The single most important element in a successful job search is a "slam dunk" resume. Most positions offered on the web or in publications will draw hundreds of responses. Your resume must catch the eye of potential employers with a compelling “hire me” message and you have precious little time to make that impression.

The most important thing to remember about resumes is that a good resume gets you an interview… a good interview gets you a job!

Ten hallmarks of a great slam dunk resume:

1. The resume is well ordered and makes sense to someone who merely scans it. Remember that there are so many responses to a job posting or advertisement that your resume must make it through a scan before it is read.

2. Your resume is printed on superior white paper. In my career I have reviewed tens of thousands of resumes for hundreds of jobs and never once pulled a resume from a pile because it was printed on pink or blue paper.

3. The font is professional; the layout attractive and the ink is black. This is no time for Mickey Mouse Balloon font. The resume is preferably one page in length, but never more than two pages.

4. The information is presented in a consistent format. It is the unusual that catches your eye, usually with negative connotation. For example, if you list a period of employment with month and year in one location but only year in another.

5. List hobbies and personal interests. Employers are looking for well-rounded people who will fit into their existing teams.

6. Volunteer! Community service is a very valuable attribute and employers show a preference (if only subconsciously) to those who are responsible and community oriented.

7. Be able to discuss each point on your resume during a job interview. For example, items such as if you had a long break between jobs.

8. Use powerful, but truthful, adjectives. Increased revenue; cut scrap; developed team members; spearheaded new developments; negotiated favorable terms and the like.

9. Highlight unique training or skills like professional designations, professional society committee memberships or second/third language skills.

10. Remember, when preparing your resume the difference between getting interviewed or being passed over is usually imperceptible.

No resume should be without the following information:

Clear, concise contact information. Include telephone number, cell phone number, email address and mailing address. You want phone calls or emails; not letters. Letters are usually thanks, but no thanks. Phone calls or emails are expressions of genuine interest.

State your career objective… a meaningful career objective adds a sense of direction and displays leadership potential. Some fear that if your career objective is not an identical match with the current posting, then you might miss out, but I do not believe that. In my experience companies rarely look for only one person at a time.

Experience… where you worked, years there, job title, key responsibilities and achievements. List positions in chronological order, usually ten years of history is sufficient. If you can, show advancement and increasing responsibility. Briefly discuss long breaks between jobs, especially if they reflect great credit on you. If you took time off to obtain a professional designation, complete a degree or care for an ill family member you are practically guaranteed an interview. Be brief and extremely accurate, experience is the easiest information to verify.

Education… list post secondary degrees, professional designations, advanced professional training, affiliations/appointments, licenses, technical skills and second/third language skills.

Other items of interest… describe very briefly key value-adding things such as articles published, professional presentations made, hobbies or community service.

Personal information. generally do not include any personal information such as a photograph or your marital status.

Some really effective things to do!

• If you have teenage children consider a separate phone number. It will not cost very much, can be installed for a short period of time and you are guaranteed your prospective employers can reach you.
• Be sure your voice mail message is up to date, very professional and that there is always room in your mailbox.
• Establish a confidential email address so you can receive email without having it go to your current place of employment. Use a good address too… rsmith@cablecompany.com good! shakeyourbootylover@hotmail.com bad!
• Have a copy of your resume and cover letter with a pen (that works) beside each phone in your house so you can refer to it when that initial phone call comes. If you fumble while getting those things together you just failed the first interview.
• If you cannot be contacted at work, just say so. Everyone will understand.
• Initial interviews are a very poor place to display your sense of humor. Keep it professional until you establish a rapport.
  

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