How do I Write a Job-Winning Resume?

The 15-second review

Employers are likely to spend only about 10-20 seconds on the initial pass. Your objective is to capture his/her attention while encouraging a more in-depth reading. This can be a valuable guide when deciding what to include in the summary and what to eliminate: Will it have enough impact to pass this rule?

The basic elements of an effective resume will include:

• A clean, visually appealing appearance that invites tired eyes to read.
• A dynamic and powerful summary of qualifications that targets the position requirements.
• Accomplishments emphasized in the initial summary and/or work history.
• Keywords and phrases appropriately placed throughout the document.
• A strong, well-written work history that highlights the last 10-15 years; earlier positions may be included in condensed fashion unless the skills are particularly relevant to your current goals.
• A section highlighting education, professional development (workshops, seminars, or other training that relates to your job goal), and other relevant certifications, publications, etc.
• Depending on your level, field, and goals, a table or list of specific technical skills may prove beneficial.

Summary of qualifications

Think of this as the “headline” to the “advertisement” that will “sell” you to the employer. Select your top skills, abilities, and strengths while ensuring they pertain directly to the type of job you are pursuing.

While it is critical to align your qualifications with the type of positions you are pursuing, quality of the writing is important, too. Write concisely, and write well. Keep in mind that while the language should be strong, sentence fragments are standard practice for resumes; however, cover letters need to be complete sentences (i.e., in first-person narrative form).

Work history

If you have a resume that details every job you have held beginning in high school, it will be a relief to know you may be able to eliminate them and free up a great deal of space for important information. You want to include information that demonstrates your strengths and illustrates your track record utilizing skills relevant to your job target. Positions you have held during the last 10-15 years are considered the most important unless you are a Senior Executive and you need to show a more complete career track. Sometimes earlier positions can be included in a block of additional experience.

It is important to be concise and pointed. Back up the statements made in the summary of qualifications with information that demonstrates how you used your skills and how they benefited your previous employers. Here, too, it is vital to remember your target, choosing and arranging information so that it will highlight your most relevant abilities and background.

Check out our CTO's interview with BNET!

CyberCoders has landed in Texas!

Dallas, TX, December 16, 2008: CyberCoders is expanding globally as many of our clients see the current economic conditions as a time to gain market share and recruit amazing employees. In order to assist companies who are hiring in Texas, we have just opened our first regional office in the Dallas - Fort Worth (DFW) area!

Executive Recruiter, Vahid Behzadi, is now heading the charge into the Lone Star State. Dallas - Ft. Worth is home to many exciting opportunities as it is the home of many ground breaking companies in technology, finance, healthcare, engineering and architecture; as well as a strong start up community. Even though CyberCoders is just now putting an office in Texas, we have recruited professionals for Austin, Houston and Dallas (DFW) for years using our network of over 8 million candidates and website which receives thousands of applications from qualified job seekers every day. CyberCoders - Texas will be providing the excellent service that has separated the House of CC from its competitors for the last 8 years.

• Vahid Behzadi, Executive Recruiter, CyberCoders - Texas

• 1400 Preston Road, Suite 400 Plano, TX

• Phone:972-665-9794

• Phone: 949-333-3358

• Fax 949-885-5150

iPhone winner announced!

Congratulations to our iPhone winner - Chris Wilkinson of Stickman Entertainment!  Enjoy your new toy, Chris!

Thank you to everyone that stopped by the CyberCoders cabana at Twiistup last night.  We had a great time meeting and getting to know everyone at the event!

We’ll see you at the next one! =)