research ◦ Industry, Organisation, Role

Information Sources◦ Job Specifications / Criteria◦Nominated Contact◦ Public Documents (e.g. Annual Report, Press Releases)◦ Internet (Target Organisation Web Site)◦ Target Organisation and Industry Employees◦ Professional / Industry Associations

Designing Resumes : Preparation

Horne (2016)

Capturing Reader's Attention

Demonstrating Qualifications for Target Role

Indicating Potential to Meet Challenges / Needs of Organisation

Standing Out from Other Applicants!

Designing Resumes : Goals

Horne (2016)

• Career Objective / Profile Statement • Key Strengths• Qualifications / Training

Unique

Sales

Proposition

• Employer Profiles• Key Responsibilities (Stakeholders,

People, Operations, Financial)• Role Accomplishments

Employment History and Contexts

• Professional / Student Memberships

• Community Engagement

• Personal Information• Referees (if Requested)

Background (Supportive) Information

Pyramid Resume Model

Horne (2016)

Career Objective / Profile Statement

Snapshot Impression to Stimulate Interest

Qualifications / Training

Relevant to Target Role

Employment History and Contexts

Employer Profiles (Products, Services, Client / GeographicMarkets, Size)

Role (Purpose, Key Responsibilities, Skills Applied, Achievements)

Designing Resumes: Inclusions

Horne (2016)

Student Professional Memberships

Implies Industry Knowledge, Network of Peers

Community Engagement (Development and Application of Skills)

Volunteer Roles University Life / LeadershipUpper High School Community Contributions

Recreational Interests

Balanced Person (Active / Passive; Team / Individual)

Designing Resumes: Inclusions

Horne (2016)

Information Likely to Result in Screening Out. In general:

Age Marital Status Place of Birth Salary Expectations Religion Political Affiliations Health Status Photographs Referees (Unless Requested at Time of Application) Reasons for Leaving Past Roles

Designing Resumes: Exclusions

Horne (2016)

Developing Achievement Stories

Isolate Key Achievements

Reflect on 5Cs (Complexity, Challenge, Change,

Chaos, Crisis)

Develop Detailed STAR

Narratives (Selection

Criteria Responses/

Interview Preparation)

Create Brief Bullet Pointed Achievement Statements (Resume)

Horne (2016)

Situation

When?

Where?

What?

Who (Role)?

Task/Tactic

How ?

Overarching Approach /Initiative

Taken

Actions

How?

Logical Stages and Phases

Results

Why (So What)?

Relate to Business Goals

Developing Achievement Stories

Horne (2016)

An Achievement Story with no Results is Like a Joke Without a Punch Line!