Retrofit Your Resume

by Beth Busch

Thinking about dusting off the old resume? It might be time for a little retrofit (per Webster: To furnish with new or modified parts or equipment not available or considered necessary at the time of manufacture). And I’m not just talking about updating your address and phone number.

Here are a few tips for getting your resume up to speed:

Refine your objective.

I’ve seen these become so generic, they’re really pretty useless: “To be a part of a successful company.” While this separates you from all the people seeking to become part of a failing company, it doesn’t really say much about YOU.

Maintain an appropriate level of professionalism, but try to come up with an objective that actually says something about you and your current goal. For example: “As a stay-at-home mom for the past five years, I’ve refined the fine arts of multitasking and crisis management and am ready to put my law degree to use again.”

List only your relevant education credits and credentials.

When you first enter the world of work, it’s common to fill out an understandably thin resume with some less-than-vital info. Now that you have some experience under your belt, it’s time to lose the filler. Delete any reference to grade school accomplishments and, if you’re going for a position that’s mid-level management or above, drop your high school glory days and extra-curricular college activities, too. This also applies to references throughout your resume such as, “Sorority Rush Week Chair” or “Marching

Band, Tuba.” When in doubt, use this test: Does this make me sound like a grown-up?

Delete out-dated or commonly known skills.

Fax machines are no longer “high tech;” your potential employer will assume you know how to work one – you don’t need to list it. Also avoid listing outdated software programs; it may seem like you’re having trouble keeping up with the times.

Be results-focused when listing your accomplishments.

Having perfect attendance is impressive, but less if you didn’t produce anything significant during that time. Employers are more interested in what you’ve been able to make happen that’s contributed to the overall success of your organization. “Increased sales in my division by 20%,” or “Sourced new vendors and saved the company $1,000,000,” are good examples. While it’s tempting to elaborate on your brilliance, it’s important to keep this part brief. If you feel you just can’t do something justice in a short space, or if an accomplishment is especially relevant to the position you’re seeking, you might refer to it in your cover letter. “I’m looking forward to telling you more about how I organized a food drive and single-handedly restocked the food bank for Thanksgiving.” This also establishes a good talking point for the interview you’re hoping to land.

Update your references.

If you’re over 25 (unless you actually work at a school) stop using teachers as references. Same thing with friends. Use business associates, colleagues or contacts you’ve made through professional associations or charitable organizations – people who can speak to your recent accomplishments and fitness for the type of position you’re trying to land.

List hobbies only when relevant.

Hobbies are great for high school kids looking to land a summer job. If you’re going for something a little higher up the ladder, only list pastimes that inform the reader about a relevant aspect of your life. For example, if you’re applying to be a lifeguard, it’s appropriate to say you’re training for the Iron Man Triathlon. If you want to work at the Humane Society, it’s OK to mention that you’re a volunteer in their Pet Therapy program. “Reading” and

“knitting,” however, look like just what they are: filler. Surely you have something more worthy to include.

Refer employers to your website.

More and more, I’m receiving resumes that list a candidate’s personal website. This is probably because I have art and graphic design positions at my company, and a website allows me to view samples of a candidate’s work, but I think it’s a trend we’ll see more of for all types of positions. If you have a website that you’re proud of and that will tell a potential employer more about you, by all means, include it. You might want to do a quick review to make sure it’s ready for employer viewing – remove the link to the Galactic Star Trek Fan Club or photos of your birthday party where you might not look, um, your best.

When done well, a web site can impart great info about you and says you’re tech-savvy and comfortable in the wired world.

In closing, let me say that I’m not a resume expert; these tips were all gleaned from personal experience. There are many fine resume services in town. If you have any doubts about your resume being up to speed, I encourage you to use one! Your resume is your first contact with a possible employer; make sure it says what you want it to say about you.

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