Our resume services are available
when you are ready to get started. Just visit our resume
services page for more information. With our flexible services you’ll
surely find one that fits your particular needs.
In the meantime, read through this page to gain valuable information on resume
writing and then take our resume quiz.
Afterward, if you have any questions you can either email us at
evaluation@careerstrides.com or visit our contact
us page to submit an inquiry.
A Professional Resume You Can Count On
Your resume must answer the “why” question because employers are going
to ask it over and over again. They will want to know…
Why does this candidate want to work for our company?
Why is this candidate better than the rest?
Why is this candidate worth interviewing?
Many people are under the misconception that the resume's only purpose is to land
interviews. Though that may be the initial purpose of the resume, it does serve a
much larger role throughout the job process.
When written strategically, your resume will…
- Deliver a solid first impression
In most cases, the employer will have only your resume to evaluate your job performance.
Your resume should position you as the best candidate for the job.
- Set the agenda for the interview
If your resume is written correctly, the interviewer will use it as a springboard
for asking interview questions.
- Serve as a reminder
Once the interview is over, the hiring manager has his or her notes and your resume
as a reminder of your qualifications. While you don't have control over what the interviewer
decides to write, you do have control over what is written in your resume. For the
most part, the resume may be your last word.
If you have attempted to write your own resume, you can attest to the fact that
resume writing isn’t as easy as it looks. Resume writing is a skill that takes
practice, specialized knowledge, business sense, and strong writing ability.
This is precisely the reason why we have Nationally Certified Resume Writers on
staff. The certification acts as your “security blanket” in knowing that
you have access to a professional writer who can help present your skills to best
advantage.
Take a hard, honest look at how you present your qualifications on paper. Does
your resume showcase who you are and what you can do for a company? Or does it shortchange
your abilities?
When your resume goes knocking on an employer's door,
what is it saying about you?
Not sure how to answer that key question? Take our resume test below!
Afterward, you can visit our resume services
page and choose from one of our three flexible options.
HOW DOES YOUR RESUME STACK UP?
PART ONE: The Questions Your Resume Must Answer
Long gone are the days when simply writing job descriptions was enough to get you
in the door. Today's resume must answer the following key questions for an employer.
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Resume Score Card
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1.
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Does this candidate have the experience, skill, and knowledge needed to perform
this specific job as we've specified it with little or no training?
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Yes
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No
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2.
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Will the candidate be able to make an immediate contribution to the organization
in this specific job?
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Yes
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No
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3.
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Is the candidate going to easily fit into the current organizational
structure?
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Yes
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No
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4.
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Will the candidate be able to make a smooth transition into their current role?
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Yes
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No
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If you have 3 NO answers, we can help!
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PART TWO: Common Resume Mistakes
Employers use your past successes as a gauge for future success on the job. If
you do not properly identify your qualifications, experiences, and talents, your resume
will be generic. It will not hold the interest of an employer since it will look like
everyone else's resume.
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Resume Mistakes
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1.
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Weak Introduction or Profile
Your resume must lead with your strengths because employer will read the top summary
section first and then decide whether to read further. Don't save the best for the
middle of the resume. Provide a clear and concise profile (or objective) statement
that entices the reader to look carefully over your qualifications.
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Yes
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No
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2.
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Lacks Punch
Providing a dull list of your work history and job responsibilities is a
major mistake. The resume should be packed with statements that demonstrate both actions
and results. That is what is going to make your resume stand out from the other candidates.
Two Strong Examples:
1. Delivered an increase of 37% in profit margin and landed 3 major accounts,
two of which were Fortune 500 companies.
2. Transitioned 5,000+ general ledger accounts to new GL application; converted
erroneous key fields in entire database, resulting in time and cost savings.
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Yes
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No
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3.
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Length: too short or too long
The length of a resume is always a controversial issue. Some people swear by a one-page
resume while others like to provide their life history. The answer lies somewhere
in the middle and truly depends on your situation. The resume should be as short as
you can make it, and long enough to provide enough relevant information to encourage
the reader to immediately call you for an interview. If this means that your resume
is two or more pages that is O.K. as long as all the information on the resume is
relevant to your job objective.
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Yes
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No
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4.
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Full of mistakes, typos and poor formatting
If your resume is sloppy, what does that say about the quality of your work?
Relying on spell check can be a disaster: it will approve "manger" when
you mean "manager." If the writing is weak and format inconsistent, jumbled
or crowded, it sends a negative message about your ability to deliver top-quality
work.
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Yes
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No
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If you have 4 YES answers, we can help!
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PART THREE: What most job seekers tell themselves
When resume writing, most jobseekers tell themselves and others many fallacies
about resume-writing and how it will impact their job search.
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Do you tell yourself the following?
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1.
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"The hiring manager is familiar with my job responsibilities.
I don't have to spell it out for them."
It may be true that the employer knows the responsibilities of your job, but
they are not aware of your specific and diverse achievements and the key attributes
that separate you from every other qualified candidate applying for the job.
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Yes
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No
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2.
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"Once I get the interview, I will be able to demonstrate why I
am the best candidate for the position."
One of the purposes of your resume is to win job interviews. If you fail to sell yourself
before the interview, you will not get the chance for a one-on-one meeting.
Employers use your past successes as a gauge for future ones. If you do not properly
identify your qualifications, experiences, and talents, your resume will be generic
and will not hold the interest of an employer.
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Yes
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No
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3.
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"I can do a lot of things for this company, so I won't focus my
resume on just one position since it might limit me."
An unfocused resume sends a very clear message: that the writer is unfocused
about their career. It also states that you can't make a decision, and that you don't
have any strong passion for your career. It definitely can't be considered a job proposal
for a specific position.
Remember, your resume is competing with others who really want the specific position
you are trying to get, and their resumes will prove they want it and can do it.
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Yes
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No
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If you have 3 YES answers, we can help!
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How Did You Do?
Trying to write your own resume can be tricky. Jumping from one format to another
and tweaking words here and there is a good way to spend lots of valuable time and
achieve little in return.
If your resume needs help, visit our services page.
We offer affordable, flexible prices: Unlike other services,
we don't offer "canned" price lists. Your project is given thoughtful consideration
and we develop a customized price for the services
you need.
Want more information? Use our contact
us form or visit our services
page to make sure your resume passes with flying colors!
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The CareerStrides Difference
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Your own virtual career professional at your service:
All our services are provided by certified career professionals. We're at your disposal
via phone, fax, email, and mail! Get a Comprehensive
Resume Evaluation today!
Affordable, flexible prices: Unlike other resume writer services
and career firms, we don't offer "canned" price lists. Your project is given
thoughtful consideration and we develop a customized price for the services you need.
Take our Resume Quiz for starters!
Expertise in all career areas: We aren't just a resume-writing
service. CareerStrides offers assistance in all phases of your career: from
career coaching to interview coaching, from the start through the end of your job
search process, and into your next position.
Visit our job search tools section to get a jump
start on your career today.
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