A Résumé for Every Generation: Part 2 of 3
Your résumé and your attitude should evolve over the years if you wish to stay relevant and in-demand in the workforce. In this three-part series, we will look at the challenges and solutions for writing a résumé in every major life stage.
Just as products go through a lifecycle (introduction, growth, maturity, and decline), careerists also have a life cycle. Smart marketing helps maximize sales for products in every stage. Résumé marketing will maximize your interview rate. In the series, we will examine résumés for job seekers age 40+, age 30-40, and age 20-30.
“My world's on fire how about yours? That's the way I like it and I'll never get bored.” ~ Greg Camp, Smash Mouth
If this hit from 1999 reminds you of when you started your first job, we’re going to examine résumé strategies for your generation. You are on fire! Many recruiters will tell you that you are living la vida loca in prime time. This group of professionals has ten to fifteen years of experience and a long career horizon. You are qualified, established, and have ambitions for advancement. What possible challenges does a candidate in this generation face? This is the time to break away from the crowd if you want to ascend to a higher level of management or greater responsibility. To make the most of your prime time, you must promote yourself. If you wait too long, you may miss opportunities. Remember, you have the 20-somethings nipping at your heels for the same chance. Here are the big 3 strategies for success for the 30-something careerist.
1.) Accomplishments are King
The way to shine is to make a difference. Work beyond your job description and thing beyond your desk and department. Volunteer for projects. Take initiative. Recommend changes. Participate in corporate committees. As you do all of this, document your success. Follow the CAR model (Challenge, Action,
Result). On your résumé, briefly describe the challenge, action you took, and the measured result.
2.) Tell a Story
Ever hear a salesperson get really excited and say, “Hey, that’s a story I can sell!” It’s true, everyone loves a good story. Think of the Irish Olympian who made it against the odds or the President from Hope, Arkansas. The story hooks the reader. A résumé is no different. We craft a résumé story by building a theme. Present a theme that leads the reader to believe that everything you have done, learned, and planned has led to this moment - this job opportunity. You can achieve this by consistently showing skills, knowledge, and accomplishments relevant to the job at hand. Drop or downplay any turns in the road that distract from your story.
3.) Upgrade to an Executive Résumé Format
Many candidates through their 20s and beyond continue to add jobs to their résumé without consideration to the document as a whole. They don’t take time to update the style or structure. Move 
your education down to the end portion of the résumé. Start with a strong profile that matches the needs of the target employer. Add a core competencies section after the profile. In this section, list your top six to nine managerial skills. You might include things such as, “Profit & Loss Management.” Lastly, be sure you have selected a sophisticated resume style. If you follow these tips, you will have a résumé worthy of your career stage.
If you are unsure about your résumé, write to me. I would be happy to provide a free critique. The good news is that you are in the growth phase of your career. This career phase is characterized by solid experience, industry knowledge, occupational skill, and enthusiasm to advance. You are starting to make a name for yourself. Don’t find yourself at age 48 feeling like you missed the boat. Capitalize on your strengths now and I hope you have the time of your life.