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Your Resume Needs a Short, Relevant Summary, Not an Objective

Every time I review resumes at Cleared Job Fairs, I see a lot of resumes with professional summaries and objectives and skills lists that take up most of page one. Don’t be this self-focused! A resume needs to show how you can help the potential employer, now.

You need a meaty but short summary on your resume. Fill it with 3-4 bullet points about actual info important to the specific job you seek.

1. Intel analyst recognized for excellence in data analysis and reporting at the national level.
2. Program Manager, PMP and MS Cyber Security, recognized by clients for extensive experience turning failing projects into on-time, on-budget results.
3. Skilled Instructor whose safety and security programs have been accepted and used across two major commands.

Then back those bullet points up in your Work Experience section with more accomplishment statements.

In a technical field? Add a line or two with the most compelling and relevant (and recent) technologies. You can always add a fuller list at the end of your resume if you think it necessary.

If you did not put it with your contact information, be sure your security clearance is also at the top of your resume. Keep it short and simple: Top Secret/SCI. We’ve surveyed recruiters and most of them prefer you leave off any more information than that about your security clearance.

Skip all the way too common buzzwords: leadership, team-work, top performer. Your actual achievements should demonstrate those qualities.

Your goal is to get a recruiter or hiring manager’s attention and entice them to keep reading. Don’t lose their attention with useless, wasted words. Move into work history and critical achievements in your jobs quickly!

Patra Frame is ClearedJobs.Net’s HR Consultant. She is an experienced human resources executive and founder of Strategies for Human Resources. Patra is an Air Force veteran and charter member of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial.