Get resume and cover letter advice from expert Kim Isaacs (Resume_Expert). Share your resume questions and get resume tips and cover letter advice on Monster.

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  • Feb-3
  • 2 of 5

Hi TreyDyer,

Let me try to help you out with the following comments.

I would usually recommend that your name and contact details be inserted into the HEADER of the Resume. Not only does it save space, but by doing so your name & contact details will be printed on every sheet of paper. In the event if your resume is printed but dropped on the floor and got mixed up with other resumes, your resume can be pieced together easily compared to those who only have their names on 1 page.

For career objective, that statement is too general. If you're intending to write an executive summary, make sure it is short, sharp and filled strategically with keywords pertaining to the position. Do take note that keywords are unique to individual positions and should not be "transferred" from one job listing to another. The easier alternative is a simple one-liner that states your objective eg "To become an Operations Support Analyst with ABC Corporation". That will do although it is definitely not as good as an executive summary.

The main bulk of your Resume is too long. Let me share with you some pointers to shorten it.

1. Use points instead of paragraphs. Paragraphs tend to be wordy and it's not as enticing for the reader to read further compared to points which are always shorter and to the point.

- Use up to 5 points for each categry with the first 3 points describing what you've done, the processes adopted and the people you worked with etc.
- Use the next 2 points to showcase the effects of the results of your work ie how has it benefited the organization and the company as a whole. Quantify it with results where possible to show how significant your work has been.

2. Remove the mundane items. Things that are done on a routine should be evaluated on the value it brings to the corporation. Here are some pointers to guide you along.

- If what you did is something any other person can do just as well with minimal training, then there's a good chance it's something routine/mundane and possibly non value-adding.
- If what you did is something any others can do but need substantial experience before they can do it good, then you have an upperhand that gives you an edge over the others. Keep this point for your Resume.
- If what you did is something you do on a routine basis but the skills/tools/equipment are things that only you can do (perhaps you've got special training), then that's definitely something that must go into your Resume even though it may appear mundane and routine to you.

Take note of the differences between the 3 points above.

For each of the items under professional experience, you have to be focused on your achievements. As of now, you're listing down and describing what you've done previously which is insufficient. You need to show the achievements as a result of what you've done. Quantify your achievements with numbers at the appropriate locations to show how important your work was. I see that you have won quite a number of awards and medals during your stint in the navy. Play up on that part.

I hope these feedback are useful in your quest to improve your Resume.

All the best

 


Edited Feb-3   by  RaidenSim
Edited Feb-16   by  MCCathy
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  • Feb-5
  • 3 of 5
Hi TreyDyer,

Would you let us know what type of position you're targeting and whether you're seeking a government or corporate sector position? The best strategy for your resume depends on your career goal, and resume formats for federal and military sectors are very different than non-federal resumes. Thanks very much!
Best wishes,
Kim Isaacs
The Resume Expert

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  • Feb-7
  • 4 of 5
Kim, can you remove his personal info? I don't know about my tblet interacting with this site lately, I triedd to send it as an option request, and I don't have spellcheck anymore either.
DISCLAIMER: I am not the Resume Expert. Further, all communications bearing my handle are my personal views and thoughts and do not reflect my employer or any official communication of my employer. Any typos may result from tablet usage and efforts to ensure understanding will have been made before posting
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  • Feb-8
  • 5 of 5
Thank you, authorjln!
Best wishes,
Kim Isaacs
The Resume Expert

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