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YourA Better Resume

In the first part of this series (Better Resume Part I), I delved into the pivotal role of resumes as your initial introduction to prospective organizations. I explored the challenges faced by those reviewing resumes and shared actionable tips to enhance your chances of standing out from the competition.

In this second installment, Part II, I will delve deeper into the specific elements of a resume that caught my attention as a hiring manager when assessing potential new hires. Additionally, I will discuss red flags that instantly raised concerns and prompted me to steer clear of certain candidates. Finally, I will provide you with a comprehensive summary of what hiring managers across the board typically seek in a resume. 

Designing Your Resume

Crafting a resume that showcases your career progression and leadership prowess is essential for attracting the attention of hiring managers. By focusing on your growth, highlighting achievements, illustrating adaptability, and tailoring your resume for relevance, you’ll position yourself as an exceptional candidate.

So, let’s start with what I like to see on candidate resumes. I like to see resumes that show a candidate’s progression in their career as they take on more complex and important job roles. Craft a resume that showcases your career progression, highlighting how you’ve evolved and excelled in each new position. By emphasizing your upward trajectory, you’ll convey your leadership potential and dedication to professional growth.

I like to see a resume tailored to the specific job opening. Customize your resume to align with the specific requirements of the role you’re applying for. Highlight experiences and skills that directly relate to the position, emphasizing how your past accomplishments and leadership qualities make you an ideal fit. For example, if applying for a leadership role, the resume should be tailored to show your leadership skills. If a technical role, then your skills as a technician should be highlighted. Tailor the resume to the job. The use of generic catch-all resumes should be avoided. 

Accomplishments vs. Duties

Additionally, I like to see results or accomplishments rather than a collection of duties. Go beyond listing job duties and responsibilities. Instead, focus on quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your effectiveness and value. Highlight specific projects, initiatives, or challenges you’ve successfully tackled, along with the measurable impact you’ve made. Showcase duties that demonstrate responsibility and accomplishments. This will provide concrete evidence of your leadership abilities and results-oriented mindset. 

Finally, I like to see problem-solving skills, awards and recognition the individual has earned. And I like to see hobbies or short information on what the candidate does in their spare time. This personalizes the resume, it shows me a person. In a sea of endless details, I like seeing a real person come through who, for example, coaches their daughter’s baseball team on the weekends or volunteers for noble causes in their community. 

What Other Hiring Managers Look for on a Resume

Source: you.com  May 2023

Hiring managers generally look for several key items in a resume, including:

1. Relevant experience:  Highlighting your relevant experience is key, as it demonstrates your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role. Be sure to include any significant accomplishments or projects that showcase your skills and expertise in the field.

2. Education is another important aspect to emphasize. Include your degrees, certifications, and any relevant coursework or training that applies to the position. This helps establish your foundation of knowledge and qualifications.

3. Accomplishments and awards: In addition to experience and education, consider incorporating any notable achievements or awards. This could include recognition for outstanding performance, successful projects, or other relevant accolades. Highlighting these accomplishments can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your potential value to the hiring manager.

Disclaimer: It is essential to keep in mind that hiring managers and companies may have varying priorities when reviewing resumes. However, as a general guideline, focusing on your relevant experience, education, qualifications, and achievements can greatly increase your chances of capturing the attention of hiring managers.

What I don’t like to see on a resume.

When reviewing resumes, I carefully look for red flags that give me pause when considering a candidate for further evaluation. One major red flag is when a candidate has held numerous jobs within a short period. This indicates a lack of stability and raises questions about their commitment and suitability for a long-term position.

In my experience, candidates with a history of frequent job changes often fall into two categories: those who are unsure about their career path and those who struggle to maintain steady employment. Early in my career, I made the mistake of selecting a few candidates with this red flag, and unfortunately, it never turned out well. While there may be exceptions, unless there is a clear explanation on the resume, I usually choose not to pursue these candidates further.

