Top 3 Resume Frustrations

 

I’m going to kick off my Frustrated Job Seeker Series with my top three resume frustrations.

All job seekers should have resumes that highlight your professional experience, skills, education, accomplishments and other qualifications. As a previous human resources professional with recruitment experience and great writing skills, why is it so hard to craft a document that will get past applicant tracking systems and into the hands of recruiters?

I have two thoughts on this.

First, the recruitment process has become more automated since I left HR. Resumes were still being read by people. Applicants were still able to talk to people.  People were still in the process.

Here’s the second thing. You have to use words and phrases that are included in the job posting throughout your resume to past these electronic gatekeepers. To find out which keywords you are already using and ones you need to use, check out jobscan.co.

While the keyword search requires a little work, it’s not the worst part of the process. Allow me to elaborate on my frustrations.

Top 3 Resume Frustrations

Frustration #1: Resumes Types

There was a time when there were only two types of resumes – chronological and functional. Each of them had an easy-to-follow format. On a chronological resume, your jobs are listed in date order with the most recent at the top. Functional resumes focus on your skills first, followed by employers and dates of employment.

Last month, I watched a webinar that introduced the chrono-functional resume. First, you list your skills. Then, you add your employers and dates of employment. Third, you write one or two sentences about each position and then bullet-point two to three accomplishment under each.

Uh, when did that option come to life and how long has it been around? How many others appeared over the years?

Since the number of resume types has grown, how do you know which one to use? The best advice I have is to research resume examples in your industry and profession and go with the one you like best.

I’m now going to discuss my second frustration: format.

Frustration #2: Resume Format

Things would be easier if there was a “standard” format for each of the resume types mentioned. Since there isn’t, follow the advice I gave in the previous section (which was given to me by several hiring professionals). Research resume examples in your industry and profession, pick one you like and do you.

Next is my third and final resume frustration: opinions about content.

Frustration #3: Opinions About Resume Content

Nearly every HR recruiter and staffing agency recruiter I’ve spoken to have different opinions about what should be included on resumes and the order it should be in.

According to the webinar instructor, your document should include the following sections, if applicable: profile, core competencies, experience, education, professional development, volunteer, additional leadership, and early experience. I’ve read articles that advised adding branding elements and testimonials.

Here’s what’s interesting and frustration, very few people emphasized computer skills, which may put you above the competition. Also, because everyone told me to do something different in the way of content or organization, I’ve revised mine at least five times this year.

Now, do you understand my frustration with opinions about resume content?

I recently had a meeting with a career counselor and was reminded that opinions are like belly buttons – everyone has one. So, when you need feedback, ask a few people and expect different opinions. But do not change your resume with each suggestion. You’ll be frustrated just like I was.

Resume Success Tips

Base on conversations with recruiters, feedback from professionals who have reviewed my resume and research, here are things to keep in mind about resumes.

• It should between one and two pages.
• It should include up to 10 years of work experience. If this doesn’t apply to you, don’t sweat it.
• Staffing agency recruiters prefer chronological documents with months and year of employment. For example, they want to see 3/2010 to 8/2015 instead of 2010 to 2015.
• Include keywords relevant to your industry and profession throughout your resume based on the job posting.
• Include volunteer and community service; positions held in volunteer organizations; computer skills; languages spoken; and any other skill, activity or qualification that applies to the position for which you’re applying.
• It should closely match the job posting, which means you may have to create a different resume for each position you’re applying for.
• You should have a resume for each type of job for which you’re applying. For example, I have one for training, one for writing resume and a general one.
• Include your advanced degrees even if you’re applying for lower-level positions.

Wrapping Up

You will be tempted to change your resume every time you get a different opinion about the type, format or content. Don’t do it. Remember: research resume examples in your industry and profession, pick one you like and do you.

What About You?

What are some of your resume frustrations? How did you overcome them?

 

Image credit: Pixabay