Your resume is an 8.5-by-11 inch piece of paper (or digital PDF) that recruiters force you to use as a means of marketing yourself to them. No emojis. No gifs. Not even color. Just black and white. Period. How are you supposed to stand out in a crowded marketplace in which everyone’s resumes look so similar?
This episode features an excerpt from my audiobook, The Leader Assistant: Four Pillars of a Confident, Game-Changing Assistant. In this practical and game-changing chapter, my friend Al-Husein Madhany walks through proven methods for crafting the perfect resume for executive assistants and administrative professionals.
Check out the exclusive, on-demand course at resume.assistantsguide.com for a step-by-step guide to crafting your resume. This online course includes access to the proven resume template for executive assistants that you can copy and make your own.
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CONNECT WITH ME (JEREMY BURROWS)
- My LinkedIn
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ABOUT ME
I’m a longtime executive assistant, international speaker and trainer, founder of The Leader Assistant Community and Premium Membership, author of the #1 Amazon Bestselling book, The Leader Assistant: Four Pillars of a Confident, Game-Changing Assistant, and host of the #1 podcast for assistants – The Leader Assistant Podcast.
I’ve worked with CEOs, professional athletes, Fortune 100 board members, billionaires, pastors—and their assistants—in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors.
I’ve also had the opportunity to speak at administrative professional and executive assistant conferences all over the world, including Hong Kong, Thailand, and Germany.
I’m currently EA to the Founder and CEO of Capacity, a fast-growing artificial intelligence SaaS startup with an AI-powered, support automation platform.
My passion is to help you lead well, resist burnout, and automate before you’re automated.
I live in Kansas City, MO with my amazing wife and 2 boys. My hobbies are podcasting, beer, music, crypto, stocks, and entrepreneurship.
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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
00:00:00.820 –> 00:00:03.700
JEREMY: Hey, friends, thanks for tuning in to The Leader Assistant Podcast.
00:00:04.020 –> 00:00:08.760
JEREMY: It’s your host, Jeremy Burrows, and welcome to episode 154.
00:00:09.200 –> 00:00:19.540
JEREMY: Today, I’m going to share another excerpt from my audio book, The Leader Assistant, but I just wanted to give you a heads up that I have a couple of interviews coming up that are going to be really fun.
00:00:19.800 –> 00:00:32.540
JEREMY: So yeah, hope you enjoy this book, excerpt, and look forward to some more interviews with with assistants and administrative professionals and all kinds of great stories soon to come.
00:00:35.560 –> 00:00:43.240
<v SPEAKER_2>The Leader Assistant Podcast exists to encourage and challenge assistants to become confident, game-changing leader assistants.
00:00:47.120 –> 00:00:50.280
JEREMY: The Leader Assistant Podcast is brought to you by Goodie.
00:00:51.180 –> 00:00:58.500
JEREMY: If you send business gifts to employees, clients or sales prospects, Goodie is a game-changer.
00:00:58.880 –> 00:01:05.800
JEREMY: You can send one gift or hundreds at a time without ever worrying about shipping details.
00:01:06.620 –> 00:01:16.180
JEREMY: With Goodie, your gift recipients provide all their shipping info and they can even swap out your gift for another option if they prefer.
00:01:16.780 –> 00:01:21.540
JEREMY: It’s free to start gifting and you can get a $20 credit when you sign up.
00:01:22.240 –> 00:01:30.400
JEREMY: Oh, and if you mention you heard about Goodie from The Leader Assistant Podcast, Goodie will add an extra $10 credit to your account.
00:01:30.960 –> 00:01:40.180
JEREMY: So go to leaderassistant.com/goodie, that’s G-O-O-D-Y, to start gifting today.
00:01:40.480 –> 00:01:44.100
JEREMY: Again, that’s leaderassistant.com/goodie.
00:01:44.680 –> 00:01:54.900
JEREMY: All right, on today’s episode, I’m going to share an excerpt from my audiobook, The Leader Assistant, Four Pillars of a Confident, Game-Changing Assistant.
00:01:54.920 –> 00:02:03.580
JEREMY: Today’s topic is resumes or crafting the perfect resume for executive assistants and administrative professionals.
00:02:04.060 –> 00:02:05.520
JEREMY: So I hope you enjoy this excerpt.
00:02:06.120 –> 00:02:17.620
JEREMY: Be sure to check out the show notes at leaderassistant.com/154, and check out the resume course at resume.assistanceguide.com.
