Unfocused content, outdated format result in low score
Dear Sam: I need help with my resume, and I don’t know where to start. To me, on a scale of 1 to 10, my resume is a 5. I know that I have experience for most front-desk jobs, but I just do not know how to get the companies’ attention with my resume. I really appreciate any and all the advice you can give me. — Kenisha
Dear Kenisha: I am so glad you sent me your resume. In its current format, I know hiring managers will not be able to see the skills you possess and the duties you know you can perform.
In terms of a score, I would only rate it as a 2, I’m afraid. I only tell you this so you can see the level of improvement available and how your job-search results could dramatically change if you take advantage of the opportunity to improve your resume. The sky is the limit!
Here are the top problems I see:
➤ A lack of focus does not allow others to see who you are.
You must create a target and a theme, and follow them from the top to the bottom of your resume. Opening with an objective statement only tells an employer what you want, not what you can do for them. Change the focus, and use the top of your resume to highlight your front-desk skill set, focusing on your administrative and customer-service experience and strengths.
Did you know you only have about four seconds to grab readers’ attention while they scan your resume? In those ever-so-critical seconds you must engage the reader’s attention, show what you can do for the company and present the reasons that you are a well-qualified candidate. In a candidate-saturated market, you must use the most important space on your resume — the qualifications summary — to present your differentiating factors.
➤ Your education section is in the wrong place.
You are not a recent graduate; therefore, your education should be the last thing presented on your resume.
Actually, since your education section only notes that you graduated from high school, you may want to omit it completely. Instead of telling prospective employers that you have a high school diploma, it tells them that you do not have a college degree.
➤ The formatting is outdated, and it doesn’t support your claims.
As a front-desk professional, one would expect a certain level of technology savviness. Be sure your formatting does not counter this claim with a lackluster, unprofessional appearance.
➤ The content of the professional-experience section underestimates your value.
Explore your work experiences fully — two-word bullet points about your duties do not carry value. In addition, writing about your experience provides you with the opportunity to highlight your written communication skills.
I know you can have a great resume, and I hope these tips help you present the best YOU to potential employers.