Preparing a Resume
Your resume is one of the most critical tools in your job search. With hiring managers reviewing hundreds of resumes, yours must stand out — often within just five seconds. A strong resume should immediately communicate your core strengths and how you bring value to a potential employer.
At General Placement Service, our Consultants can help ensure your resume is effective in both content and appearance. Here are several key tips to guide you:
Be Honest and Accurate
All dates, titles, responsibilities, and achievements must be factual. Employers routinely verify resume details — and even minor discrepancies can remove you from consideration.
Tailor It to the Job
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all resume. Each version should be customized to the specific position or company. Focus on the skills and experiences most relevant to the role. Jobs outside the insurance industry should only be emphasized if they directly apply to your current goals.
Keep It Concise
While one page may not be realistic for executives or tenured professionals, your resume should still be focused and easy to scan. A two- or three-page resume is acceptable — as long as it’s well-organized and free of clutter.
Use Bullet Points
Avoid large blocks of text or paragraph form. Bullet points help hiring managers quickly absorb your key accomplishments and skill sets. Keep them concise — full sentences are not required.
Proofread Carefully
Grammatical or spelling errors signal carelessness and can instantly disqualify you. Always double-check your resume, or better yet, let a professional review it.
Need guidance?#
Contact a General Placement Service Consultant to review your resume or download a sample resume to get started.
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