00:02:18.400 –> 00:02:23.680
JEREMY: Chapter 17, The Perfect Resume with Al-Husein Madhany.
00:02:25.440 –> 00:02:27.780
JEREMY: To be honest, I’ve never had to submit a resume.
00:02:28.580 –> 00:02:30.700
JEREMY: I’ve always landed my jobs through people I know.
00:02:31.600 –> 00:02:39.480
JEREMY: When I was between my current and previous jobs, I put together a very professional resume, but I ended up not even using it for my current role.
00:02:40.700 –> 00:02:47.280
JEREMY: I’ve hired assistants and reviewed hundreds of resumes in my role, however, so I do know enough to be dangerous.
00:02:48.880 –> 00:02:56.100
JEREMY: That said, similar to the goals and negotiation chapters, I’m going to invite an expert on the subject to help me out.
00:02:57.440 –> 00:03:07.640
JEREMY: My friend Al-Husein’s resume tactics work wonders for assistants and administrative professionals, and I’m excited to share an overview of his methods with you in this co-authored chapter.
00:03:09.080 –> 00:03:15.140
JEREMY: The Purpose of Your Resume Most people think the purpose of a resume is to get a job.
00:03:16.120 –> 00:03:16.880
JEREMY: That’s not true.
00:03:17.960 –> 00:03:31.160
JEREMY: The sole purpose of your resume is to peak the interest of a recruiter or hiring manager in about six seconds, just long enough for them to pluck it out of a pile and want to schedule an initial phone screen with you.
00:03:32.620 –> 00:03:37.040
JEREMY: Your resume will not get you a job or help you get to a second interview.
00:03:38.280 –> 00:03:46.300
JEREMY: Your resume is an 8.5 by 11-inch piece of paper that recruiters force you to use as a means of marketing yourself to them.
00:03:47.380 –> 00:03:53.860
JEREMY: No emojis, no gifts, not even color, just black and white, period.
00:03:54.860 –> 00:03:59.960
JEREMY: How are you supposed to stand out in a crowded marketplace in which everyone’s resumes look so similar?
00:04:01.600 –> 00:04:04.960
JEREMY: Again, your resume will be reviewed for an average of six seconds.
00:04:06.140 –> 00:04:07.820
JEREMY: Assuming a human even sees it.
00:04:09.400 –> 00:04:15.880
JEREMY: More and more companies use machine learning and high-volume recruiting for roles like software engineers and executive assistants.
00:04:17.020 –> 00:04:27.820
JEREMY: The applicant tracking system feeds your resume into a machine that spits out a number based on trigger words and how closely those words on your resume match the core job description.
00:04:29.360 –> 00:04:34.500
JEREMY: The higher the number, the more likely your resume will make it in front of a human for a quick review.
00:04:36.180 –> 00:04:41.780
JEREMY: It can be harder to get a job at some companies than it is to get into Harvard University.
00:04:42.260 –> 00:04:45.080
JEREMY: So how do you stand a chance of getting your resume seen?
00:04:46.500 –> 00:04:48.460
JEREMY: How can you make your resume pop?
00:04:49.980 –> 00:04:56.920
JEREMY: You’ve got to make your resume memorable to properly market yourself to the recruiter who grants you seconds of their attention.
00:04:58.200 –> 00:05:06.860
JEREMY: The following core tenets and sections of a resume are based on tactics that Al-Husein has employed for hundreds of administrative professionals.
00:05:08.480 –> 00:05:16.500
JEREMY: These assistants used this resume methodology to successfully land phone screens that led to life and career-changing jobs.
00:05:17.960 –> 00:05:21.940
JEREMY: First, let’s review the five core tenets of a memorable resume.
00:05:23.500 –> 00:05:25.280
JEREMY: Five core tenets of a resume.
00:05:26.440 –> 00:05:27.180
JEREMY: Tenet 1.
00:05:27.940 –> 00:05:29.060
JEREMY: No Mistakes.
00:05:30.560 –> 00:05:39.960
JEREMY: The first key is to double, triple, and quadruple check for typos, poor punctuation, incorrect dates, and other errors.
00:05:41.080 –> 00:05:44.360
JEREMY: Have a few friends or a coach review your resume to be safe.
00:05:45.260 –> 00:05:50.380
JEREMY: Assistants are expected to be detail-oriented and can’t afford to make mistakes.
00:05:51.240 –> 00:05:54.620
JEREMY: If a recruiter sees a mistake on your resume, you’re toast.
