Jason Monastra

My life and thoughts out on the web

We have been discussing the resume lately as it has re-surfaced most recently for most of my perm employee candidates that want to look attractive for contract positions.  We discussed the objective and summary previously and I want to address the layout and format of a resume to make it attractive.

The resume is progressive.  If your objective is to find the perfect systems admin role but your resume experience highlights how great a DBA you are, well there is a disconnect.  The format of the resume is indicative of the type of role you are looking for.  For example, if you are a contractor by trade and have many projects, a summary with a bullet pointed technical skill set is a strong match.  However, if you are a junior level professional - a more traditional approach might be appropriate.  Something that highlights educational background and your most recent accomplishments on the job.

Facts and Figures.  Whatever the format, the content is the most important factor.  Be sure to include details of things that you have accomplished and make them relevant to the job you are applying. 

Here is an example of job layout that you can use that will assist you when constructing your resume:

Company ABC, Washington DC, 12.2006 - Present

Senior SAP Project Manager

Selected by executive staff to provide leadership over the entire domestic SAP HR/PAYROLL roll-out for a 6B manufacturing company.  Provided strategic IT project management following PMP standards of best practices and SAP deployment methodologies for manufacturing companies.  Developed business process controls that led to efficiency standards reducing deployment costs by more than 30% over other module areas.

• Managed 45 full time and 30 contract professionals ranging from internal company employees to sub-contracted employess from SAP
• Developed business process roll-out to reduce implementation costs by more than 30%
• Managed deployment of more than 27 domestic and 4 Canadian facilities
• Part of executive staff meetings for purposes of progress updates and C level presentations