Résumé Help: The Case of the Prickly Profile
Today we explore the case of the prickly profile. What is a prickly profile? It is a profile that detracts readers. Just as the thorns of a prickly cactus prevent animals from taking a bite, a prickly profile can prevent prospective employers from reading the remainder of a résumé. In other words – no interview!
Here are ways David can remove the thorns from his profile and entice a hiring employer to take a bite.
Appearance
The data needs to be better organized so the reader can more easily navigate the document. To accomplish this, the category heading style should be consistent. As it is now, the fonts, alignment, and color vary throughout the document. The body text should be the same size.
Length & Readability
In general, this profile (also known as a summary statement) is too long. It should be condensed into a profile of four to five lines. Because the profile is an opening statement, we want to streamline the language so the top values offered are showcased. Any fluff (unnecessary language) only distracts from those top values. Also, the profile (and entire résumé) should be consistent. Complete sentences are not used on a résumé.
Core Skills
David has two very long sentences with a string of capabilities. Those long lines are cumbersome and a reader can easily overlook a skill or two. It is more effective to move those skills to a separate core competencies section. Such a section can be comprised of a 3-column, 3-row chart to make it easier for the reader to scan the document for top skills.
Impeccable Grammar & Spelling
Just one typo or error can prick a reader like a thorn and cause you to be eliminated from the process. In David’s document, there are many incorrectly capitalized words and grammar mistakes.
The profile is a one-shot chance at capturing the reader’s attention by featuring top qualities that match the job requirements. If you would like to read more on this subject, check out these blog entries:
Résumé Help: Creating a Compelling Profile
Résumé Help: Profile Polish – No Pronouns Please!
Résumé Help: Choose Your Words Carefully
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If you would like a résumé critique, please contact Debra Wheatman at debra@careersdonewrite.com or visit us at http://careersdonewrite.com. The Résumé Help blog appears weekly on Mondays.