Resumes: It IS all about you! A Transition Assistance Webinar

Agenda Goals of this webinar Types of resumes Resume basics – theory and practice Components of an effective resume Key takeaways and next steps

What’s in it for you? After this class you should be able to: Write a 3 dimensional resume Understand what makes you different Present only those things that are important to you and the reader

Types of resumes Chronological - we will focus on this type Functional Combination

You are a “human being” not just a “human doing” Theory Tell your story You are a “human being” not just a “human doing” Just listing responsibilities is not enough Accomplishments set you apart

How recruiters read resumes In 30 seconds a recruiter will Look at your name Read your summary statement Jump down to the education Jump up to the experience Look at your employers Check you dates of employment Read the first entry Skim the rest… Target sections to read in greater detail

The Basics Your resume will NOT get you a job….what it will get you is an invitation to the conversation that will get you the job Write for the reader Use the “perfect” job description as a guide - Key in on key words “If you don’t write it, they can’t read it!”

Before you write Know where you are going Pull two or three job descriptions that look great They can be actual positions you apply for or Positions that might be out of your area They should be relatively detailed “Reverse engineer” how you get the responsibilities accomplished

A Few Pointers Focus on the past 10 years - Write less about the experience before that No pronouns Make sure you don’t crowd the page but don’t have too much white space If you have something to say, two pages (sometimes three) are ok!

Primary Elements Page layout and design Contact information Summary statement Chronology of work experience Accomplishments for each position Education and Certification Professional Memberships / Affiliations / Civic

Contact Your name City and state but NOT your street address Professional email One phone number Link to your social media profiles (LinkedIn, Twitter)

Summary Statement Four or five sentences that give a brief overview of you as a professional Includes a “Known For” statement Shows value to an employer – the ‘WIFM?’ answer Industries, etc Keyword list – hot skills, areas of expertise

Summary statement example An accounting professional with over 10 years of experience in both public accounting and industry. Proven track record of working on multiple projects simultaneously while bringing them in on time and under budget. Known for the ability to pick up chaotic projects mid-stream and provide order. Experience in several industries including healthcare, entertainment and high tech. Expertise includes: Relationship management Staff development IFRS GAAP Risk Finance transformation

Work experience What you include: Chronology of job / employers / titles Responsibilities ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

Accomplishments How big or how small? What skills did you use? Listening Influence Teaching Delivering tough messages What is the reader looking for?

Accomplishments Structure What was the situation What did you do about it What was the result Without the result, a reader can say “so what?” Where possible, LEAD with the result

Sample Accomplishments Identified a gap between what a stakeholder was asking for and what was realistically deliverable. Worked with the stakeholder by asking a series of probing and clarifying questions to redefine the assignment and set expectations. Presentation was delivered with few changes required and on time. Provided $525K in savings and 20% productivity enhancement as lead process improvement manager for 15 member IT executive team focused on redesign of IT project planning and resource forecasting procedures. Built consensus amongst differing opinions and led change management communications.

What’s your opinion? Which accomplishment is more compelling to you? Reduced processing time by 80% for $2B global SEC client’s Sales & Use tax returns by leading cross-functional team of 5 to standardize disparate legacy billing systems and outsource tax reporting Led team to assist client in re-designing Sales & Use tax return process

Education and Certification Degrees If AA and BA/BS consider leaving AA off Post baccalaureate programs Continuing education

Professional Memberships and Affiliations Professional societies Community work Volunteer activities

What does not go on your resume Personal identifying information i.e. SSN Age or Date of birth Marital status Race Religion

How to scale it back If you have too much information: Make sure everything is unique – don’t repeat responsibilities Consider dropping the content but not the employer and job title from your earliest experiences Work with a coach to tighten up the language

Take Away Two pages, if you have unique information, are ok! Accomplishments with results will set you apart Each time you send a resume, make sure you include only information the reader is interested in based on the posting – -Key in on ‘key words’ Recommended reading: Brag! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn without Blowing It by Peggy Klaus

What’s next? Find “perfect” job descriptions Identify technical skills and soft skills to be used Choose several stories that highlight these skills Write out your stories in detail Work with your coach to refine and incorporate your accomplishments Don’t forget to read it out loud so that you “hear” what the reader is reading

Transition Assistance site More resources on the Transition Assistance site: transitionassistance.deloitte.com