In our last blog, we discussed ways to create a stellar header and a profile section ideally covering the first 20% of your 1 pager resume. In this blog, we progress to the next 40% of your resume and learn how to create an irresistible work experience section.
The key to making an impact with this piece is to go beyond merely listing your past jobs, and structure it so it covers the key areas of context, your contribution, and impact on that job, that the recruiters are looking for. This often covers the job and the and the duties that entailed. Remember, hitting the right keys gets you that much closer to having the recruiter move you up on their YES pile, and even sealing the deal. the more relevant you can make for the recruiter and the interviewers, the better the outcome.
First, the content: Usually, I approach this section using a combination of:
- Listing my work experience in reverse chronological order (starting with the latest gig first) and
- Too many to list? Filter in relevant positions to the job you are seeking to stick to the 40% of a 1 pager resume.
For example, if you are applying for a sales job, and have held relevant sales positions in the past, prioritize those in the resume in reverse chronology and de-prioritize jobs you may have had that are irrelevant (e.g. finance or engineering experience in this case).
As with all rules, there are always exceptions to filtering out irrelevant jobs:
- The job had skills that are transferable, keep it in: For example, if you are applying for a finance job at a bank where your background of data analytics can help, or you were a customer service rep and want to move to a sales job to apply the usefulness of your calling experience, keep it in and highlight the skill that is relevant.
- If you worked for a very big brand: If it is relevant experience at a big-name company, there is nothing like it. But even if the experience is irrelevant, keep it in to show you know what it’s like to work at a top place, and make sure you have a good story or a reason as to why you are shifting portfolios.
- If you do not have enough work history in the relevant portfolio: In this case, showcase what you have been up to in other areas, and in addition, ensure you have a good reason for your shifts. Draw some transferable skills from your previous experience regardless of the industry, to make the most of it.
Next, the structure: The Company name, job position/title, projects under them and awards are the basic ingredients of say, a salad. Make this salad tastier (and in my case, edible) by sprinkling it with a special dressing of attributes.
From my sales experience, I’ve learnt that there are 6 main desirable skills or attributes for a sales person in the business. I’d organize everything from resumes to end of quarter evaluations along those skills as all companies look for those very same key attributes in their job portfolio. I highly recommend thoroughly researching the job you are applying for & enrich your resume by inculcating these attributes where it fits best within your experience. They give big hints to your recruiter on your experience's relatability and transferability to the new role you are applying for and ultimately makes it easier for them to connect the dots.
Tossing the above together will give you (in reverse chronological order):
Company Dates: When you worked in the company (right hand)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Position 1: 2 lines with numerical impact Dates: When you worked in the role (right hand)
Select Projects/Contributions
Project 1: 1 to 2 lines with numerical impact using S.T.A.R (with desired attributes weaved into the sentences)
Project 2: 1 to 2 lines with numerical impact using S.T.A.R (with desired attributes weaved into the sentences)
Select Awards
Awards 1
Awards 2
The above sample illustrates how relevant, structured content can have an impact in this section.
If you don't have formal work experience: No sweat! There are two scenarios:
1) You do not have formal work experience but have internship and volunteering experience, showcase those experiences in the above structure and create an "Experience Portfolio". Remember, every role counts.
- Share the company/organization name
- Share your title in that organization
- Share the time you spent in that role (if it’s part-time, mention that and provide a timeline)
- Share any projects under that title and call out attributes or skills you picked up from the opportunity, that relates to the potential role (think Data analytics, sales, operations, technical, coding etc.), and provide tangible outcomes to the best of your ability.
2) You have absolutely no work experience: This applies mostly to full-time students. While focusing on your studies and exams is your primary responsibility, companies look for a well-rounded candidate, so some external experience apart from your marks shows your interest & experience in other areas. Get online and look for opportunities that excite you. Believe me - you will not regret it!
(P.S. If you are interested in sales, feel free to apply to our company - Corpversity. We are always on the lookout for passionate sales interns who want to make a mark! Send your resume and why you want to apply- use the tips from our previous blogs for bonus points- to team@corpversity.xyz)
In our next blog, we will cover the final 40% of a resume. In the meanwhile, try out this exercise to be on your way to creating an impactful resume for yourself!
For those of you with work experience: Compare the 'Work Experience' section of your resume with the one displayed on our blog. Note the differences and, as suggested, modify your resume to make the section as relevant as possible. Tailoring your section to remove any unnecessary information, and to cover 40% of your 1 pager resume.
Candidates without work experience: If you have been involved in internships or volunteer work, details of those experiences count towards crafting your experience section. If you do not have any work experience, I’d highly recommend you to go out and try volunteering, interning or even a simple part-time retail job behind a store counter. It’s time to roll up your sleeves while you still have time, as every bit counts towards your resume.
Share your modified resume with team@corpversity.xyz to get it evaluated with additional suggestions. You’ll be well on your way to having an impactful resume! For further services, please visit www.corporatereadytest.com/resume and get your complete resume scanned, all for a nominal price!
Stay tuned for more!
"Everything is perfect and there is always room for improvement - Shunryu Suzuki"
Manish N Gaba
(Pic Courtesy – Unsplash)
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