By Jenifer Brown
All the mergers and acquisitions in the radiology equipment service industry may have you seeking a new opportunity or advancement. I find that for many imaging service professionals it has been years since they put a resume together. So, here are my guidelines for resume writing:
Rule #1: Never have more than two pages
- The two-page rule applies only if your past experience and background relates to the position for which you are applying, if not, then one page!
- The tendency for most candidates is to put critical information on the second or third page, where it might separate from the first page, or not even be read at all.
- Although you might think your credentials warrant an autobiography, the majority of technical hiring managers don’t have the time to read more!
Rule #2: Beware of fancy fonts
- Using fancy fonts in your resume might demonstrate graphic arts talent, but will rarely get you an interview. Neither will your photo, unfortunately.
- Your resume will be emailed or copied to others and fancy fonts are often difficult to read. Plus, oftentimes you will be asked to also apply online where you want a legible resume to copy and paste.
- Employers may think there’s an underlying reason for sprucing up your resume – not enough related background, perhaps?
- Enlarging and bolding your headings with adequate spacing between topic areas will make your resume more powerful and easier to read.
Rule #3: Use bullets, not paragraphs
- Keep the text short and easy to read.
- In describing your experience and positions, always start with an action verb. Use present and past tense when possible.
- Each statement or point you are making should be one line.
- By starting with an action verb and keeping the statement to one line, your message will be powerful and to the point.
Rule #4: Lose the fluff
- When you describe yourself or your past experience in your summary or work history section avoid using “fluffy” phrases. These do not hold any weight with employers as they are deciding whether or not to interview you. Examples of such phrases are: “I’m a people person.” “I’m dedicated.” “I’m hard working.” “I’m loyal.”
- These may be noteworthy attributes, but employers will not believe them until they actually witness them on the job.
- Instead, fill you resume with facts.
Rule #5: Beef it up; never make it up
- Summarize or highlight years of experience, a specific skill set, and/or cost savings at the beginning of the resume (in bulleted format).
- List all training certifications with a separate heading “Training Certifications.” NOTE: If you have a lot of these, use a separate sheet just for training!
- List your degree(s) and related educational courses under a separate heading.
- List awards or commendations, if they are industry-recognized or unique, under a separate heading.
- List organizations and affiliations that are recognized by your industry under a separate heading.
- The candidate who fictionalizes a university degree may be in trouble if the hiring authority has a relative who actually graduated from the school.
- The candidate who claims to have experience with certain equipment or software may be embarrassed if a prospective employer asks for a mini-demo at the interview.
NOTE: The only personal comments on a resume should pertain to your ability to speak other languages or willingness to relocate or travel.
Overall comments and suggestions
- Check your final draft for spelling and grammatical errors and inconsistencies. The last place you would like to see your resume go is into the “round file” (trash) due to this.
- There are many resume formats available via the Internet, but be careful to choose a format that allows you the flexibility to present your credentials to your best advantage.
- If you can’t find a suitable and adaptable format, create your own. It might not be easy, but you will be more likely to obtain your objective – an interview!