We’ve given advice on writing a resume, but we thought we’d give you a peek behind the curtain and let you know the 5 things we look at when we see your resume. (Please note, these aren’t things that eliminate you from a position, but rather things we look at to inform the interview process).

1. The address. Maybe it’s just because we’re in traffic-obsessed LA, but the first thing we’re thinking about is your commute. Although it may seem like an hour in the car is no big deal, after a while that drive can take a toll (no pun intended!) A Gallup poll shows that long commutes affect employee’s well-being and that affects retention.
2. Your last position. We’re looking at the company, the job title, and the dates of employment. We’re considering our client’s needs here too, thinking about how your experience can help them. Sometimes clients ask us to find specific experience in a particular industry, a certain sized company, or a certain job title. We’re also scanning down the side of your resume looking at how long you’ve stayed with positions and any gaps in employment.
3. An objective statement. We love these! It can really help us understand your ideal job. A great formula for coming up with an objective statement is [description of you] + [your ideal job]. For example, “A seasoned sales executive seeks a position in the development department of a non-profit organization” or “An accomplished accounting manager seeks a part-time position with a local company in manufacturing.”
4. Measurable accomplishments. Yes, we want to know the duties for each position, but we also want to understand what you accomplished in that role. Things like, “achieved 30% increase in sales” or “reduced cost by 10%” help us see how great you are.
5. Education. Finally we look at what you studied and how that informed your career. We also look at any certifications you’ve listed and anything you’ve done to stay current and keep learning.

Ok, now you know what we’re looking for, go forth and polish those resumes! (And once you’re done, send them over to us at losangeles@momcorps.com)