Electronic Resumes: Changing the Face of Competition

Seth G. Acosta, M.S.

Senior Rehabilitation Consultant

The Sierra Group, Inc.

sethacosta@thesierragroup.com

610-992-0288 Ext. 113

Trends

Open Market is Growing

• Accessibility / Increased Competition

Electronic Filter are Increasing

• Resumes are Filtered – Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Increased Importance on Profiles

Solution

• Know How and Why these electronic filters occur….
• Structure your Profile and Resume accordingly…

Uncomfortable Facts

• 86% are never seen
• SHRM - 90% on Page 1
• 4 Second Rule
• Electronic job-boards require follow-up

Profile Keys

• Title – focused on Goal

• Desired Compensation – know your geography
• Distance willing to travel – know what’s expected
• Certificates and Credentials – what do others have?

Key Elements to any Resume

• Contact Info
• Objective/Professional Summary
• Summary of Skills
• Work Experience
• Education/Certifications/Professional Affl.

Contact Information

• Who you are?
• How can you be contacted?

Nothing More!!!

An Objective

• Should be as Specific as Possible
• Will Change from Job to Job
• Must flow with the Balance of the Resume
• Should Never Specify a Desired Salary
• Never uses (I, Me, or My)
• Does Not End with a Period

Summary of Skills

• Displays Competencies
• Demonstrates Your Unique Qualities
• Shows Employers Successful Accomplishments

• Uses phrases such as, “as demonstrated through ” and/or “as shown by”

• Never Touches More than 3 Points

Work History

• Demonstrates Previous Vocational Experience
• Illustrates an Extended Work Capacity
• Shows Historical Success
• Inspires Employer Trust

Education

• Includes and formal and informal studies
• Includes any certifications or designations

Chronological Resume

• Key Concepts
• Strong Focus on Time
• Demonstrates Professional/Educational Progress
• Centers on Past Achievements and Experiences
• Fact-Based Narrative

Functional Resume

• Keys Concepts
• Ability and Skills Driven
• Ignores Chronological Order
• Focuses on Future Rather than Past Experience
• Caters to Employers’ needs

Resume Electronic Trends

Always Use

• Bullet Points
• Key Words / Spatial Significance (i.e. Full-time)

• Include: Numerical Facts and Technological Language (i.e. C++)

Resume Electronic Trends

Never Use

• “I”, “We”, “Our”, “My”
• Underline
• Clichés – (i.e. Work well with others…)
• References – “Furnished Upon Request”

Resources

• http://online.onetcenter.org/
• http://www.shrm.org/Pages/default.aspx
• www.cwds.state.pa.us/

• www.onemoreway.org

Questions???