The Resume
Resumes are the first step on the path to a new opportunity. People who read resumes tend to have to read a lot of them, so it is important to be concise and to the point. In my mind, the purpose of the resume is to have enough "hooks" in it that will inspire the reader to want to speak with you. Ideally, the resume should be kept to two or three pages. If you have a lot to say, for example, engineers may have many projects they would like to include. This is where the addendum comes in.
It is a good idea to have your cover letter and resume focused toward the company and the position you are applying for. So now, let’s get to the heart of it.
THE COVER LETTER
Used correctly, the cover letter can be a very useful tool. Your resume would have a format outlining your career with employers, experiences, and so forth. However, you cannot put everything on two to three pages. Use the cover letter to emphasize those items which will directly address the company, and the position. Again, keep it succinct and to the point.
THE RESUME
There are many different points of view regarding how a resume should be developed. Let me reiterate, I am talking about my perspective on this issue.
I am not overly fond of objectives, since they tend to pigeon hole you. You say you want a sales position, but they see your resume and think - this person would be great as a project manager - but you said you wanted to be a salesman. You’d be happy in a project manager role, but you said you wanted sales, and that is that.
When I read a resume, I am looking for information - pure and simple. Here is a template of what I look for:
Name
Address
City, State Zip
Phones
Company A MM/YR to Present or MM/YR
City, State Zip
Title:
This is where you explain what the company does, products or machinery they produce and markets they serve. Now explain what your position responsibilities are and any relevant achievements.
In the case of showing multiple positions in a company to demonstrate your career progression, try this:
Company B MM/YR to Present or MM/YR (Total time with company)
City, State Zip
Title 1: MM/YR to Present
Company is a manufacturer of what they manufacture and markets they serve. Explain position responsibilities and achievements.
Title 2: MM/YR to MM/YR
Position responsibilities and achievements.
This format shows the time spent in each position as well as the total tenure with the Company.
Education:
Associations/Affiliations
THE ADDENDUM
The addendum is great when used properly. If you are an engineer with many projects, putting them in the resume is too cumbersome, and it makes it awkward for the intitial people reading your resume. You may list one or two projects, but then say “see Addendum”. When it gets to the Engineering Manager, that individual would be interested in seeing your projects.
This is also excellent for related additional information.