Your resume is a hardworking document – it’s part fact sheet and part marketing brief. It tells the story of your past while capturing the possibilities of your future. Often, though, I invite clients to think of their resume simply as their ticket to the interview.
In a competitive job search, your resume must be easy to understand, engaging, and persuasive. Here are three approaches to open your resume and capture your recruiter’s attention.
1. Profile Summary: The Executive Summary Approach
For those with a relatively linear path, and / or those wishing to customize a pitch for each application, a profile summary is powerful choice. This concise paragraph distils your professional essence into a few sentences, capturing your career identity and specializations, and allowing employers to grasp your value quickly.
2. Profile Highlights List: Show Your Breadth and Depth
For individuals with diverse experiences or varied skills, a profile highlights list is a strategic choice. This format allows you to bullet-point selected accomplishments, skills, or qualifications, demonstrating the breadth and depth in your professional background. A well-crafted list provides a clear and organized view of your strengths, making it easy for recruiters to see your multifaceted expertise at a glance.
3. Narrative: Tell Your Unique Story
For those wanting to play outside the box, or with an unconventional career journey, starting with a narrative can be highly effective. A brief, compelling paragraph that tells your story can convey your personality and help you stand out in a sea of conventional resumes.
Choosing the right approach depends on your career path, goals, and personal style. Whether you opt for a profile summary, a highlights list, or a narrative, starting your resume powerfully sets the tone for the rest of your application – and your entire job search.
