How to Rebuild Your Resume

By Charleah Trombitas
​
At PRSSA National Conference this year, I learned tips and tricks about resume writing and formatting from Gala Jackson during the session “Rebuilding your Resume.” Jackson is the CEO of her own company, Interviewsnob, which is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and provides expert resume and career search advice for aspiring professionals.
 
Jackson started off explaining how to begin writing the resume. She stressed that it begins with studying the company where you will be sending the application. Review the history, analyze the prospective job description and connect with hiring managers. Company research will ensure your resume is tailored perfectly for the job you are applying for.
 
Not every resume you send out should be the same. Jackson really stressed this. Once again, do not send out a general resume! You will not stand out that way. Market yourself and your strengths. Make sure the company knows that you know what you’re applying for. Show hiring managers how you can be an asset to their company. Ask yourself, “why? So what?” after everything you add to your resume. Keep it short and relevant.
 
Tip to make resume writing easier:
Jackson gave a lot of great tips and information, but one thing she said was my personal favorite: Jackson suggested creating a master resume. This would include everything you have ever done in your college career that is resume worthy. Don’t just update this when it’s time to apply for jobs; keep this up-to-date and organized. When it comes time to apply for jobs, pull the most relevant information from your master resume into each individual resume. This technique allows for an easy way to create job-specific resumes.
 
Tip to make your resume REALLY stand out:
A lot of things can cause your resume to stand out, but Jackson introduced me to something I had never thought of before. Rather than an objective statement at the top of your resume, sell yourself. Describe to hiring managers what you can do for them and why you are valuable. Use this section as if you have the ability to give the hiring managers a 30-second elevator pitch.
 
Most common resume mistakes:
Jackson has seen a lot of resumes, good and bad. She kindly shared the most common mistakes she has seen on resumes throughout her career:

• Incorrect spelling of contact information
• Resume templates that are not compatible with certain computers
• Generalizations ex. I am a very dynamic leader.
• Including references in your resume
• Images on resume
• Cramming text – confusing layout
• Too long – resume should not be over 2 pages at this point

 
In conclusion, Jackson reminded us we all have the ability to create a great resume. Overall, this session was so informative. I believe all of these tips will help me when I am applying to jobs and internships. After all, any resume help is always appreciated! 

---