Page 109 - Complete Idiot's Guide to The Perfect Resume

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Chapter 6 ➤ Step One: Heading Your Way

Breaking the Rules

Now that you’ve learned the rule of having a Job Objective state-
ment, I’m going to tell you about a technique that breaks, or at
least bends, that rule.
If you’re continuing in a profession in which you have substantial
experience, consider putting your professional title next to your Terms of Employment
name or near the top of your resume. This can be a stronger
approach than using a Job Objective statement. A title effectively Your professional title could
says, “This is what my profession is.” A Job Objective statement be an official job title you’ve
says, “This is what I want to be.” If you have enough experience to held or simply the professional
give yourself a title, it can be a more forceful introduction. role you’re qualified to fill. For
instance, a resume writer (such as
Using your professional title instead of a Job Objective statement myself) could use any of the fol-
can do the following: lowing professional titles at the
top of her resume:
➤ Give you an edge on your competition by presenting you as
an established professional in your field. Resume Writer
➤ Set a strong foundation for title and salary negotiations. Resume Consultant
Career Counselor
Look at the resumes that follow. Do you see how the professional-
Career Development
title technique makes each job seeker look accomplished in his or
Professional
her career?
She would choose her profes-
sional title based on what type
Titles That Talk Big of work she was looking for.
Robert McFarland had been a construction-dispute consultant for a
number of years and was using his resume to move to another
consulting firm. By placing his professional title immediately under his heading, he estab-
lished himself as someone grounded in his field. This assertive approach not only won him
an interview, but it also paid off big when he negotiated his salary.
Do you have a professional title that would tell the employer which role you want to play
in his organization? If so, consider using it on your resume instead of a Job Objective state-
ment.

Heading Within a Heading

In her resume heading, Katrina Lambros inserted her professional title right under her
name. Notice how confident Katrina looked with her title up top and stunning achieve-
ment statements in the body of her resume. Her whole presentation made her look like the
type of salesperson the employer wanted on his team!
Whether your professional title is incorporated into your heading or positioned immedi-
ately under your heading, it’s bound to stand out and impress a potential employer.

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