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

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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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!”

8. 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

9. 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!

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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

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

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

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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

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

20. Professional Memberships and Affiliations
Professional societies Community work Volunteer activities

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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

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