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How to present your resume so that you will get an interview

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Jennifer Ksok Holladay, Ut, United States
What are some of the best resume format that you have looked at thought "I want to see more of this person"?  There such an art for creating one these days and I'm curious about the ones that have stood out for you.
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Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Jennifer, in my experience, the first page of your resume is the most important page and should include:

1) Professional Summary
2) Career Objective
3) Key Qualifications/Skills
4) Key Achievements (quantified achievements)

Normally these days, employers do look at the first page, then check your LinkedIn profile (make sure you have a good LI profile and it is consistent with your resume) and then will have a screening interview with the candidate.

If you are applying online, make sure your resume is ATS Compliant because the first layer of screening with be through AI, looking for certain key words to see if your resume is a match and then if so, it is sent to an actual human for review.

Hope this helps!
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Keith Novak Tukwila, Wa, United States
The most common mistake I see in resumes is just sending one generic version out to everyone. Often I question whether or not they even read the job description. Whenever I see complaints about someone sending out 100's of resumes and not getting one response, the shotgun approach is the suspected reason.

If you are going to put your entire career on your resume, it eventually gets too long to say much other than you have a long job history, and don't know how to summarize important information to make a point. Tailor the long version down to custom versions for individual job postings showing why you are a good fit for the job rather than having the reader try to piece it together (which they probably won't).br type="_moz"
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1 reply by Rami Kaibni
Jan 29, 2024 5:18 PM
Rami Kaibni
...
Keith, I might have a slightly different point of view. I do support having one version for the resume which includes all key features on the first page and summary of work experience on the following pages. I have 20 years of experience and my resume, all inclusive, is 4 pages and I can get it down to 3 if need be.

That said, what I normally recommend, is customizing the Cover Letter for each job you want to apply for and tailor it to show how your expertise is relevant to that role, and how you believe you can add value to the role and organization. This is much better in my opinion than having multiple versions of a resume.
avatar
Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Jan 29, 2024 5:09 PM
Replying to Keith Novak
...
The most common mistake I see in resumes is just sending one generic version out to everyone. Often I question whether or not they even read the job description. Whenever I see complaints about someone sending out 100's of resumes and not getting one response, the shotgun approach is the suspected reason.

If you are going to put your entire career on your resume, it eventually gets too long to say much other than you have a long job history, and don't know how to summarize important information to make a point. Tailor the long version down to custom versions for individual job postings showing why you are a good fit for the job rather than having the reader try to piece it together (which they probably won't).br type="_moz"
Keith, I might have a slightly different point of view. I do support having one version for the resume which includes all key features on the first page and summary of work experience on the following pages. I have 20 years of experience and my resume, all inclusive, is 4 pages and I can get it down to 3 if need be.

That said, what I normally recommend, is customizing the Cover Letter for each job you want to apply for and tailor it to show how your expertise is relevant to that role, and how you believe you can add value to the role and organization. This is much better in my opinion than having multiple versions of a resume.
...
1 reply by Keith Novak
Jan 29, 2024 6:08 PM
Keith Novak
...
Rami,
I agree that a cover letter is a good place to grab their attention and emphasize why the resume fits the job. however I often don't get the cover letters with the resumes I have to review. Some HR systems don't include them or at least don't pass them on to the hiring manager in which case the resume needs to stand on its own.

I don't create completely new resumes each time but I will take my long version, redline the parts that have no relevance and highlight the parts that best tell my story. For example in a large digital transformation project some prospective jobs might emphasize software implementation in general, others are more aligned with deeper knowledge the business situations using the software, and yet others the experience developing enterprise level training.

I've seen 10+ page resumes from PhDs with less than 10 years of work experience explained in glorious detail and if I have a large number of others review, I might skim a page or 2 before I toss them in the reject pile. The others are getting about 60-90 seconds for the initial screening review and I'm not going to spend 10 minutes for someone's autobiography in subjects unrelated to the job opening. It's like sitting through lengthy status reports with many pages of data, without actually making a point about why the audience cares.

Just my 2 cents.
Keith
avatar
Keith Novak Tukwila, Wa, United States
Jan 29, 2024 5:18 PM
Replying to Rami Kaibni
...
Keith, I might have a slightly different point of view. I do support having one version for the resume which includes all key features on the first page and summary of work experience on the following pages. I have 20 years of experience and my resume, all inclusive, is 4 pages and I can get it down to 3 if need be.

That said, what I normally recommend, is customizing the Cover Letter for each job you want to apply for and tailor it to show how your expertise is relevant to that role, and how you believe you can add value to the role and organization. This is much better in my opinion than having multiple versions of a resume.
Rami,
I agree that a cover letter is a good place to grab their attention and emphasize why the resume fits the job. however I often don't get the cover letters with the resumes I have to review. Some HR systems don't include them or at least don't pass them on to the hiring manager in which case the resume needs to stand on its own.

