By, Valerie Christopherson, CEO Global Results Communications

Whether it is the first time, second time or the hundredth time doing your resume, it can evoke a level of thought process in which most enlist a third party for their opinion, whether that be a parent, a colleague and/or a professional service. As an employer for more than two decades, and having seen thousands of resumes, it’s the ones that are simple, factual and have marque proof points that tend to get the attention. 

It’s important that you understand your audience in building your resume. For example, if you are going for a job in the entertainment business, you’d likely use more creativity than you would if you were going for a CEO position within a top-notch tech company. Once you know your audience, keep in mind that within that audience there are levels of filters a resume typically goes through before an interview is actually secured. Human resources tends to be the department that first places the ad for the position. The hiring manager typically is the person that then approves the ad, and the direct manager for the position is normally the final decision maker.  

So, keeping all this in mind, here are a few tips to consider:

• Use a professional font – colors and pictures, can distract from the actual experience
• Keep language clean – you never know who is actually seeing the resume
• Simple – as noted above, keep it simple and easy-to-read as the viewer is likely reading a ton of resumes
• Relevancy – ensure your resume is tailored to the job, not a one size fits all
• Pay attention to the ad/position description – tailor content using the buzz words in the ad
• Use active language – the past is the past, but the results from the past reflect your successes
• Format – keep it basic, informative and consistent in font, etc.
• Triple check your contact details, and then check your emails frequently 
• Represent your education properly 
• Typo-free – ensure you are typo free

Also, consider adding a newsletter that directly highlights in bullet points why you’re a fit for the position. Keep in mind at all times that in 2020 you have access to websites, social media and a wealth of insights into a company’s inner workings. Maximize that knowledge in your cover letter to showcase you cared enough to take the time to learn the basics, or at least what’s public about the company.  This action shows you are a self-starter and/or leader. Pending the level you’re applying for, provide references, financial growth stats and success metrics in your highlights section. 

Overall, avoid the over-used language like “I’m a self-starter” or “I’m motivated” and “I’m the perfect fit” unless you back it up with facts. Fluff in resumes will be weeded out by any good human resources department. Do show your personality, but keep in mind this is about the company and what you can do for the company, not what the company can do for you. You’ll get your chance to see if it’s a right fit for you during the interview process, but because a resume is a piece of paper or an online document, the words matter.

Valerie Christopherson – Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Valerie Christopherson is founder and CEO of Global Results Communications (GRC), an award-winning public relations firm trusted by both entrepreneurs on the cusp of new discoveries and multi-billion-dollar enterprises breaking new ground. Renowned for her expertise in high tech, she is the driving force behind GRC’s targeted communications strategies that dramatically enhance client market presence and performance on a global scale. Prior to founding GRC in 2005, Valerie held key positions at QUALCOMM, Porter Novelli Convergence Group and other niche agencies in the mobile, telecom and technology sectors. Over a span of 20 years, she provided unparalleled counsel and campaign management resulting in successful public relations and social media programs for Fortune 500 companies, major trade associations and start-ups. 

About the Author:

A current board member of Golden Rule Charity, Valerie has been involved with various nonprofit organizations including Make a Wish Foundation and Mobile Giving Foundation among others. An industry thought leader, she is frequently called upon to speak at regional and national events including PR News conferences, regional PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) conferences and Comm Week at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF).

A graduate of CSUF, Valerie holds a bachelor’s degree in both English and communications with a public relations emphasis. She also completed a social media certification program at University of California, Irvine.