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.