Resume Advice: Your Gateway to the Interview Room

Posted on August 08, 2024

As a recruiter in the building materials industry, I get asked the same question, over and over again.  “How should I format my resume?”

Here is the secret sauce and I would invite you to share with anyone who is looking for a job.  When it comes to landing your dream job, look at your resume as the back cover of a paperback novel.  If you can write a good resume similarly, you can drastically change the way your seen by potential employers and improve the responses to your application. Just like the back cover of a book entices readers to shell out $24 and delve into its pages, your resume should be concise, and impactful, and compel the reader to take action by inviting you in for an interview. Understanding the hiring process is also crucial, as your resume must engage different audiences at various stages.

Short and Compelling Resume Writing Tips

Imagine your resume as the condensed version of a captivating novel, where every word counts and every sentence holds weight to keep your resume concise. Just as a back cover offers a glimpse into the essence of a book, your resume should provide a snapshot of your professional journey, highlighting your key achievements and skills concisely. Including relevant skills that match the job description can make you stand out to employers. It has to scream that you are someone who gets things done, makes an impact, and builds teams to do the same. If your resume reads like a job description, you are going to bore the reader and remain on the shelf. Nothing compelling means no one worth talking to. Your resume needs to say, “I am someone you need to meet!”

Results-Driven Narratives for Job Seekers

It’s about what you accomplished, not a list of duties and responsibilities. To write a list of duties and responsibilities, typically done by a sales manager, for example, and skip past what you accomplished is short-selling yourself and failing to highlight your relevant qualifications.

In the world of novels, readers are drawn in by the promise of an engaging plot or intriguing characters. We want to see the hero win. Similarly, hiring managers are captivated by candidates who can demonstrate their impact on the bottom line of the companies they’ve worked for. It is crucial to emphasize results and impacts rather than just responsibilities. Your resume should not merely list job duties but showcase tangible accomplishments or contributions that showcase your ability to drive success. Be the hero!

Inviting the Hiring Manager In

The ultimate goal of a back cover is to convince the reader to buy the book and immerse themselves in its story. Likewise, job seekers should aim to persuade the reader—the hiring manager—to invite them in for an interview. By crafting a compelling narrative of your achievements and showcasing how you can add value to a prospective employer, you create a compelling case for why you should be considered for the role.

Crafting Your Story for a Good Resume

Just as a skilled novelist carefully constructs each sentence to evoke emotion and intrigue, you must craft your resume with precision and purpose, treating it as a strategic marketing document. Highlighting your accomplishments in a way that resonates with the reader, and using quantifiable metrics to underscore your impact, will elevate your resume from a mere list of experiences to a compelling narrative that demands attention. Hiring people who are looking for impact players, show your stats!

In the art of job hunting, your resume serves as your gateway to the interview room—the place where your story truly unfolds. By treating your resume as the back cover of a paperback novel, you can transform it into a powerful marketing tool that compels hiring managers to take action and invite you to share your story in person. Showcasing your soft skills through concrete examples and measurable results can significantly enhance your resume’s appeal. Remember, just like a well-written novel entices readers to invest in its pages, your resume should inspire employers to invest in your potential.

So, what’s your next chapter going to be?