a contrarian’s guide to resumes confidential 2010 v1 career oyster llc © all rights reserved by...

A Contrarian’s Guide to Resumes

CONFIDENTIAL2010 v1Career Oyster LLC © All rights reserved

by Howard Cattieof

StandBy Talent presents

Founder and Head Coach

CareerOyster LLC

Introduction to the Real “Resume Game”

The resume is a marketing document10% of resumes are exceptionalThere are 6 types of readers of the resumeThe resume must accomplish 8 purposesThe recruiters read a resume in about 20 seconds80% of the screening is done via resumeResumes are read with a negative biasA resume is the first determinant of “qualified”A resume should say “ schedule me for an Interview’

It’s a one-way communication… Designed to screen you out!CONFIDENTIAL2010 v12Career Oyster LLC © All rights reserved.

Resume tips from ResumeCoach


Okay Howard, you mentioned there are six readers of the resume. Who are they?

How Many Readers are There?

In the interview process, there are many readers including:1. The computer – ATS2. The recruiter3. The hiring manager 4. Peers and other managers5. HR manager 6. Executives

The resume must communicate what you want to do and why you are qualified to do it. And why you are the best candidate.

CONFIDENTIAL2010 v14Career Oyster LLC © All rights reserved.



I’ve always heard that the purpose of the resume is to get an interview. You mentioned there were 8

purposes. Really? What are they?

Contrarian View: The Resume is a Sales Document

The resume performs a big job!! It must “sell” your background to many people:

1. It must rank you high in the ATS rankings and searches2. It “hooks” the recruiter in 20 seconds with the front page3. Manager approves the interview based on clear qualifications4. It facilitates and supports the agenda for every interview5. It sells you after you leave the building 6. It helps HR justify a “top of the range” offer7. It differentiates your capabilities from the other candidates8. He remains in their database “being found” for future jobs




From Sarah, I have sent resumes into job postings where I am very qualified and I get no response.

Howard, what are some of the possible reasons for this?

Contrarian View: It is a “SEO / Marketing” Competition

It’s a one way communication…..designed to screen out!80% of the screening for interviews is based solely on the resume! The initial ATS screen is based on the “keywords”Most recruiters scan for keywords and are biased toward “what’s

missing with this candidate”Most resumes look alikeMost resumes are not “selling resumes”Managers look for Keyword qualifications

“Recruiters never find the 5 best candidates…. They present the first 5 candidates”




What do you mean by a “selling resume”?And what does an exceptional “selling” resume

look like?

Contrarian View: The “Selling” Resume?

A selling resume is “easy”

Easy to understand the objective – What are you looking for?Easy to find by ATS – marketable keywordsEasy to read – a layout with “scan appeal”Easy to understand – clear accomplishments, expertise and tasksEasy to relate to – qualified , alignedEasy to follow – consistent and clear story supporting the objectiveEasy to visualize – solves similar problems, achieves resultsIt is forward looking versus a historic bio

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Howard, everyone talks about keywords and how important they are.

So what are some examples of effective “keywords” ?

The Effective Keywords used in searches

These are the same nouns that you would use to search job postings.

Number 1 keyword is titles. Use generic titlesIndustryProducts or services – can be internal servicesFunctional expertise or major responsibilitiesMarquis companiesAcronyms and jargonAction verbs and tasks are not keywords




From Elijah, I read that objectives are passé and they narrow the resume options in the eyes of the recruiter.

This seems to be a prevailing opinion.

What is your advice on this?

Contrarian View: Clearly focus what you want to do

The first question the recruiter asks when they review a resume is: What is this candidate looking to do?

A headline of 3 titles at the top is an implied objectiveIncluding “their title” within the 3 is very effectiveAn objective may be necessary when a transition is soughtA clear description of expertise in the first sentence of a summary.Covering it in the cover letter does not workNow, does the rest of the front page support the Titles?




Most people say I need a Chronological Resume. Do you agree with that?

Contrarian View: Is Chronological the best Format?

Types of resumes:Chronological – recommended by mostHybrid – Professional Highlights Summary then ChronologicalFunctional Expertise – Forward Looking Task based

AddendumsSales profile / Skills Summary using tablesPublications, patents, recognitions, articles, Website references




Everyone says to keep your resume short - 1 or 2 pages. No one reads them if they are longer.

What is your advice on that?

The Contrarian View: Resume length?

Myths about Resume lengthMyth: The resume should be one page

Reality: for entry level or College students If you’ve had one job and less than 5 years experience84% of employers feel that a resume should be less than one page. If you have less than five years experience.

Content and experience should dictate the lengthProfessional resumes can easily have 2 – 3 pagesConsulting and Academic CV’s can have moreLength is an advantage with Applicant Tracking SystemsRecommendation 2-3 pages

Focus on the first page instead of on the length


a contrarian’s guide to resumes confidential 2010 v1 career oyster llc © all rights reserved by...

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