Re: Resume Design Principles

[Bonni Graham <bonnig -at- IX -dot- NETCOM -dot- COM>]

A resume format I have used to GREAT success involves a template.  If
I'm sending a resume in response to an ad or a specific lead, I
customize it.  If not, I have a general one as well.  The format I use
goes as follows:

                             Bonni Graham
                               [Address]


[executive summary. Often a short form of what I would put in a cover
letter -- and then I send a cover letter only if I know the contact
personally]

YOUR NEEDS                                MY QUALIFICATIONS

1. [here I list their information         1. [here I match what I've
    as verbatim as I can and still            done to what they want]
    follow parallel structure]



That's it.

The key is to list NO MORE than what they're looking for.  If they ask
for five years' worth of TW experience, list your most recent five
years, even if you've been doing it for longer.  (CAUTION:  Only do this
if you're willing to work for a five-year-person's salary.)  Doing so
avoids the "overqualified" label.  An HR specialist once told me: "There
is no law or ethic stating that you have to list ALL your experience."
Sometime less really is more.

Often an HR person is the one scanning your resume -- they don't want to
think, they just want to narrow the list.  This presentation ensures
that they know exactly and immediately how you fit their stated
qualifications.  I've gotten at least an interview every time I've used
this resume.

Bonni Graham
Owner, Manual Labour
bonnig -at- ix -dot- netcom -dot- com