Working with Purpose
The purpose of a resume is not to land you a job, but rather to get you in the door for
an interview. This concept is important because it will help you familiarize yourself
with the resume process. When you feel compelled to include unrelated experience
and clutter a resume with irrelevant facts, think twice. Don't fill the page with
empty sentences and boring detail. You can avoid this downfall by prioritizing your
accomplishments and identifying pertinent information related to your new job
search.

Strategize
Begin the resume writing process with the end in mind. Before you commit final
words to paper, think about what you want the end result to be. Nothing on your
resume should be done without prior thought and strategizing. This includes your
choice of font, format, keywords, and action words. Every aspect of your document
should serve a distinct purpose.

Important tip
Avoid resume templates. Let’s face it, almost all home-spun resumes are created on
some form of a Word template. Therefore, they all have the same feel, taste, and look
as every other candidate. Be different. Be powerful. Be specific. 

Be Aggressive, but Truthful
A resume is not a time to be humble. Be proud of your accomplishments, highlight
them, and make the hiring manager take notice. But beware: don't let your
creativity get the best of you. Your statements should always be truthful and
results-oriented. Let’s visit an example of a weak and strong Objective/Profile.

Weak
Seeking a position as a bilingual teacher where I could make a positive impact on
students in your school district.

Strong
Experienced bilingual educator dedicated to fostering education by creating a
stimulating, nurturing, and culturally-friendly environment for bilingual students.
Keen understanding of the importance of student assimilation and the need for
respect of their native upbringing. Adhere to new procedures and commissioner
regulations for LEP and adequately incorporate these methodologies in a classroom
setting to enhance learning. Today's resumes must answer “why you?” Strong,
powerful statements will ensure that your resume does not end up in the “file me”
pile.

Stand out
Everyone who holds the same job title as you most likely has the same job
responsibilities. That is why it is imperative that your resume sets you apart from
all other bankers, sales managers, etc. out there. This means your resume must be
dynamic, grab attention, and offer unique information.

Relax
Writing a resume is tough work. If it does not come easily to you, don't be alarmed.
You are not the only one. If you find presenting yourself on paper properly difficult
to do, consul resume writing books or a professional resume writer. The job search
process is taxing enough. Don't allow words on paper to taint your approach to
gaining a job.

Recognized as a career expert, Linda Matias brings a wealth of experience to the
career services field. She has been sought out for her knowledge of the employment
market, outplacement, job search strategies, interview preparation, and resume
writing, quoted a number of times in The Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday,
Newsweek, and HR-esource.com. She is president of CareerStrides and the National
Resume Writers’ Association.


About AFB
AFB Consulting is an Egyptian firm established in 2005, formed of a dynamic team
of financial professionals, each an expert with an in depth background in specialized
financial services. Our Partners are Financial Professionals with Auditing and
Financial backgrounds in the Big 4 Auditing Firms and other Multinational
companies; they have a large network of auditors and accountants. We also depend
on the expertise of part-time consultants to fulfill the needs of our clients. The firm
helps clients solve problems related in finance issues. AFB's highly trained, results
oriented professionals serve clients in the MENA region & provide a unique
perspective on a wide range of critical financial business issues.