What is the Most Important Feature of a Resume?

Most first-time applicants have a hint, but they wouldn't know the significance of this feature. Those who have been working for years could be thinking of their work experience, where they would be selective about the information that they put in their resumes. They have a point, but they need to recall the definition of a resume.

Resume is a summary of your skills and achievements, a quick advertisement of your abilities in a professional environment. The goal is to secure a job interview, so the emphasis on interests that will capture the attention of recruiters. Autobiography it ain't. Then again, a one-page resume doesn't guarantee a call from a recruiter. A career objective can be a make-or-break case. Graduates (or college students) may be confused about it, but they forgot that recruiters have a busy schedule. Professionals would argue about it, almost forgetting the job application process.

A career objective doesn't reveal an applicant's enthusiasm on getting a job, not even the requirements that recruiters are looking in applicants. It rather saves lots of time for both parties. An objective doesn't illustrate soft skills, which make the perfect employee. Recruiters might see an applicant with a vision, of what can be achieved in five years or less. Let's not confuse it with a news feature, where the main idea (of the article) is written in the first paragraph (or the first few paragraphs). It's also far from a good novel, remembered for the catchy opening line. An objective shows what the applicant wants. A good objective will make a particular resume stand out from the rest. It won't end up in a pile on the corner of the table.

How to write a career objective

Don't compose a wishy-washy statement. If you insist on doing it, then don't expect a call from recruiters. (And don't wonder why there wasn't any call after a week or two.) There isn't a vision in such statement. Furthermore, it doesn't tell what you're really looking in a job. Some might argue about it, even pointing out that this kind of reasoning help them in their college application. A career objective and personal statement are two different things. This is a whole new level, so you should think differently. It doesn't have to be out of the box, though.

Name the position that you apply for. It may dumbfound you, but it's logical and sensible at the same time. Recruiters have posted the available job position in the ads, and most are printed in bold font. It's not copying what had been placed in the ad, but indicating what you're applying for. There must be an understanding from both parties at this early stage (of the job application process). You're restricting to that position, which doesn't give any negative connotation. Keep in mind that your work experience will provide the details.

The location of the company (that you're applying for). It may not apply if you're located in the metropolis. As a matter of fact, there's no need to be too specific on this one. Then again, there's nothing wrong in being particular about the location. This will clear the air (so to speak). This also applies to companies with several branches across America. What you'll read next has something to do with this one.

Your specifications on the job. It doesn't imply that you're a picky person, even demanding to some extent. You don't want recruiters to think long and hard about your chances after you emphasize that you're open for relocation (to another branch other than the one that you're aiming for). If you're open to travel, then it means two things: You want to be a part of a software industry or you have experience in sales. This gives you an advantage. It doesn't matter if it's a slight one, as a lead is still a lead. This is linked to location especially if a certain place is famous for a certain industry (e.g. Silicon Valley).

If you're a seasoned professional, then one more sentence won't hurt your chances. Think about numbers. (A good introduction includes how long you've been working in that industry. The longer you have been there, the more qualified you are.) You might be tempted to add more information, as you end that sentence with a semicolon. A big mistake, as you can write it down (or talk about it) when you're being asked about it. Less talk, less mistakes.

The second most important feature of your resume

Your work experience must provide the essential information, as well as figures, which indicate that you're the best candidate for that particular position. Don't go overboard, as your experience can be turned against you. (If you have said more than you should tell to your admissions tutor, then you might up as an overqualified applicant.)

Keep on checking your objective, which should align with your experience. No need to type hundreds of words if you'll sweat out (and get the most after your first attempt). Some recruiters will probably pass it up. It's rather keeping it short and simple.