Careers expert Penelope Brown explains how to put together a perfect résumé.

The trick to the custom-tailored résumé is to compile a compendium that allows you to pull out specific elements easily. You then choose the appropriate 'pieces' for the position you seek. Begin by creating a résumé directory that includes a selection of files.

When it comes to pulling the pieces together for a prospective employer, the following is fundamental:

1. Label each résumé section clearly.
2. List your work history and education in reverse chronological order.
3. Be brief but upbeat.
4. Be honest - employers do check.
5. Do not use friends or co-workers as references.
6. Match the skills and details you highlight to the specific job requirements.

 
One more thing. If you are responding to an ad, match the résumé language to the language in the ad. For example, in the above ad, I've underlined important words you would use in your résumé.

Details make the difference

A memorable résumé is comprised of the following elements. Use them as section headings.

The Chronological Résumé needs:

1. An Opening called:
   • Objective, Career Objective or Employment Objective
   • Summary, Profile or Experience
2. Skills or Strengths
3. Work History or Employment History (describing responsibilities and using 2 or 3 bullets to note accomplishments)
4. Education and Continuing Education
5. Professional Affiliations
6. Community Affiliations
7. Special Interests
8. Special Achievements or Awards-if any
9. References — if you wish

The Functional Résumé needs:

1. An Opening called:
   • Objective, Career Objective or Employment Objective
   • Summary, Profile or Experience (highlighting skills or strengths)
2. Major Accomplishments (broken down into functional areas)
3. Work History
4. Education
5. Personal (Professional and Community Affiliations (if impressive) citizenship, marital status (if you wish)
6. References — if you wish

Select the appropriate combination from the above headings. If you decide to include a Reference section - and most résumés exclude it - it should simply read: available on request. That way, you are saving valuable space and creating an opportunity for the recruiter to speak to you directly. Plus, it allows you time to contact your references and remind them you are counting on their good word.

The opening

The opening may consist of two parts:

1. Objective
2. Summary.

These are two separate and concise sections devised to catch the reader's attention and to give the reader a reason to read.

The opening introduces you to the employer in a few, hard-hitting words that make a strong, positive impact. When the opening is solid, the reader reads on; if it is weak, your résumé may be discarded immediately.

The best objective statement ties your talents directly to the job you seek. So while you will have two or three or five of these openings stored in your compendium for easy access, you will change the words and details to fit the job opportunity. A good objective paragraph has three parts:

• title or function of the position you seek
• skills you bring to the position
• benefit of those skills to the reader's organisation.

Here are some examples of good objective paragraphs.

Objective
Position as Human Resources Manager using my proven talent as a superior trainer and course developer to take a leading role in the design and delivery of new corporate training initiatives.

Career Objective
Senior medical researcher in a stimulating, research-oriented pharmaceutical environment where I can apply my analytical and team-working abilities to the research and development of new products.

Below is an example of a good summary paragraph.

Summary
A senior consultant with extensive experience in the design, marketing and sales of innovative software products. A proven leader in the field, my track record includes successful projects in analysis, planning, design and implementation of cutting-edge products.

Of course, electronic résumés follow a different set of rules. We'll explore scannable and keyword résumés in the next article, Effective electronic résumés.

Sample Chronological Résumé

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WALTER SMITHE
Leidsekade 97
9617 PN Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 555 3010 Fax: +31 20 555 3056

EMPLOYMENT OBJECTIVE:
Position as Human Resources Manager, where I can use my unique skill set to take a leading role in the design and roll-out of quality training initiatives.

WORK HISTORY: May 1994 - Present: Independent Human Resources Consultant

Consult to a broad variety of multi-national private and public sector organizations. Responsibilities include consulting on human resources needs; analysis of training needs; design and presentation of customized in-house skills seminars; design and delivery of train-the-trainer programs; implementation and rollout of a multiplicity of OD initiatives.

Consulting and "hands-on" training experience include projects in customer service, managing change, team building, performance management, the learning organization, leadership and coaching skills.

1989 - 1994 Manager, Training and Development, Superstar Packaging Company

• identified the skills required for success at Superstar Packaging
• improved the quality and delivery of skill development seminars by linking skills to business planning and Total Quality Improvement iniatives
• enhanced group dynamics by implementing annual strategic planning groups and establishing a standing committee for crisis intervention
• provided leadership to management; designed Superstar's first strategic HRD plan
• introduced over 200 different training programs to the company
• introduced professional skills and training strategies to managers across the US

ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Designed and introduced a complete Human Resources Management System
• Successfully implemented a Quality Circle Program
• Launched a successful quarter by quarter growth profile
• Implemented field level forecasting system
• Instrumental in affecting $3,000,000 in Federal support of training initiatives

EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Arts: University of Atlanta, 1982-1985
Post-Graduate: Ongoing skills development in HRD; the NTL Institute; University of Miami

SPECIAL SKILLS: Published writer and experienced speaker; frequent presenter at international Human Resources Conferences including the American Society of Training and Development.

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Traditional Résumé

Do NOT Use	DO Use
text only	pretty layout, graphics, tables and visuals, appealing fonts
courier font	bolds, italics, underlines and attractive fonts (but no more than two)
several pages	one page goal, two pages for long work history, three pages max for executive level
buzzwords, industry jargon and acronyms	strong action verbs

Subject: Expat career tips