Death of an Objective, Birth of a Headline

Just a short time ago, it was customary for your résumé to have a line towards the top that read something like: “OBJECTIVE: To obtain a position in customer service in which I can utilize my skills at an organization that facilitates innovation and growth”. 

Times have changed since then, and undoubtedly, so has the criteria that formulates an effective résumé.

The 21st century résumé has to survive the “10 second rule”.  In just a short time, the reader needs to see that you will add value to the organization.  If nothing jumps out at them, it’s likely to be lost in the black hole of résumés.  Starting with a generic objective doesn't excite anyone, but a compelling headline creates a hook that draws the reader in. 

A good headline emphasizes what the applicant has to offer by specifying a main core competency relevant to the intended position. 

Here are a few examples of powerful headlines:

*  Award-winning sales professional recognized as a top revenue producer

*  Diligent administrative assistant offering more than 5 years of providing daily operational support in a corporate environment

*  Recent MBA graduate with extensive background in sales and marketing

*  Talented customer service professional with demonstrated ability to build strong client relationships

Now that you have their attention, follow up with a strong set of accomplishments in a summary section that demonstrates why you are that super-star worker.  Make sure this section is results based and highlight contributions you have made to past employers. 

Not all job seekers use headlines, many people are still boring employers with cliché objectives and wondering why they aren’t getting any calls.  Objectives have not been completely wiped out, but they are dying a slow death.

20 Second Rule - What Employers Want to See in Your Résumé

Job searching today can be a daunting task.  With the use of advancing technologies in Human Resources systems, there may easily be thousands of applicants applying for the same position.  This makes it virtually impossible for employers to read them all within a reasonable time, so they end up scanning your résumé within 20 seconds and make a decision. 

Your goal is to catch their attention in a matter of seconds.

Include these components in your résumé, and you’ll be sure to grab the attention of hiring managers.

1.      First things first…your résumé must be aesthetically pleasing.  Having a clean, organized résumé is important.  If hiring managers find it difficult to read it, they probably won’t -- no matter how good the content.  At the same time, keep in mind that a résumé MUST be professional, so avoid bright colors, fancy fonts and fun graphics.   Also, stay away from templates.  They all look the same and lack originality.  You must show your uniqueness in order to stand out.

2.      Identify yourself.  An interested employer cannot contact you if they don’t know who you are. Missing or incorrect contact information is detrimental to your success.  It may seem obvious, but it happens. 

3.      Differentiate yourself.  A compelling headline large and centered at the top of the page will convey what job you are best suited for and what you have to offer.  It also defines your personal brand.

4.      Prioritize your information.  Highlight the most relevant information first.  Generally speaking, the further down the info is, the less likely it is to be read.  Place your most impressive accomplishments in a summary section towards the top after the headline.

5.      Meet the requirements.  Not only can you under qualify for a position; you can over qualify as well.  Employers strategically set requirements for a position for a reason.  They have already researched the skill-set and experience that will best fit the role in question, and that's what they are aiming to fill. 

Simply put, employers are just looking for the best fit.  Overall, your résumé is a marketing piece for your knowledge, skills and abilities.  Just like any other marketing document, it needs to attract its target audience in a very short amount of time.

Mini Résumé Cards – Don’t Get Caught Without Yours!

Have you ever been at a social gathering or other event and had a conversation similar to this:

“Hello, my name is Susie, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is mine Susie, I’m Joe.”

“So, what do you do Joe?”

“Well, I have been in the project management field for about 3 years, but my company just had a major downsize, so I am currently looking for a job.”

“Oh, really? My firm is hiring, do you have a résumé or a business card? I may be able to put in a good word for you in our HR department.”

At that moment...you freeze.

You don’t have a personal business card, and you don’t exactly walk around with an updated résumé in your pocket. You have nothing that shows your credentials…what do you do?

Mini résumé cards are an innovative way to market yourself as a job candidate. You can conveniently print key qualifications and career highlights on a standard sized business card and impress what could be your next boss! Take a few of them everywhere (networking events, job fairs, meetings, parties, weddings -- anywhere you could potentially meet someone new).

Résumé cards are relatively inexpensive. You can design and print your own through a Microsoft Word template or a business card design website such as VistaPrint. Some professional résumé writers such as Résumé-Evolution even offer personally designed mini résumé cards.

The key to job seeking is the ability to stand out. Handing over an ordinary business card with only contact information doesn’t say much to a potential employer. If you are in the market for a job, you should always be prepared; because you never know who you will meet.

Here’s how the conversation should have ended:

“As a matter of fact, I have my résumé cards right here. This is just a quick overview of the key accomplishments I have achieved as well as my areas of specialization and contact info.”

“Oh wow, very impressive Joe! I see that you have many skills that our firm could use, I’ll definitely have someone call you on Monday morning. Again, it was a pleasure to meet you.”