Another red flag that catches my attention is significant gaps in a candidate’s work experience without a satisfactory explanation. Candidates need to provide a reasonable account of these gaps on their resume. Valid reasons such as pursuing higher education, serving in the military, or taking a sabbatical can mitigate concerns. However, if the resume fails to address these gaps, it leaves the reviewer guessing, and in my case, it often results in not moving forward with the candidate.

Don’t Do This

Exaggerations on resumes are also a cause for concern, especially when they pertain to my field of work. If a candidate claims to be an “expert,” they need to provide substantial evidence on their resume to support that assertion. I have found that true experts in a field possess extensive formal training and many years of experience. If the resume does not demonstrate this, I tend to overlook such claims.

It’s worth noting that the few candidates I have interviewed who labeled themselves as “experts” in my field ultimately failed to meet the expected standard. A few probing questions quickly exposed their exaggerations.

Examine your resume carefully and ensure you don’t have red flags that could prevent you from getting a further look.

Other Alternatives

It’s important to recognize that relying solely on a cold resume submission is not always the most effective way to secure a job. Sometimes, it’s necessary to leverage personal connections, conduct thorough research, and explore alternative avenues. 

For example, having a friend who works at a company you are interested in can greatly assist you in the hiring process. They can potentially speak to the hiring manager on your behalf and help facilitate an interview. Even if an interview isn’t immediately arranged, it can still aid in making your name more memorable to the hiring manager, increasing your chances of consideration.

I have personally encountered candidates who approached me through these means, and it did prove beneficial for them. Knowing that one of my trusted employees recommended them prompted me to spend more time reviewing their resume. While it didn’t always result in their immediate hiring, it certainly helped them garner more attention. Ultimately, that’s the purpose of a resume—to capture the attention of prospective employers and provide you with further opportunities to secure the job.

Conclusion

Your resume is not just a piece of paper; it is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression and secure a job interview. It is crucial to make it stand out, to let it speak for you, and to give yourself the best chance of success. If you’ve been facing disappointment with your job applications, it’s time to take a step back and reassess.

I recommend revisiting Part I and Part II of this article and taking the time to carefully examine each section of your resume and make necessary adjustments. Additionally, seeking external feedback can be incredibly valuable. Ask others to review your resume and see what insights they gain from it. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the helpful feedback you receive.

Remember, persistence is key. Don’t give up, no matter how discouraging the process may seem. Just like my wife, (see Part I of this article), you only need one company to recognize your potential and offer you a position. Stay determined and keep your spirits high.

I hope the recommendations provided in this blog help you craft a better resume and land the job you have been tirelessly seeking. Keep pushing forward, and success will come your way.

Before You Go

Discover a wealth of resources on our website designed to propel your career forward. Dive into our collection of no-nonsense training videos, crafted from real-life experiences, to equip yourself with valuable insights and yield better outcomes.  

Coming Soon

On the horizon, I am thrilled to announce the impending release of my new book, Your Finest Hour is Now set to be published in late November of 2023. This labor of love took more than three decades to write and serves as a comprehensive guide for leaders, packed with wisdom and insights acquired over 30 years. It offers invaluable lessons for those seeking personal improvement, the ability to inspire others, and the achievement of remarkable results.

Moreover, stay tuned as we have a lineup of additional training programs and articles scheduled for release in the coming year. Don’t miss out on these valuable resources. 

Don’t forget to sign up below for our email notifications and receive a generous 10% discount on your first training session as our gift to you.

Steve Mattioli 

Are resumes still crucial in today’s job market? Can your resume truly make a difference when it comes to securing employment opportunities or earning promotions? Understanding what should be included in a resume and what hiring managers seek is vital for job seekers. In this article, I will share essential dos and don’ts to help you craft a compelling resume that stands out.

I have reviewed hundreds of resumes in my previous career with the federal government, and it can be a tedious task to scan through hundreds of words in search of that one clue as to who the individual behind the words really is. As I quickly scanned through each document, I looked for key signs that would indicate whether the person might be of interest for an interview. 