00:05:56.620 –> 00:05:59.300
JEREMY: Tenant 2, less is more.
00:06:00.440 –> 00:06:03.080
JEREMY: Keep your resume to no more than one page long.
00:06:03.960 –> 00:06:07.740
JEREMY: Remember, your resume will be reviewed for just six seconds.
00:06:08.300 –> 00:06:12.840
JEREMY: If it’s one page, you have a higher chance of the recruiter seeing the important parts.
00:06:14.680 –> 00:06:16.680
JEREMY: Also, make sure there’s lots of white space.
00:06:17.520 –> 00:06:18.640
JEREMY: Don’t cram it all in.
00:06:19.400 –> 00:06:21.080
JEREMY: Rather, leave most of it out.
00:06:22.760 –> 00:06:33.240
JEREMY: Tenant 3, Limited Formatting and Intentional Bolding You want to use some formatting to highlight interesting and important tidbits.
00:06:33.660 –> 00:06:34.840
JEREMY: Just don’t go crazy with it.
00:06:35.960 –> 00:06:38.140
JEREMY: But do be intentional about your bolding.
00:06:39.200 –> 00:06:49.820
JEREMY: For example, if you managed a budget of $1 million in one of your roles, you definitely want to bold that piece of information and not the education section of your resume.
00:06:52.120 –> 00:06:57.380
JEREMY: Tenant 4, Metrics If you can’t measure it, it doesn’t matter.
00:06:58.900 –> 00:07:03.240
JEREMY: Executives love data, so be sure to include things you can measure.
00:07:04.400 –> 00:07:08.520
JEREMY: For example, if you led a team of five assistants, include that.
00:07:09.380 –> 00:07:15.000
JEREMY: If you supported a project that helped increase your company’s revenue by 15%, include that as well.
00:07:16.180 –> 00:07:21.220
JEREMY: Were you responsible for saving the company money through the processes you set up and deployed?
00:07:22.180 –> 00:07:23.780
JEREMY: Measure it, then bold it.
00:07:24.920 –> 00:07:27.980
JEREMY: On your resume, lead with data, not drama.
00:07:30.180 –> 00:07:42.340
JEREMY: Tenant 5, Machine Learning Compliant Many companies use software to scan resumes initially, so your resume needs to stand out to machines, too.
00:07:44.080 –> 00:07:55.560
JEREMY: If you’re applying for a role and the job description includes project management as a key element, be sure to include the term project management in a prominent way on your resume.
00:07:57.040 –> 00:08:04.600
JEREMY: If a role you’re interested in has the term Jack of All Trades in the role description, adapt your resume accordingly.
00:08:05.960 –> 00:08:09.740
JEREMY: In fact, submit a different resume for every job you apply for.
00:08:10.720 –> 00:08:12.640
JEREMY: Yes, every job.
00:08:13.780 –> 00:08:14.120
JEREMY: Why?
00:08:15.200 –> 00:08:21.660
JEREMY: Because your resume must reflect the details of the job description, and each job description is different.
00:08:23.720 –> 00:08:31.660
JEREMY: Seven Sections of a Resume Now that you know the core tenets, let’s review the seven sections to include on your resume.
00:08:33.340 –> 00:08:43.260
JEREMY: Section 1 Who You Are Include your name, city, phone number, email, and entire LinkedIn URL.
00:08:44.380 –> 00:08:47.040
JEREMY: Your name should not be the largest font on the page.
00:08:48.400 –> 00:08:48.760
JEREMY: Why?
00:08:49.320 –> 00:08:51.280
JEREMY: Because your name isn’t memorable.
00:08:52.260 –> 00:08:55.440
JEREMY: You’re a stranger to the recruiter and likely always will be.
00:08:56.620 –> 00:09:00.860
JEREMY: As for your email, don’t use a Yahoo or Hotmail email address.
00:09:01.660 –> 00:09:04.100
JEREMY: Use a Gmail or Outlook email instead.
00:09:04.800 –> 00:09:06.360
JEREMY: If you don’t have one, create one.
00:09:07.960 –> 00:09:09.680
JEREMY: Don’t include your address.
00:09:10.600 –> 00:09:13.560
JEREMY: Your city should be the city of the job you’re applying for.
00:09:14.380 –> 00:09:23.680
JEREMY: For example, if you live in San Diego, but you’re applying for a job in Silicon Valley and would like to relocate there, put Silicon Valley down as your city.
00:09:24.820 –> 00:09:28.280
JEREMY: Again, the purpose of your resume is to get the phone screen.