I don't create completely new resumes each time but I will take my long version, redline the parts that have no relevance and highlight the parts that best tell my story. For example in a large digital transformation project some prospective jobs might emphasize software implementation in general, others are more aligned with deeper knowledge the business situations using the software, and yet others the experience developing enterprise level training.

I've seen 10+ page resumes from PhDs with less than 10 years of work experience explained in glorious detail and if I have a large number of others review, I might skim a page or 2 before I toss them in the reject pile. The others are getting about 60-90 seconds for the initial screening review and I'm not going to spend 10 minutes for someone's autobiography in subjects unrelated to the job opening. It's like sitting through lengthy status reports with many pages of data, without actually making a point about why the audience cares.

Just my 2 cents.
Keith
...
1 reply by Rami Kaibni
Jan 29, 2024 6:25 PM
Rami Kaibni
...
I see what you're saying, Keith and I don't disagree with your perspective, its just a matter of preference. In my case it's probably a bit different as well, because all my work experience is related to Project and Construction Management. Maybe if someone has working experience in different industries or fields, then yes, they will need to highlight only what is relevant to that job posting and it shouldn't take lots of time and effort to tailor it.
avatar
Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Jan 29, 2024 6:08 PM
Replying to Keith Novak
...
Rami,
I agree that a cover letter is a good place to grab their attention and emphasize why the resume fits the job. however I often don't get the cover letters with the resumes I have to review. Some HR systems don't include them or at least don't pass them on to the hiring manager in which case the resume needs to stand on its own.

I don't create completely new resumes each time but I will take my long version, redline the parts that have no relevance and highlight the parts that best tell my story. For example in a large digital transformation project some prospective jobs might emphasize software implementation in general, others are more aligned with deeper knowledge the business situations using the software, and yet others the experience developing enterprise level training.

I've seen 10+ page resumes from PhDs with less than 10 years of work experience explained in glorious detail and if I have a large number of others review, I might skim a page or 2 before I toss them in the reject pile. The others are getting about 60-90 seconds for the initial screening review and I'm not going to spend 10 minutes for someone's autobiography in subjects unrelated to the job opening. It's like sitting through lengthy status reports with many pages of data, without actually making a point about why the audience cares.

Just my 2 cents.
Keith
I see what you're saying, Keith and I don't disagree with your perspective, its just a matter of preference. In my case it's probably a bit different as well, because all my work experience is related to Project and Construction Management. Maybe if someone has working experience in different industries or fields, then yes, they will need to highlight only what is relevant to that job posting and it shouldn't take lots of time and effort to tailor it.
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Nitin Chawde Senior Project Manager| Former- Honeywell Technology Solutions Lab. Pvt. Ltd. Pune, Maharastra, India
Jennifer, suggesting a two-page resume with following details.
1. Professional summary and Objective
2. Summary of qualifications
3. Key accomplishments
4. Professional experience
5. Functional / PM skills
6. Managerial / Soft Skill
7. Software Skills
8. Education and Certifications
9. Trainings and Workshops

Presenting your resume effectively for a Project Manager role involves highlighting your relevant experience, skills, and achievements in a clear, concise, and visually appealing format. Here are key strategies to enhance your resume:

Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description: Identify key skills and experiences listed in the job description. Customize your resume to reflect these, using similar language.

Professional Summary or Objective: Start with a brief summary or objective that clearly states your career goals and how they align with the role.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Focus on past project management experiences. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments in each role. Quantify achievements with metrics, like budget sizes, team sizes, or project durations.

Showcase Project Management Skills: Include a dedicated skills section. Highlight both hard skills (like Agile or Scrum methodologies, budgeting, risk management) and soft skills (like leadership, communication, problem-solving).

Education and Certifications: List your educational background and any relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2).
Use Action Words: Use strong action verbs like "led", "managed", "coordinated", and "implemented".

Project Highlights Section: Consider a separate section to showcase key projects you’ve managed. Describe the scope, your role, the outcome, and any specific challenges you overcame.

Professional Layout and Design: Ensure your resume is easy to read with a clean, professional layout. Use bullet points, bold headings, and consistent formatting. Keep the length to a maximum of two pages.

Include Keywords: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Include keywords from the job description to pass these systems.

Custom Cover Letter: Always send a tailored cover letter with your resume. Explain why you’re a good fit for this specific role and organization.

Online Presence: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and consistent with your resume. Consider including the LinkedIn URL on your resume.


Hope this will help....
...
1 reply by Booma Pugazhenthi
Jul 22, 2024 12:38 AM
Booma Pugazhenthi
...

