Are Resumes format really make a difference?

[liquidz]

So ive seen a lot of resume critique posts on AO.

For the most part, dont we just follow the standard actuarial resume format.

I.E. Exams follow by Education then Experiences then skills and whatever else we think is appropriate.

So how important do you think resumes are given you have the qualifications.

[Zakarin]

Resumes help pick between candidates with similar qualifications.

A resume demonstrates how clearly and concisely you can communicate information with limited space

Z

[actu1113]

Originally Posted by Zakarin

Resumes help pick between candidates with similar qualifications.

A resume shoes how clearly and concisely you can communicate information with limited space

Z

I don't understand.

[Sindel]

Originally Posted by liquidz

So ive seen a lot of resume critique posts on AO.

For the most part, dont we just follow the standard actuarial resume format.

I.E. Exams follow by Education then Experiences then skills and whatever else we think is appropriate.

So how important do you think resumes are given you have the qualifications.

The reason why some section orderings are better than others is because you don't want to have your prospective employer spend 2 minutes trying to find the important thing he's looking for.

As far as formats in general, as long as it's more or less normal, it should be okay; meaning as long as it's not white text in red paper or something.

[mxpx=1/2]

Good resumes lead to interviews. Bad ones head to the trash.

Good resumes are a function of both content and presentation.

[JMO]

If English is not your first language, or even if you are just not strong on grammar, have somebody who is good at English review resume and cover letter. Ask them to specifically look for anything that might suggest that your English is less than perfect.

[Maine-iac]

Ability to communicate clear and concisely is one of the requisite job skills, so yes, resume format matters. Doesn't matter how strong your technical abilities are if you can't make anyone understand your results or convince them to make use of your analyses. If you can't present your job qualifications clearly and convincingly, then the potential employer will distrust your ability to present your work as well.

[Short Bus]

I got my first job offer after making a non-traditional addition to my resume. I added a giant "skills" section after education, before experience (because I only had non-actuarial experience). Then I put a list of non-cliche skills on the list, avoiding things like "good organizational skills", "attention to detail", etc. But I made sure that I had a story or support for each skill.

Once I got my first interview with that resume, I found the interviewers harped on my list of skills for their questions. Such as "give me an example of why you're good at ____." Then I was able to brag about my experiences and successes without having to awkwardly offer it in the "tell me about yourself" or "why should we hire you" part of the interview. I spent 2 years sending out resumes with the traditional format with 4 non-successful interviews. It may be unrelated, but after one month of the new format, got an interview and got an offer during the peak of the recession.

Bottom line is your resume should be a marketing brochure where you're trying to sell yourself. Highlight the best things, ignore (or put at the bottom if it's a required item) the not so great. I find that with actuarial jobs, quite a bit of weeding happens during the interview portion. If you can design your resume to compliment your interview, it certainly won't hurt. It helps your chances when the hiring manager can remember your face when they come to your resume and interview notes during decision making time.

[zeuz]

Resumes help us week out the lewzers in 10 seconds or less.

[ORLYLOL]

So if I put dragons and wizards on my resume, would that get me to an in-person?