5 Ways to Create an Effective Resume Opening
1) KEEP IT SIMPLEThe most effective resume openings are ones that entice a reader with key skills, but donò€™t overwhelm with too many details. Think in terms of a 3-5 line paragraph DEMONSTRATING key skills instead of merely listing them. For example, a candidate seeking a Sales Manager position could list things such as developing new territories, building lasting client relationships, and expanding staff capabilities through hands-on training and mentoring.
2) KEEP IT FOCUSED
Listing HR successes is of little use if youò€™re seeking a Quality Assurance role. Identify the types of positions youò€™re seeking with the resume, and gear every line of the opening towards stressing in-demand skills.
3) AVOID ò€œBULLET OVERKILLò€
The place for bullet points is when listing successes within your actual work history, NOT in the opening. Doing so increases clutter, and saps interest in exploring further.
4) AVOID LISTING COMPANY NAMES OR SPECIFIC METRICS
An opening functions best as an OVERVIEW, not as a miniature resume. Do not include specific metrics or names of individual companies. Instead, identify the skills utilized for these successes, and include them.
5) INCLUDE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS AND AWARDS
It is critical to establish credibility right off the bat. For example, a Project Manager with a PMP certification should call attention to it in the first line of the opening, along the lines of, ò€œTop-producing PMP who has spearheaded critical initiativesò€¦ò€ Awards related to the type of position youò€™re seeking should also be included.