00:09:29.600 –> 00:09:36.420
JEREMY: If you list San Diego on an application for a job in Silicon Valley, your odds of landing an interview dramatically decrease.
00:09:37.860 –> 00:09:41.980
JEREMY: You can explain to them on the call that you live in San Diego but are willing to relocate.
00:09:42.640 –> 00:09:44.760
JEREMY: A resume is not the place to explain this.
00:09:47.060 –> 00:09:50.160
JEREMY: Section 2, Who You Are in the Workplace.
00:09:51.740 –> 00:09:53.900
JEREMY: This is where you use large font.
00:09:54.960 –> 00:09:59.960
JEREMY: List three or four attributes and big words underneath your bio data section.
00:10:00.440 –> 00:10:04.780
JEREMY: Things like chaos tamer or project manager, for example.
00:10:06.060 –> 00:10:11.320
JEREMY: Choose phrases that describe what you will do for the executive should they choose to hire you.
00:10:13.820 –> 00:10:15.420
JEREMY: Section 3, Core Skill Set.
00:10:18.340 –> 00:10:22.160
JEREMY: This is where you regurgitate what’s on the job description you’re applying for.
00:10:23.240 –> 00:10:33.500
JEREMY: If the role responsibilities include descriptors like resilient, diplomatic or tech savvy, include them in your core skill set section and selectively bold them.
00:10:34.860 –> 00:10:37.580
JEREMY: Section 4, Lead with Impact.
00:10:39.280 –> 00:10:45.720
JEREMY: This section is for you to list anything notable you’ve achieved in your career that might differentiate you from others.
00:10:46.500 –> 00:10:50.860
JEREMY: Again, you can bold select phrases throughout, but don’t go overboard with formatting.
00:10:52.820 –> 00:10:55.540
JEREMY: Section 5, Relevant Experience.
00:10:57.560 –> 00:11:03.100
JEREMY: In this section, briefly list your professional experience, if relevant.
00:11:04.220 –> 00:11:15.980
JEREMY: For example, unless you’re applying to be Executive Assistant to the CEO of Taco Bell, you don’t need to waste ink letting them know you ran the Taco Bell drive-thru window in college.
00:11:17.700 –> 00:11:23.160
JEREMY: In general, don’t take more than 2 or 3 inches of space and do your best to stick to one line per role.
00:11:24.900 –> 00:11:27.680
JEREMY: Section 6, Education.
00:11:28.780 –> 00:11:34.000
JEREMY: In this section, list the certifications, education or specific training you’ve received.
00:11:34.820 –> 00:11:37.800
JEREMY: Don’t list everything and make it short and sweet.
00:11:38.920 –> 00:11:41.760
JEREMY: It’s preferable not to include graduation dates.
00:11:43.620 –> 00:11:46.320
JEREMY: Section 7, Passions.
00:11:48.220 –> 00:11:50.520
JEREMY: This section is not for you to list your hobbies.
00:11:51.080 –> 00:11:53.180
JEREMY: Instead, include a couple of your passions.
00:11:54.000 –> 00:11:58.500
JEREMY: In one word or via a short phrase, talk about what you love.
00:11:59.980 –> 00:12:01.520
JEREMY: Show them you’re a human too.
00:12:02.700 –> 00:12:11.240
JEREMY: For example, if you know the recruiter or executive you’re applying with loves dogs, and you do as well, then list dogs as a passion.
00:12:12.180 –> 00:12:18.200
JEREMY: Be transparent about who you are as a person, but communicate it via tight, pithy wording.
00:12:20.360 –> 00:12:21.300
JEREMY: Go deeper.
00:12:22.800 –> 00:12:29.960
JEREMY: The above tactics from Al-Husein will help you craft a perfect resume, which is a key part of being a game-changing leader assistant.
00:12:30.940 –> 00:12:34.420
JEREMY: I know you’re probably itching for more, but this is all the room I have in this book.
00:12:35.740 –> 00:12:42.180
JEREMY: The good news is Al-Husein and I put together an in-depth online course on the topic of resumes for assistants.
00:12:43.900 –> 00:12:49.140
JEREMY: Visit resume.assistanceguide.com to enroll.
00:12:50.200 –> 00:12:51.040
JEREMY: Thank you for listening.
00:12:51.060 –> 00:12:53.380
JEREMY: Check out the show notes at leaderassistant.com.
00:13:06.047 –> 00:13:08.807
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00:13:09.867 –> 00:13:11.667
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