Jennifer,
ATS-friendly resume is essential for passing automated screening processes. Here are some tips to create one:
Keyword Optimization:
Use Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description. These are specific terms or phrases that the ATS looks for.
Mirror Job Titles: If the job title in the description is “Project Manager,” use the same term in your resume rather than a variation like “PM.”
Skills Section: Create a separate section listing key skills (e.g., “Project Management,” “Agile,” “Budgeting”).
Formatting and Structure:
Simple Layout: Avoid complex formatting (tables, images, headers, footers). Use a clean, straightforward layout.
Standard Fonts: Stick to common fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) for easy readability.
No Headers or Footers: ATS systems may not read these.
Content Optimization:
Reverse Chronological Order: List work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
Quantify Achievements: Use numbers to quantify accomplishments (e.g., “Led a team of 10 to complete a $1M project ahead of schedule”).
Include Relevant Sections: Apart from work experience, include sections for education, certifications, and relevant projects.
File Format:
Save as Plain Text (TXT): ATS systems read plain text files best. Avoid PDFs or complex formats.
Avoid Headers and Footers: These can confuse the ATS.
Remember, an ATS-friendly resume is concise, keyword-rich, and well-organized. Tailor it to each job description, and you’ll increase your chances of getting noticed!

avatar
Booma Pugazhenthi Program Manager| United Nations
Feb 01, 2024 9:59 AM
Replying to Nitin Chawde
...
Jennifer, suggesting a two-page resume with following details.
1. Professional summary and Objective
2. Summary of qualifications
3. Key accomplishments
4. Professional experience
5. Functional / PM skills
6. Managerial / Soft Skill
7. Software Skills
8. Education and Certifications
9. Trainings and Workshops

Presenting your resume effectively for a Project Manager role involves highlighting your relevant experience, skills, and achievements in a clear, concise, and visually appealing format. Here are key strategies to enhance your resume:

Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description: Identify key skills and experiences listed in the job description. Customize your resume to reflect these, using similar language.

Professional Summary or Objective: Start with a brief summary or objective that clearly states your career goals and how they align with the role.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Focus on past project management experiences. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments in each role. Quantify achievements with metrics, like budget sizes, team sizes, or project durations.

Showcase Project Management Skills: Include a dedicated skills section. Highlight both hard skills (like Agile or Scrum methodologies, budgeting, risk management) and soft skills (like leadership, communication, problem-solving).

Education and Certifications: List your educational background and any relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2).
Use Action Words: Use strong action verbs like "led", "managed", "coordinated", and "implemented".

Project Highlights Section: Consider a separate section to showcase key projects you’ve managed. Describe the scope, your role, the outcome, and any specific challenges you overcame.

Professional Layout and Design: Ensure your resume is easy to read with a clean, professional layout. Use bullet points, bold headings, and consistent formatting. Keep the length to a maximum of two pages.

Include Keywords: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Include keywords from the job description to pass these systems.

Custom Cover Letter: Always send a tailored cover letter with your resume. Explain why you’re a good fit for this specific role and organization.

Online Presence: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and consistent with your resume. Consider including the LinkedIn URL on your resume.


Hope this will help....

Jennifer,
ATS-friendly resume is essential for passing automated screening processes. Here are some tips to create one:
Keyword Optimization:
Use Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description. These are specific terms or phrases that the ATS looks for.
Mirror Job Titles: If the job title in the description is “Project Manager,” use the same term in your resume rather than a variation like “PM.”
Skills Section: Create a separate section listing key skills (e.g., “Project Management,” “Agile,” “Budgeting”).
Formatting and Structure:
Simple Layout: Avoid complex formatting (tables, images, headers, footers). Use a clean, straightforward layout.
Standard Fonts: Stick to common fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) for easy readability.
No Headers or Footers: ATS systems may not read these.
Content Optimization:
Reverse Chronological Order: List work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
Quantify Achievements: Use numbers to quantify accomplishments (e.g., “Led a team of 10 to complete a $1M project ahead of schedule”).
Include Relevant Sections: Apart from work experience, include sections for education, certifications, and relevant projects.
File Format:
Save as Plain Text (TXT): ATS systems read plain text files best. Avoid PDFs or complex formats.
Avoid Headers and Footers: These can confuse the ATS.
Remember, an ATS-friendly resume is concise, keyword-rich, and well-organized. Tailor it to each job description, and you’ll increase your chances of getting noticed!

avatar
Sergio Luis Conte Helping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based Organizations Buenos Aires, Argentina
If you are searching for a work there is one and only one objective to achieve: getting the work interview. No more than that. With that said, there is two main ways to create your CV: 1-objective oriented. 2-work oriented. In my personal experience, including it the high use of AI based systems, objective oriented could give you the best results to achieve the objective. And take into account this: the only thing that matters is your last 10 years of experience.

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