Instead, head the first section after your name and address with the job title that you are pursuing. Then under that heading, write a "thumbnail sketch" or word picture that illustrates the strengths and abilities you bring to that job title. The sketch could also give some idea of the background, industry or areas in which you have already performed. The thumbnail is more powerful than a job objective. By describing what you can do, you are essentially describing the kind of job you want. The thumbnail sketch is both a good advertisement and a superb job-objective statement.
How do you write a thumbnail? Don't begin writing your resume by writing the thumbnail sketch. Choose the job title first, or at least the general area (say marketing) toward which you're going to pitch your resume. Then write the entire body of the resume. After you've written that in a draft form that you can live with, write your thumbnail.
Guidelines for Writing the Thumbnail Sketch
- Choose an accurate job title for the position you're pursuing.
- Tie each statement in the thumbnail to the job title. The statement should describe some ability or characteristic that would enable you to do that job better.
- Keep the thumbnail sketch short (somewhere between 30 and 55 words, with an ideal length being around 40 words). You don't have to write complete sentences. Use descriptive phrases or telegraphed sentences.
- Use highly descriptive verbs or nouns to describe what you can do. Use modifiers only when they add to the concrete impression. Don't use any of the weak modifiers mentioned earlier in the chapter.
The people who wrote these sweat blood over them. These few words are probably the most important part of your resume. This is the one thing that people screening resumes will read. If your thumbnail grabs them, they will read the rest of your resume, and you'll at least have had an initial chance.
Sample Thumbnail Sketches
Advertising Director/Manager. Originator of proven creative advertising and marketing concepts. Manages, directs and motivates team in fast-turnaround environment. Plans and implements successful direct-mail campaigns, sales promotions, public relations programs and trade shows. Experienced in estimating, creating deadlines and overseeing vendors throughout production process.
Healthcare Professional. Experienced professional with comprehensive background in healthcare administration. Proven record of reducing operational costs, improving profit margin, controlling finances and increasing staff productivity. Strong leader, communicator and problem-solver. Accomplished in operational analysis, strategic planning, budgeting, contract negotiations, project development, medical-office leasing and marketing.
General Manager. A results-oriented General Manager with exceptional business skills in marketing, manufacturing and financial control. Demonstrated ability in managing manufacturing companies and subsidiaries for publicly owned corporations. Successful record of improving profits, increasing market share, reducing costs and managing assets. An action-oriented and creative problem-solver with excellent people skills.
Project Engineer. Hands-on engineer skilled in designing and installing electro-mechanical products and systems. Practical troubleshooter. Knows how to design a product that can be manufactured efficiently and cost-effectively. Builds good working relationships with vendors and outside contractors. Innovative user of technology to solve problems. Experienced planner. Superior motivator with strong interpersonal skills.
