The Holmes Group Executive Search

Resume Tips

Always send an electronic version of your resume (paper resumes are more difficult to track and manage). Take a hard copy for your interview. Use light colored paper that reproduces well on a photocopier.

Formatting is less important (unless it relates to the job you are applying for). It is best to keep special formatting to a minimum.

Interviewers typically sort resumes into three categories: Yes, No, and Maybe.

Here’s how to get your resume into the
“Yes” stack:

Here’s how to get your resume into the
“No” stack:


	A clear skills match. Write your resume to match the job requirements listed in the job ad. Yes, this requires customizing your resume for each application, but it pays off. If the position calls for certain skill sets, move that experience to the top of your resume. Write your resume so it’s impossible to miss the connection between your skills and the job requirements.
	A clear benefit to the company. Focus your resume on the future (how you can help the company) rather than the past (what you did). Your resume should be a marketing document. Yes, you have to describe your past experience, but do so in a way that sells what you can offer in the future.


	No clear skills match.
	More than 2-3 pages. The resume is an introduction, not a life history.
	Spelling errors, or hand-written corrections on the resume.
	Special characters or unusual formatting (electronic resumes) that don’t translate on other systems.

Here’s how to get your resume into the “Maybe” stack:

	You didn’t follow the guidelines for the “Yes” stack even though you have the right skills. Again, your resume should be customized for each position.

Our team has highlighted 10 of the career accomplishments that most interest employers. Think of how you might incorporate them into your resume. Approach each one from the viewpoint of an executive search consultant: How can this past accomplishment benefit a potential employer?

1. Performance recognition and achievements
2. Increased job responsibilities or regular promotion
3. Increased revenues
4. Increased sales
5. Increased productivity
6. Effective budgeting
7. Implemented new products or lines
8. Led initiatives that successfully impacted company’s future
9. You were responsible for cutting company overhead
10. Increased efficiency through understanding of emerging technologies