My Ideal CV

What is more important than getting your dream job? Many friends have asked me to review their resumes. While, I strongly believe that every resume has to be specific to the job profile you are applying for, I also think there are some generic insights which may be helpful to everyone. I am writing this blog with an experience of reviewing more than 500 resumes in the last 3 years.

Did you know?

1. Recruiters spend not more than a few seconds on your resume? Strong impressions are made with in the first few seconds.
2. If a senior manager is interviewing you, she is most likely seeing your resume for the first time.
3. If your resume looks too good and you don't meet the expectations in the interview, then your good resume is actually harming you.
4. If you write a mediocre resume, it may be difficult to get shortlisted. Also, you may get negative marks if your recruiter figures out that you haven't done enough homework.
5. Do you know what your recruiter is really looking for? You might think that your experience may be important but empolyer may not care for your experience. Most of the consulting companies do not really care for your experience.

My point is, grab recruiter's attention as quickly as possible and find right balance in your resume.

Following is a realestate distribution for a profile similar to mine (>10 years of experience):

• Objective –5%
• Education and Academics – 10%
• Experience summary: Top 5 achievements quantified and highlighted –10%
• Brief description of various roles performed with periods and companies – 40%
• Skill set Tech/Non-technical – 25%
• Extra curricular and Interests – 10%

You need to fine tune the percentages based on the job you are applying for and based on your experience. Once you establish this high level percentages, try to drill down with specifics and achievements. If I am allowed a second page, I would add the following sections:

• References (No contacts or numbers but just mention the qualitative details of the reference and your relationship with the reference. Example: General Manager of the divison, was directly reporting to him)
• Relevant trainings
• Detailed work experience with web links of your clients/customers
• Any other quantifiable achievements employers might be interested in