Core Competency Sections on Resumes

Recently, I received a question from a colleague:

In talking to several resume writers and after reading in different publications about Core Competency sections on resumes, there are differing schools of thought about their inclusion in a resume, particularly when it comes to resume scanning software. What are your thoughts on the subject?
-- Alice

My response:
As with any resume strategy, there are usually differing opinions. The use of core competency sections, as you suspected, has a lot to do with building keywords into the resume to assist with resume scanning software.

Competency sections and keywords have reaaly become more of a focus over the last five years as companies (especially large companies) integrate applicant tracking and screening systems into their human resources departments. Creating a truly competency-based resume (instead of just including a listing of keywords in the Qualifications Profile at the top of the resume) is an approach that does usually yield better results for clients.

I wrote about "Competency-Based Resumes" in the November/December 2007 issue of Resume Writers' Digest. (Back issues are available for purchase for $3 each.)

As the article notes, the key with integrating competencies into the resume effectively isn't just built on sprnkling as many of them into the resume as possible, but really building the resume around the competencies that the employer is looking for.

There is a difference between keywords and core competencies. Keywords are nouns, phrases, and acronyms, including degrees, job responsibilities, computer applications, job titles, training, licensure, education, professional organizations, company names, awards, key industry terms, and geographic locations. Competencies are specific skills relevant to the job -- defined as "a written description of measurable work habits and personal skills used to achieve a work objective."

I wrote about keywords in resumes in the September/October 2007 issue of Resume Writers' Digest. You'll find some helpful tips for where to find keywords, choosing keywords, and integrating keywords into the resume in that article.

Subcontracting Opportunity: WebFolios

Many resume writers supplement their own resume writing clients with subcontract opportunities. I recently was contacted by a firm that is seeking subcontract writers for their WebFolio product.

The company is looking for individuals with experience writing for senior-level professionals. The ability to read rough client notes and develop those into power statements is critical. No client contact is required, and writers must be able to meet reasonable deadlines.

Interested? Send an e-mail to jknight@stewartcoopercoon.com (cc: msettle@stewartcoopercoon.com), subject line: WebFolio Writer. Include two examples of resumes you've written for executive (senior level) clients.

If you're interested in subcontracting, be sure to order my special report, "Making Money as a Resume Subcontractor" (just $20 for the 40-page report, which includes more than 25 individuals or firms looking for subcontractors; available for immediate download as a PDF.)

The report also includes a sample cover letter you can use when approaching subcontracting firms, plus "red flags" you should watch for when selecting a firm for a contracting relationship.

Tips for Veteran Resume Writers

I often hear from veteran resume writers who say they are feeling "stale" or even burned out. With them in mind, I came up with five tips to help re-energize you.

• Take a teleclass on a resume writing topic. In each issue of Resume Writers' Digest, we list the teleclasses and webinars being offered by the major professional associations as well as other sources. For $25-$60, you can learn new techniques that will help get your mind going again!
• Read resume-releated books. Go to the library and/or bookstore and see what's new out there. You might even come home with a new reference book or two.
• Start a blog. While you're looking for resources and information to post about, you're educating yourself.
• Get certified -- or get another certification. While I've heard some controversy lately about certifications, the fact is: You'll be challenging yourself. And that's a good thing.
• Update your website. Write 2-3 articles for the site and to publish on other websites.
  

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