Top Tips To Write A Great Resume



Posted: Tuesday, June 02, 2009

by Patricia Erickson
A Vita Group

Since I get the same question from many of my clients about using one resume for multiple job targets, I thought it would be a great topic to cover. When writing your resume, it's a good idea to remember the purpose of the document. The fact is an employer is looking for an individual to fill an open position, and they're looking for someone with the right skill set, education, and professional background.

That in mind, it's pretty easy to see that the most effective resume is the one that is tailored to meet the needs of the employer and aligns closely with the particular job. A well written resume demonstrates how closely your skills match the job opening. It is an excellent way for you to show how well your expertise will allow you to fit into the position.

Consider my client, Etti Simon, who asked me to write a resume so she could apply for several positions. Etti had expertise in HR and operations. Her plan was to apply for both HR and operations jobs simply using the same resume.

I discouraged Etti from doing that because!

Although there would be similarities in each document, Etti would really want the HR resume to demonstrate:

· successful management of HR programs

· expertise in recruitment and retention

· strengths in training and development

· ability to develop and enforce organizational policies and procedures

· efficacy as a management resource and coach

· knowledge of complex local, state, federal employment laws

Etti's operations resume should demonstrate her:

· proven success in management of all aspects of the business, including financial administration, property management, staff administration, and internal/external relations

· leadership abilities

· strengths in developing short, stretch, and long-term goals

· highlight the team's ability to execute

· prove how well she was able to generate growth and profitability

Do you see the difference? An employer looking for someone in HR is not going to be as concerned about Etti's ability to manage plant as they will be with her ability to develop comprehensive training programs. Moreover, employers won't be looking at how well Etti gets on with members of the business community. They are going to be looking to see if Etti has demonstrated success as a management resource and if she knows her stuff when it comes to employment law.

To ensure success, remember to target your resume to the job you're looking for and remember to address the needs of the employer as closely as your skill set will allow. Use these tips and you'll definitely write an interview winning resume!

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Patricia Erickson is a certified professional resume writer and career coach who works with clients to develop high impact resumes and create step by step systems that get clients well ahead of their competition, in the door and hired. Go to Patricia's site at http://www.avitacareermanagement.com to claim your FR*EE Interview Fitness Toolkit and get a step ahead of your competition.

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