Career Counselor Robin Ryan Articles

Everyone knows they need a powerful and strong resume, yet many people fail in their efforts to create one. You’ll never get an interview if your resume doesn’t sell your accomplishments. The technique I’ve used for years, and hiring managers absolutely love, is the Summary of Qualifications, so be sure you incorporate a summary into your resume. If you need help checkout my “Winning Resumes” book, or call for my resume writing service and we’ll do it together.

Happy job hunting! –RR

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One Resume Technique to Make You Stand Out

by Robin Ryan

A Human Resources Manager, working at a Fortune 500 company, asked for my help in writing her resume. She told me: “Thousands of resumes have passed through my hands but when it comes to writing my own I have a difficult time doing it.” She isn’t alone in her concerns. Most people find resume writing challenging. A resume is nothing more than a slick piece of advertising, but an important piece, especially in today’s job market.

Employers report that most resumes get only a 15-20 second glance. If you don’t capture the reviewer’s attention and interest quickly they will pass you by and call in someone else for the interview.

There is one effective technique that you can use that dramatically improves your resume. In our national survey of 600 hiring managers, the overwhelming majority said the most important part of your resume is the Summary of Qualifications section. Employers reported that this was one of the very first areas they read and when the summary demonstrates solid ability to perform the job it catches their attention and they slow down and give the applicant more careful consideration.

Hiring managers also reported only about 5% of resumes received contained this key section, and I never write a resume without it. It’s just too powerful to leave out. This section usually consists of four to six sentences that present an overview of your experience, accomplishments, talents, work habits and skills. Think of it as a mini-outline of you; a highly influential summation of the specifics you bring to the job.

Here is a good example from one of the resumes I wrote for a client:

Summary of Qualifications

Proven track record serving as corporate counsel with eight years dealing with intellectual property and partnerships in a global environment. Responsible for negotiating a broad range of legal matters including: copyright and trademark protection, contract negotiations, compliance, and litigation. Led legal team in completing sophisticated joint venture negotiations that delivered millions of dollars to the company's bottom line. Recognized for superior problem solving, project management, relationship building, and strategic planning skills.

It’s easy to see by reading this brief summary how this candidate is qualified to perform as a corporate attorney. Indeed, she got several interviews and accepted a Fortune 100 company’s offer, which included a very significant salary raise and signing bonus.

The Summary of Qualifications, which speaks volumes by consolidating the best you have to bring to the job, really makes you stand out and pulls the employer in for a closer look. Be sure that your resume has this essential section. It comes right after your name, address and career objective. One caution – employers complain that many people lie on their resume. Exaggeration! Misrepresentation! LYING is a deadly error. Don’t do it! Employers do more background checks now than ever before so when you get caught, and sooner or later you will get exposed, you’ll likely be fired. Only solid facts and verifiable experience should highlight your experience and accomplishments.

Need more assistance? Robin is available to help you achieve your goals and dreams with individual career counseling. Click here to learn more.

Robin Ryan has appeared on Oprah and Dr. Phil and is considered to be America’s top career coach. Robin has a busy career counseling practice providing individual career coaching, resume writing services, interview preparation, salary negotiations, and outplacement to clients nationwide. She is the best-selling author of : "60 Seconds & You're Hired!," "Soaring On Your Strengths," "What to Do With the Rest of Your Life," "Winning Resumes," and "Winning Cover Letters." A dynamic national speaker, Robin has spoken to over 1200 audiences sharing her insights on how to improve their lives and obtain greater success. Contact Robin at: 425.226.0414, or email: robin@robinryan.com, or visit her website: http://www.robinryan.com

Reprints release: Newspapers, magazines, online websites are granted permission to reprint this in part or whole but are required to credit the author including author's bio, book credits, and include author's website information (with link if online); PLUS email author at robin@robinryan.com and state when and where reprint publication will occur. Questions: contact author at robin@robinryan.com or 425.226.0414.