It’s truly amazing what can be gleaned from a quick scan of a person’s resume. On the flip side, I also looked for red flags that would raise concerns about a candidate. So, how can you write your resume to improve your chances of getting noticed and avoid those red flags? That’s what this blog is all about.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that the person reviewing resumes is usually busy and doesn’t have much time for that initial scan of your document. In my experience, I would go through a 2-3 page resume in about 1-2 minutes on a first look. That’s all the time it took for me to decide whether I wanted to spend more time on it or move on. I know it may seem harsh, but it’s the reality of the situation. 

It’s important to make an impression early on and make your work stand out. Additionally, it’s essential to understand what reviewers like and dislike to see in a resume. How can you make your resume stand out and increase your odds of getting an interview?

Now, I must clarify that every hiring manager is different, and I cannot speak for all of them. However, based on my experience reviewing resumes, I’m able to provide you with some good advice and general principles to follow. In part II of this article, I will outline some guidelines commonly sought after by other hiring managers during the resume review process. So, check back soon and make sure you don’t miss part II of this article.

Why the resume is important?

Your resume is crucial because it serves as an introduction to the organization. It’s typically the first step toward securing a job interview. Think of it as having 1-2 minutes of time to stand up, say hello, and pitch yourself for further consideration. However, instead of being in-person, a piece of paper or an electronic document makes the introduction for you. The document stands up when called upon and presents you as a candidate. Therefore, it must look good, say the right things, and be concise.

When I first looked at a resume, I knew nothing about the candidate. I didn’t know their family background, their past work experience, their accomplishments, or even how good of a person they were. I literally knew nothing about them. Therefore, the resume had to communicate this information to me in some way or another. As I scanned the resume, I was looking for answers to questions like: Who is this person? Are they worth my time? Do they have the right skills? Would they be a good fit for my organization? If I couldn’t obtain this information from a quick scan of the document, I had to move on to the next candidate. So, how can you ensure that your resume makes the best presentation and communicates the most relevant information?

A real-life story

Let me share a story about when my wife was looking to re-enter the job market a few years ago. She hadn’t worked in the medical field for over five years, and her resume wasn’t generating any hits or interviews. She asked for my help, and the first thing we did was shorten it to one page. I understand that’s not always possible, and some companies may require more information. However, I also knew from my experience reviewing resumes that the person reviewing them doesn’t have a lot of time. It’s an art to provide enough information in a concise space. So, we condensed the resume, but still, there were no interviews.

It could have been that my wife was out of the field for too long or that she wasn’t a recent college graduate. Whatever the case, we kept assessing and trying different things. This is an important lesson if you’re facing similar roadblocks: don’t keep doing the same thing; try something different. Change up your resume, reword it, and do something that sets it apart. I wasn’t prepared for how successful this approach would be for my wife.

My wife spoke with some friends who were also looking for jobs and facing similar issues. They were older and hadn’t worked in their respective fields recently. In fact, some employers required relevant work experience within the past three years to apply for their positions. So, what was the next step?

One of the first things I tried to determine when scanning a resume was whether the person was trustworthy. I felt that my wife’s resume wasn’t effectively communicating that aspect. If only they could meet her in person, they would like her and offer her a job. So, we did the next best thing: we put a small picture of my wife in the top left corner of her resume. We selected a picture where she was smiling. That’s all we changed. She sent out the resumes again, and then we waited…

Within a week, my wife received a call for an interview. As I suspected, they liked her during the in-person meeting, and she got hired. It was a rewarding experience for her, and she loved working again in her field.

I shared this story to encourage you and to highlight the impact that your resume can have. Don’t get discouraged, and remember to keep trying.  In part II of this article, I’m going to provide you with some pointers on what I liked to see and what raised red flags when reviewing resumes. I’m also going to show you what other hiring managers like to see on a resume so you can compare the advice I’m providing with others. You don’t want to miss it so please check back soon.

