Creating a Resume and Cover Letter That Illustrate Your Value-Added Attributes
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Transcript of Creating a Resume and Cover Letter That Illustrate Your Value-Added Attributes
www.helblingsearch.com 724.935.7500Pi8sburgh
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GeFng recognized by prospecJve employers in today’s compeJJve employment market and internet‐based recruiJng environment can be difficult for many professionals. “Internet‐based recruiJng” encompasses job boards, web site posJngs, and applicaJon systems that companies uJlize to accept resumes. Digital recruitment has made the process impersonal, and the resume evaluaJon stage is no more than determining who can be “weeded out”. As a candidate, you must ensure that you create a resume and cover le8er that a8ract the a8enJon of a hiring manager. By properly highlighJng your value‐added a8ributes, you can increase your chances of entering the interview process.
Value‐added a8ributes are important to include in a resume because they illustrate the posiJve impact that you have made upon your previous employers. A prospecJve employer can then analyze those a8ributes to understand the immediate value that you can add to their company.
Specializing in retained execuJve search, we get exposed to a myriad of resumes that employ different styles which lead to varying levels of effecJveness. Outlined below are a few Jps for formaFng a resume that will earn a second look:
• Briefly state your long‐term career objecJve. This is essenJal knowledge for the hiring manager because it outlines specific career goals that you would like to pursue.
• It was once customary to limit your resume to 1 or 2 pages, but it has become acceptable to exceed that limit if the addiJonal informaJon provides value. Keep all of your sentences clear and concise.
• Highlight your strengths and experiences that will set you apart from others (value‐added a8ributes):‣ Specialized talents within your field of experJse
(i.e. “uJlizaJon of BIM in a healthcare seFng”).‣ The posiJve impacts that you have made on previous
employers. Focus on parJcipaJon in challenging projects or iniJaJves and the specific results achieved (use actual numbers or percentages in descripJons such as “increased revenues by 75% in 18 months”).
‣ Training seminars, conJnuing educaJon courses, and industry‐specific cerJficaJons such as LEED AP CerJficaJon, Professional Engineer license (PE), Project Management Professional (PMP), CerJfied Energy Manager (CEM), or CerJfied FaciliJes Manager (CFM). If you do not have cerJficaJons, consider the value of earning them.
‣ Marketable traits such as being a doer‐seller capable of performing dual roles (a big plus in today’s industry).
‣ Membership and parJcipaJon in industry‐specific organizaJons summarizing any board or commi8ee posiJons held.
In addiJon to highlighJng key points, it is essenJal to address the fundamentals of a well‐wri8en resume:
• Be as specific as possible with employment dates. For example, use 1/2008 – 6/2009 rather than 2008 – 2009. If there are gaps in your employment, be prepared to discuss the reasons. Do not leave any fact in quesJon for the hiring manager.
• Do not misrepresent yourself or your experience. More than ever, organizaJons conduct verificaJons regarding compensaJon packages, educaJon, and general background checks.
• Do not include personal informaJon that is unrelated to your skills. This informaJon simply takes up space.
Once you have mastered all of the above in your resume, you can then write a strong cover le8er that complements what you have outlined. Spend Jme doing your “due diligence” whether you have found a posiJon on the internet or if you have targeted organizaJons that you would like to work for.
• UJlize the Internet to gather valuable informaJon about the company: projects, specializaJon, clients, iniJaJves, execuJve team, and industry trends. Search for arJcles on the firm and its team members while also uJlizing social networking sites such as Facebook, Twi8er, and Linked‐In.
• Tailor your cover le8er to highlight your strengths as they relate to the company’s current projects and iniJaJves. This will display that you are truly interested in working for the organizaJon and confident in the value that you can provide.
The bo8om line is that employers want to see how you can add value to their company. They want to have a full understanding of your skil ls, capabiliJes, intellect, self‐moJvaJon, and determinaJon. You will be on your way to the interview stage if your resume and cover le8er reflect those qualiJes.
Creating a Resume and Cover Letter That Illustrate Your Value‐Added Attributesby Ryan Pugh and Sami Barry
‐ Ryan Pugh has been a Managing Consultant with Helbling & Associates since 2004 and Sami Barry joined the firm in 1994, shortly aFer its incepHon. ‐
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