There are some specific headings that should always be included in every resume. The first mandatory heading listed at the top is the title, which includes the applicant’s name, address, and phone number(s). Other mandatory sections include employment history and education above the high school level. There may also be certain sections that are not necessarily mandatory but are essential for getting to the next step in the hiring process.
These optional headings or sections can vary depending on the type of job that the applicant is applying for. This article looks at specific optional section headings that emphasize applicants’ qualifications, experience, and leadership abilities.
The first heading we’ll look at is a heading the emphasis the applicant’s qualifications.
The Resume and Emphasizing Qualifications
Job postings in print or on the Internet will often have a minimum set of qualifications listed. The prospective employer will naturally be looking for a resume that emphasizes the qualifications their looking for. Don’t rely on the employer reading between the lines of employment history. Instead, the resume should highlight the qualifications the employer is looking for, along with other qualifications that may exceed their expectations.
In order to emphasize the applicant’s qualifications, the heading “Highlights of Qualifications” should be used. Below is an example of an employer that is seeking a manager to operate a large retail store.
Highlights of Qualifications
- Financial Analysis
- Budget and Forecasting
- Inventory Control
- Merchandising and Marketing
- Expense Control
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
The Resume and Listing Work Experience
Listing work experience history is mandatory on a resume. However, the resume should be brief and to the point. Instead of describing job functions and responsibilities under each separate previous employer, create a separate heading for the actual experience. When describing previous work experience, pick the best attributes from each previous employer, as an example:
Work Experience
Operated a retail store with $15,000,000 in gross annual sales. Responsible for every aspect of store operations including, but not limited to net profit goals, staffing, training, and human resources. Managed a staff of 50 employees, including sales representatives, shipping/receiving personnel, and office staff.
Demonstrating Leadership Abilities on a Resume
If job applicants are looking for management positions, they should emphasize their leadership abilities. Most employers aren’t just looking for a good manager; they want a good manager that’s also a strong leader. A good way to emphasize leadership abilities is to create a profile section as follows.
Profile: Aggressive leader with over twenty-five years of experience in all areas of retail store operations. Focused on customer retention through process improvements, employee empowerment, and the ability to exceed customer’s expectations. Maintain strong leadership qualities with enthusiasm, competency, and integrity.
These are just some ideas that put an emphasis on what an employer may be looking for. Doing some research on the company and proper preparation are also keys to getting an interview. Properly filling out a job application and a well-written cover letter are also important factors to get to the next step in the hiring process.