While You are Here

Discover a wealth of resources on our website designed to propel your career forward. Dive into our collection of no-nonsense training videos, crafted from real-life experiences, to equip yourself with valuable insights and yield better outcomes.  

On the horizon, I am thrilled to announce the impending release of my new book, “Your Finest Hour is Now” set to be published in the fall of 2023. This labor of love took more than three decades to write and serves as a comprehensive guide for leaders, packed with wisdom and insights acquired over 30 years. It offers invaluable lessons for those seeking personal improvement, the ability to inspire others, and the achievement of remarkable results.

Moreover, stay tuned as we have a lineup of additional training programs and articles scheduled for release in the coming year. Don’t miss out on these valuable resources. 

Don’t forget to sign up below for our email notifications and receive a generous 10% discount on your first training session as our gift to you.

Enjoy!

Steve Mattioli 

Welcome to the website dedicated to helping leaders succeed. I’m Steve Mattioli, creator of this website and my goal is to provide you with some of the best advice, training and resources to help leaders grow in their careers.

My Background

I started in my first leadership position over 35 years ago. During that time, I learned many valuable lessons that helped me get to the top of my career.  I learned how to work with people and obtain the very best from them. I learned how to negotiate and work through complex issues to achieve success. I learned how to plan, organize and achieve goals. I learned how to communicate and earn the trust of those I led. I learned how to overcome failures and achieve lasting results. Finally, I learned how to continually improve myself and sharpen my skills. You can find more about my background here.

Why this Website

With this website, I aim to share the insights I learned with others who want to be better leaders. For example, maybe you recently were promoted and need some training on how to get started. Perhaps you’re currently in a leadership position and have employee issues and need more skills in handling them. Maybe, you have aspirations to be a leader and want to improve your chances of getting that next promotion. Or perhaps you want to become more confident in your current duties. Whatever the reason, if it involves leadership – you’re in the right place.

What the world needs now are better leaders. Governments, large corporations, small businesses and everything in between need better leaders. Individuals who are prepared to lead, accept the challenges, put their hands on the plow, and move forward. Are you ready to be that leader? If so, good training can help you get there.

Being a leader will challenge you on every front. It will compel you to be better, learn new skills and move faster than before. It will challenge you to deliver timely, quality results. It will force you to dig deep inside yourself to find the courage and strength to overcome obstacles and solve problems. It will test your people skills as you have tough conversations with employees and customers. It will continually press the envelope for better, faster productivity. And, at times, it will push you to the limit of your mental and physical strength. It will make many demands of you. 

For those willing to move forward into leadership, there is no better place to start than here. I’ve faced each of those challenges noted above and more. But, I learned how to deal with and overcome each one and, in the process, find lasting success. I learned the value of hard work and the joy of leading great employees. And I experienced, time and time again, excellent outcomes that made it all worthwhile. 

Tools and Training for You

That’s why you are here. You want to be a better leader and achieve your full potential. And, with the right tools and training, you can accomplish even greater things in your career. I’ll help you do that. Are you ready to move forward? 

This website will have training videos, articles and products to help you achieve a successful leadership career. No-nonsense training videos based on real-life experience that will cover relevant topics to help you improve yourself and get better results.  

And more training is in the planning stages for release during the next year that you don’t want to miss. Make sure you sign-up below for our email notifications when these launch as they will cover a wide range of important leadership topics. 

Did I mention that special tools are included with our training to help you apply the lessons learned? 

Around the Corner

Finally, I’m excited to announce my new book “Your Finest Hour is NOW” which will be published soon. The book took over thirty years to write and will be a leader’s guide to help you improve yourself, inspire others and achieve better results. This is a wonderful book that is packed with wisdom for every person that wants to be a better leader. I know you’ll want to check it out when it’s available so sign-up below to get notified and also get our free gift. 

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I’m so glad you are here. Are you ready to lead? Start Today.  

So welcome; let’s get going.  

Steven Mattioli

MattioliSolutions.com