Resume Help: Is Your Resume off to a Good Start?
Today’s candidate is not “off to a good start” with this resume. Let’s examine the top portion of the resume (below). There are two major problems with the top area of her resume. First there is an objective statement that does not sell and second, a summary statement that is loaded with clichés.
Objective: Seeking position as accounting manager in manufacturing industry.
Summary
Proactive, self-starter with 17 years of experience. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Highly motivated, action-oriented, and flexible. Energetic and creative problem solver with a drive for excellence. Strong manager with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and deal with changing situations. Keen eye with attention to detail.
The Objective
Most resume experts will advise candidates to omit the objective statement. Objectives are no longer used on professional resumes. The reason is simple. Objectives focus on what the candidate wants. It is far more effective to express the value you offer to meet the needs of an employer. Rather than an objective, start with a headline. Through that message, you can align your objective with the employer’s needs. If you are not comfortable with a headline, forego the headline and start with the summary (AKA profile) statement. You can skip a headline, but don’t skip the summary.
The Summary
Readers don’t pay attention to these well-worn clichés. In most cases, a reader will skip over clichés searching for something substantive that conveys what the candidate has to offer an employer. In other words, each of those clichés is wasting space on the resume. Adding a descriptor in a phrase is fine. The problem, in this case, is there are far too many descriptors and not any examples of particular expertise, skills, or exceptional accomplishments. Also, resume clichés are unoriginal and can demonstrate a lack of effort by the candidate. Particularly, if one of the descriptors is “creative.”
Your resume is one of the most important marketing tools in your job search. Take care with each word selection. What is the best way to convey your value at the top of the resume? Prove your value to the target employer through unique skills, relevant expertise, and top accomplishments. If you struggle with your resume, please contact me. I would be happy to help you. If you would like to read more blogs on resume writing, follow these links:
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