When you think about resumes, you probably think about looking for a job.  In fact, most people do not even write or update their resume until they feel they are going to lose their job.  This strategy often backfires when someone loses their job and has to spend a week pulling together dates of employment that could go back a number of years.  Keeping your resume updated is not just for moving outside of your current company, it could also be to move up within it.

Getting Started

A resume is a document, unique to you.  It is not a letter, memo, or presentation so do not write it as such. When writing a resume for a management position you will need to elevate your standards and show off your abilities. Focus on the position to which you are applying and highlight the skills and experience you have which target those requirements.  Include your accomplishments and special recognition as it pertains to the position.  These are the areas that are most important because they are what employers look for.

Get Your Competitive On

In order to stand out above the other resumes surely to be seen for an open manager position, your resume will need to stand out.  When it is time to update your resume for a new opportunity, read the job description first.  This will give you an overview of what the position requires. Employers spend an average of ten to fifteen seconds perusing a resume, so make yours easy to read and direct.  Utilize the K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Silly) method.

Header

Your header should include your full name and contact information, including a working phone number with a professional outgoing message.  Now is not the time to show your appreciation for the latest ring back tone.  Use a professional email address.  There are plenty of free services that you can sign up for, so you do not have to use bigdaddy1976@hotmail.com.

Objective

The objective should be the first section of your resume, and it should sit just below the contact information.  Now the rule of thumb is to write one sentence stating exactly what you are looking for.  However, when writing a manager resume, it is recommended that you write a small paragraph.  This should tie your resume together using important points you want to highlight.  This is a good chance for you to use some keywords.  Just be careful you do not end up with a cookie cutter objective.  These are easy to spot and tell the HR representative you could not talk about your own goals without the use of Google.  What do YOU want to do?

Chronological, Functional, or Both?

When it comes to resume styles, these are the basics.  A chronological one is exactly as it says and goes in order from most recent to earliest.  Your experience goes first in this case, unless you are a new graduate.  In this case you would list your education first.  A functional resume focuses on the skills you have rather than a listing of positions.  This is useful when you are changing careers. A combination is a little bit of each one.  The first is easiest to keep updated and is generally easier to upload when applying online to a position.

Experience

List the most relevant experience you have.  There is no need to list any transition jobs here.  Include the name of the organization, dates of employment, location, your title, and a solid description of your responsibilities.

Skills

When listing your skills, keep the list short and relevant.  Use bullets for ease in reading.

Education

When listing the relevant education, be sure to include the name of the school, address, dates attended, area of study, and the credential earned.  Do not list something irrelevant or unfinished.  This may cause you to appear lacking in drive and focus.  If you have multiple listings, be sure to list them in reverse chronological order.  Again, at this stage in your career, I would not include any copy of irrelevant course work.

Keywords

It is important to use related keywords throughout your resume.  Choose words that are related to your position and your field.  It is important to show that you speak the same language as the employer, and it makes it easier for them to read.

Strong Keywords Include

Abilities, achieved, administered, assigned, coached, controlled, coordinated, core, competencies, developed, dictate, directed, dominated, established, forecast, guided, handled, influenced, initiated, innovate, inspired, key, lead, led, maintained, managed, motivated, organized, originated, oversee, qualities, and supervised.

Lastly, this process is a sales pitch, so avoid listing a bunch of facts.  No lying or exaggerating.  Just the facts, ma’am, just the facts.