Resumes and Leave Behinds

This topic has come up a few times at networking events I've attended. The opinions are varied. 1. Resumes: What do you believe to be the best format (in no particular order)?

Version 1
- Taglines (branding)
- Use of Color and "modern fonts"
- Summary Section
- Functional points (limited)
- Company/Title/Years highlights core competencies
- Use of buzzwords and slick marketing verbiage

Version 2
- Summary Section
- Functional bullet points
- Company/Title/Years
- Standard fonts w/bolding

Version 3
- Summary
- Company/TItle/Years highlights core competencies
- Standard fonts w/bolding

Version 4
Some type of hybrid

2. Leave Behinds
Creation of marketing sheet highlighting the candidates business life that can be left at the end of an interview. What is the collective thought process from those who have been on both sides of the hiring process. What may be useful is if you have a unique format of resume, change the names, dates to protect all involved and share said formating.

Answers

Chris Shumate Accounting Manager • September 30, 2013

By "Leave Behinds" do you mean materials you take to the interview/meeting for them to mull over along with your resume? If not, what is meant by "Leave Behinds"?

Wayne Spivak President & CFO • September 30, 2013

You are correct, it would be a secondary "sales" brochure.

Mark Matheny VP - FInancial Planning and Analysis • October 2, 2013

I prefer version 3. Would only expect a "leave behind" on some unique requirement/qualification.

Betsy Brycki Accountant • October 2, 2013

I prefer version 2. I want to see skills and experience without clutter. I also like to get a cover letter, tailored to the position being sought. This shows that the candidate is interested in the job advertised, highlights experience related to the position and also demonstrates writing skills.

Ken Stumder Finance Director / Controller • October 2, 2013

I think cover letters go straight into the round file. I personally prefer #3. Summary resume, very few bullets (they become an eyesore when over-utilized), and descriptors of what you do and any noteworthy accomplishments/experiences that you think make you a good candidate.

Wanda Michael HR Director • October 2, 2013

HR Director, Community Youth Services
Over my 25+ years in HR there have been times when I am reading resumes for a solid week or longer. There is not one format for all applicants. For some chronological works best, others the functional format works best. The main thing to strive for is to make it as easy as possible for the reader to find the needed experience and education that they are looking for.
In addition to reading resumes in my job, I also provide 1:1 resume workshops at a local library. My overall point that I tell them - don't make the reader have to search for your information.
Cover letters are OK, but definitely keep them to one page!

Leonard Sloane Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer • October 3, 2013

I prefer version 4 for someone who has worked in many several different countries through their career.

Cindy Kraft CFO Coach • October 3, 2013

Format should not drive strategy. Rather, strategy should drive formatting.

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Resumes and Leave Behinds

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