The PRSA Technology Section recently hosted a “Beyond the Resume: How Job Seekers Can Best Navigate an Uncertain Job Market” webinar to provide its members with job seeking guidance. The session featured Robynn Storey, a renowned expert in resume writing who is the CEO and founder of Storeyline Resumes. Robynn has a large following on LinkedIn and gives regular advice to job seekers and companies, so we were excited to host her!
Robynn shared lots of insights and guidance during the session. Here are a few of her tips:
Put the Human in Resumes
With the advent of generative AI, it seems like an easy solution to have AI write your resume. But Robynn cautions that while there is a role for AI in resume writing, resumes still need a human touch. AI lacks the ability to create personalized backstories and the details hiring managers need about a candidate.
Robynn shared that the best way to use generative AI is to have it identify common keywords in job descriptions. For example, her team asks its clients to submit two or three job descriptions they are interested in. These descriptions are then analyzed by generative AI to extract the top 15 to 20 keywords. This helps in creating a resume that aligns with what most employers are looking for in a specific role.
Why Metrics Matter in Resumes
Metrics play a crucial role in making a resume stand out. Robynn points out that hiring managers are not interested in generic job role descriptions. They want to see the impact you have made in your previous roles. This includes quantifiable achievements such as sales numbers, growth percentages, account wins, and other measurable contributions.
For instance, if you were a tech salesperson, instead of stating that you reached out to customers and described products, mention the revenue you generated, the number of new accounts you secured, or any significant sales milestones you achieved. This not only highlights your achievements but also provides concrete evidence of your capabilities.
For those of us in PR, this can often be challenging. Robynn shared that you don't necessarily have to quantify in a way that means dollars or percentages. You can do this through really interesting stories, for example around crisis management, building outreach program, helping customers gain awareness for a new product, etc. She also suggests reaching out to some of your clients (whether internal or external) and asking them what they think the impact of your work has been on their business.
Putting Your Experience to Work
Older, more experienced workers can face different challenges compared to their younger counterparts. Often, when people see all that experience on a resume, they think the candidate may be overqualified or may be out of the job’s salary range. Robynn emphasizes the importance of showcasing your unique strengths and skills, as well as the value you bring to an organization. Job seekers should only show 15-18 years of experience on their resume, maximum of 20 years. If you have relevant experience from years prior to that, you can add an early career synopsis and list those companies.
The key is the story you are telling with your resume is relevant for the market today. What are employers looking for and needing in a candidate and how can you help them achieve their goals with your skills.
Advice for New Graduates
Robynn’s advice for young professionals is to start doing internships as early as their sophomore year in college. The internship doesn’t necessarily have to be related to exactly what they are studying. Internships help you meet people, learn new skills, and take on responsibilities. These are all great things to add to your resume.
Robynn also encourages college students to participate in college committees, workshops, on-campus clubs, and sororities/fraternities. Activities such as volunteering or organizing events demonstrate your ability to take on responsibilities and contribute to a team. These experiences should be highlighted on your resume.
She also advises against describing obvious job details on your resume. For example, if you worked as a lifeguard, there is no need to describe the basic duties of a lifeguard. Instead, focus on unique achievements, such as saving lives or participating in safety programs. These stories make your resume stand out and show what makes you different.
Networking is Key
Networking is a critical component of job searching, and Robynn believes that LinkedIn is a powerful tool that can help. Instead of sending cold emails, job seekers should research and identify who can make meaningful introductions for them.
For example, if you see a job posting on a company's website, go to the company's LinkedIn page and check if you have any first-degree connections. Reach out to these connections and ask for an introduction to the hiring manager or someone who can provide more information about the role. This approach is more effective than sending generic messages and increases the chances of getting a response.
By using these strategies, job seekers can enhance their chances of landing their desired roles. Special thanks to Robynn for taking the time to talk to our PRSA Technology Section members. You can learn more tips from Robynn by following her on LinkedIn and in her new book, “Career Confidence.” PRSA Technology Section members can watch the replay here.