Resumes are a horrid way to get to know someone - a rotten 'cold calling card'. Some read like over-hyped ads, some like unedited novels and chronological resumes!... don't get me started on how misleading those are! :-) From the fact that they create the assumption that if you haven't done "it" before, you're not qualified now, to the problem of missing time, to the inability to see how a patchwork adds up to the skills of a leader.
I've tried all kinds of things to supplement or replace the resume. Most of it has stood me well and has helped, but not resolved, the issue of of the resume.
Part of the problem is, as above, in the creation of the resume. The other part of the problem is that most folks have no idea how to read a resume properly or the time to do so.
The other day at the discussion around leadership and storytelling, some one said something that I hope may be of use to you and your mentors / mentorees.
Every bullet point on your resume should be the starting point of a story you'd like to share.
If all we do is edit our current resumes with that statement in mind, imagine how many extra doors might open?
Change:
Investigated social media issues to develop a company strategy
To:
Investigated social media issues - including collaboration concepts - to create an NA employee experience
Suddenly there is a story, an implied opinion, a focus.
Instead of closed statements or vague assertions, get the reader to want to discuss how the exciting thing you did / skill you showed will help their team achieve new heights. Not as hyperbole, but as fact.
Tell your story!
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