1. CREATE A NARRATIVE.
   Leverage your resume/CV to tell your professional story: what have you accomplished and how will this help your future company reach their objectives?
    

2. THIS IS NOT A JOB DESCRIPTION.
   Listing job responsibilities is great for a job description, but your resume/CV is *not* a job description. It’s a chance for you to highlight what you achieved by executing those responsibilities. Be confident! Be bold! Show them what you’ve accomplished!

   • Original: Account lead on ABC Company business.

   • ResuMAEd: Directed inter-agency product launch engagements in excess of $10MM annually for ABC Company: led cross-functional team of 15 in strategy, design and execution of campaigns across website, CRM, social, experiential, mobile.
      

3. QUANTIFY. QUANTIFY. QUANTIFY.
   Make bullets impactful by quantifying results. This is what will set you apart from the competition. While in each job, constantly note these stats, so when time comes to apply for a new job, you are ready to rock and don’t have to scramble to find data. Most data can be found in wrap reports, sales reports, quarterly updates and/or dive into your analytics tool.

   • Original: Launched successful email program.

   • ResuMAEd: Pioneered product launch and loyalty email program for ABC Company: designed strategy, execution and process; increased engagement YOY (CTR +20% and OR +9%).
      

4. CUSTOM TAILOR.
   Resume writing is not one-size fits all. Ensure achievements are relevant to the job you’re applying for. It’s ok to have multiple versions and/or adjust the hierarchy of bullets for each job. What achievements have you accomplished that align with what the company is looking for? Hint: it’s in the job description! Ensure those are highlighted.
    

5. EVERY. WORD. COUNTS.
   Each word should serve a purpose. Choose words wisely and remove filler words such as that, just, really, very, seem.
    

6. USE ACTION WORDS.
   After reviewing hundreds of resumes, it gets boring to read “managed,” “led” and “executed” on every bullet. While it’s ok to use these, try layering in some spice: architected, orchestrated, drove, collaborated or spearheaded.
    

7. USE CORRECT SPELLING + GRAMMAR.
   Double check your spelling and ensure your sentences are grammatically correct. I find it helpful to read sentences out loud. If something is grammatically incorrect, you’ll hear it.
    

8. KEEP IT CLASSY.
   Use a professional file name, email address, font (size and style) and ensure your layout has a good balance of white space. You do not want to overwhelm the recruiter/hiring manager with a .25” margin layout jammed packed with nine point font.
    

9. KEEP IT OUT.
   Avoid adding irrelevant extra curricular activities, interests and personal information. This may actually hinder your chances for the job.
    

10. HAVE FUN!
    Approach your resume as a creative writing opportunity to toot your own horn! Listen to some upbeat music or do whatever you do to get yourself pumped up, sit down, and go for it!

 

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