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Guidelines and Helpful Information
Security related issues have become increasingly
more important to hiring managers in both large and
small companies. Reference and background checks are
much more stringent. Therefore, when filling out an
application:
Be Honest.
- It is best to be honest and upfront,
than conveniently forgetting to list
something that happened and will show up in
a background check.
- Provide accurate reference information. Many job offers have been held up for days
because the phone numbers being provided
were no longer accurate.
- Read the Fine Print. Be certain to read
the fine print on disclosure forms. Be sure
that you are not providing permission to
check with your current employer, unless it
is OK to do so.
- Fill Out Application Completely. Do not
use "see resume" to answer questions, or
provide information.

Resume Builder
In today’s competitive career market it’s critical
to create a strong first impression, especially at
the middle and senior management level. We have put
together a template that will assist you in bringing
out your strengths and presenting them in the best
possible light on your resume.
Format
- Divide your resume up into four or five
sections: Profile, Achievements or
Accomplishments, Career History or
Employment Synopsis, Education and Projects.
Target the length of four pages maximum,
reducing font if need be. Use larger font
and bold for headings.
Profile
- This should be your first section. Put
together three or four statements, written
in the third person, that describe your
technical ability and management style. You
can integrate a skill summary into these
statements as long as you keep this section
to four statements maximum. Separate each
statement with a double space. i.e.: “A
dedicated Commercial Underwriting Manager
who focuses on pro-active solutions that
ensure customer loyalty.”
Achievements or Accomplishments
- This is conceivably the most import
section of your resume, so make it your best
effort. It should consist of five or six
statements outlining what you consider your
finest achievements in your career to date.
Statements that have the most impact can be
quantified in savings of either time, money
or increase in customer base. i.e.:
“Increased commercial client base by 22%
through expertise in client claim advocacy
and network of professional partnerships.”
In addition most companies look for a
balance in operational / technical / sales
strength and people management (i.e.
Conflict resolution skills) skills in their
managers. Focus on accomplishments that
represent both.
Career History or Employment Synopsis
- This section is may seem self
explanatory, but there are some guidelines
that you should still follow. Try to limit
your description of responsibilities to a
summary and avoid listing a detailed
description of your position. Never leave
any gaps in your employment dates; this is
the first red flag for a hiring official. If
you have progressed through several
divisions or positions within a company over
a period of time, preface that employment
with a heading that includes the name of the
company and the date range from beginning to
end of your term with that company. You can
list the positions and / or divisions below
that heading with separate dates if you
wish. Another suggestion is to give a brief
description of each company you worked for
(in smaller font). i.e.:
“Hargraft & Schofield Ltd. Independent
Insurance Brokerage since 1874. Annual
premiums exceed $80 million annually.”
Education
- Include any formal education you have
acquired after high school. In a sub-section
you can include a heading, “Continuing
Education” or “Professional Training”.
Include any certifications, designations and
licenses. With any formal education include
the name of the institution, and the
discipline you majored in. It is important
to include dates for all aspects of this
section.
Projects / Publications
- This is an additional section, which may
or not apply to your profession. If this
relates to you then it may also be a
critical part of your resume. Projects fall
under two categories:
- special projects you may
have been assigned to for
cross-functional experience or
continuous improvement experience.
Compose a list of projects with dates.
Include the number of people who
reported to over the life of the project
and the end result in terms of savings
of time or money.
- projects that relate
directly to your profession. Compose a
list of the projects you have managed
including the scope of the project in
dollar value and date of commissioning.
- Publications should be dated and the
journal published in cited.
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