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49% of Canadian executive resumes have significant issues hampering readability.

As a leader and innovator in the Canadian resume writing industry, Graham Management Group (GMG) actively keeps a finger on the pulse of the market. In the largest research study of its kind, we evaluated 1000 randomly selected resumes that we received from senior executives, managers, and other $100k+ professionals. Almost half of the resumes we received had significant issues hampering readability.

These days, employers and recruiters have very little time to read resumes. They may become impatient and frustrated with resumes that are not concise and direct, and may not even make the effort to read them completely. Resumes must be crisper, tighter, and more compelling than ever.

Candidates who create a resume that is a “good and easy read” tend to produce better results in their search. In order to get your foot in the door, your resume must be read. It’s not how much you say, but what you say and how you deliver it. There are many ways to strategically make your resume readable:

• Don’t create paragraphs that are lengthier than five lines in total unless there is a significant reason for the extra content.
• Make it easy for the reader to get through your document by writing concisely, using active language rather than passive language.
• Forget using personal pronouns. Do not speak in the first person, using “I” or “me.” Rather, use direct language to present a more professional tone and create statements with impact.
• Emphasise your abilities with powerful language, but be careful to cater to your reader. Avoid using acronyms and buzzwords without context. Rather than trying to use complicated words, use terms and key phrases that he or she will easily understand and value.
• Focus on accomplishments rather than responsibilities and start each accomplishment with a past tense verb to show that you have already achieved it. Avoid repeating the same the same action verb too often, but ensure that your writing is consistent and parallel throughout.
• Eliminate exceptionally lengthy lists. If you must provide a long list of bullet points, limit each point to three lines or less. Include ample white space between bullet points. Arrange your accomplishments in order of importance, adding impact by ensuring that your final bullet ends with a bang.
• List your computer or technology skills in one place. You don’t want the reader to have to work hard in order to figure out your hardware, software, or networking knowledge.

When it comes to your resume, always cater to the needs of your target market, and include only the essential information. Write concisely. If the reader enjoys the read, you are much more likely to get a call.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL GMG REPORT HERE:  http://www.grahammanagement.com/ResumeResearch2010.xpg 

 

Graham Management Group

Research Study: How Does Your Resume Compare? 

Competitive Career Intelligence for Six-Figure Canadians 

info@GrahamManagement.com | www.GrahamManagement.com | 866.622.1464 

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