The 5 Essential Elements of an Effective Resume

When thinking of a career as a financial advisor, the creation--or updating, as the case may be--of your resume will be one of the first things to bedevil you-

- as you fill out applications and prepare to attend many interviews and job fairs.

Obviously finance industry recruiters are well tested in sifting through stacks of resumes in search of standout candidates.

But often there are others who are just as qualified as those who get callbacks and hires, but unfortunately are dismissed due to the organization and content of their resumes.

Knowing how to avoid such simple mistakes can make the difference between getting emails in your inbox and remaining frustrated while perusing the want ads.

1. Focus on Your Objective

1. Focus on Your Objective

When staring at the blank page that will be your current resume, there are two things to consider:

1. Focus on Your Objective

• What kind of work am I looking for and

• Who will likely be reading my resume

In the field of financial advisors, as with many other industries, there are more applicants than positions available.

Because of this, finance industry recruiters can only give resumes a few moments before having to move on.

Loading the first few lines with the most pertinent information that relates to the position you're applying for -

- and an indication that you are adequately qualified is the only way to reasonably expect anyone to read more of what has been submitted to them.

2. Language

In today's job marketplace, the usage of keywords and optimization of syntax is essential to apply and recognize in writing.

2. Language

When crafting your resume, keep in mind the brevity with which it will be read, and the key words one must look for to indicate that a candidate may be the one they have searched for.

2. Language

3. Content

3. Content

If your resume has lasted more than a few moments, then chances are you've set it up correctly enough to have the reader want to digest the more pertinent information with a greater amount of concentration.

3. Content

This is where your education, experience, background, references and skills come into play.

3. Content

List a hierarchy from most accomplished to least.

3. Content

This will differ from applicant to applicant, as some have more real-world experience, while others are still fresh from an educational setting.

4. Coherence

4. Coherence

Resumes are the professional equivalent of a narrative about yourself as an employee in some capacity.

4. Coherence

The information and the way it is presented paints a picture of the life you've lived professionally as well as providing an image of the type of employee you might be if hired.

4. Coherence

Because of this, the way the information flows on the page can either aid or block important information.

5. Organization

5. Organization

Almost as important as the content that is being submitted is how it is presented.

5. Organization

Giving your information adequate spacing is a good place to start.

5. Organization

As you organize your experience, education, and other acquired skills, white space and using a narrower margin than the standard 1" can make the reading a bit easier on the finance industry recruiter.

5. Organization

This will be good practice for anyone who intends to be a financial advisor as extensive written communication will be expected of them.

If you are looking for a job in the finance industry, give the recruiters at Willis Consulting a call.

They not only have the 411 on the best jobs out there, they will also give you advice and guidance so you sail through your interview.

Visit the site @

www.willis-consulting.com

Willis Consulting, Inc.

Los Angeles Office: Corporate Headquarters719 Yarmouth Road, Suite 203Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274310-373-7400 PST

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