Best Resume Example and The Problem With Resume Examples

To find an effective resume example on the web is obviously (by the number of searches) a priority for many. The difficulty with most resume examples is that they are either too broad or conversely, too specific. Websites will make statements such as "resume samples covering various industries and career levels". By too specific I mean the resume example you find will often be related to one discipline only such as accounting, financial control, engineering, sales, insurance etc. Now we all need to start somewhere with our resume however I think it is better to start with the job ad than to take a broad shotgun approach to resume writing. Additionally often the narrowly focused resume examples miss lots of things that employers are looking for.

Let me explain... here is an excerpt sample from a random job ad:

"You will be a polished individual; exceptionally well presented and articulate. A degree qualified, high achiever, you will have a desire to pursue a career within financial services and a positive and adaptable attitude. With a proven track record working in a client focused position within the financial services industry, you will be looking to take the next step."

Now here is another ad example...

"Responsible for the assessment, management and administration of a portfolio of risk product claims within delegated authority to achieve profitability targets. You will have knowledge of claims processes, definitions under policies and proven techniques in claims investigation. You will also have a number of years insurance experience including knowledge of legislation and regulations affecting the life insurance industry."

As you can see from the two ad examples a generic resume is just not going to cut it. Also the two employers take a different approach to how they advertise their jobs. The first ad is 'generic' wheres the second is a little more specific.

A further hint on how to proceed comes from an unlikely source. I recently found a survey of what employers are looking for or on what basis they hire from interviews. The question asked of those being surveyed was "when interviewing someone for a job I am primarily looking for (choose the best three answers):" Here are the scores: 1) fit with our culture 100, 2) passion and excitement for the position 82, 3) specific match for the job description 42, 4) specific details about their qualifications 42, 5) confidence 41, 6) ability to make an immediate impact 38. There were other issues however the top ones are listed above. To me it stands to reason that if that's what employers want at an interview that's what you need to demonstrate in your resume to get chosen for an interview.

A Twitter reader of mine asked me not too long before writing this; "What's your take on a great resume?" My answer was; 'a resume that sells the fact that you can supply what was asked for in the job ad'. Now bearing in mind what I have said can I suggest before you leap around the net looking for sample resumes you look at mine at: resume example which takes a slightly different approach. Grab a job ad that you are interested in then look up the statements in the resume example that match what I have said above is important and that resemble what the ad says is important and get typing.