General advice
A resume should be no longer than 3 pages long, ideally 2. This should be accompanied by a detailed covering letter.
Do not write in a conversational manner.
Be honest, you will only be found out!
Resumes and cover letters should be computer produced, never handwritten unless specifically requested.
Check for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
The resume should highlight your skills relevant to the job you are seeking.
An employer should be sold in less than half a minute of reading the resume
A chronological resume is our preferred format, starting with the most recent job first, including dates (mm/yy), company name, location and job title)
Suggested Resume Content
Personal details:
Your full name, address, contact numbers, e-mail and nationality.
A "personal profile", this is usually a few of sentences explaining what you are. This should be bold and descriptive e.g "A Bermudian CPCU qualified underwriter offering over 10 years experience in Casualty markets. Seeking a new challenge in the international market where my business development skills will be utilised".
Tip: Do not rely on the premis that when you get to the interview you will sell yourself then.
You have to get the interview first! In to day's challenging market, that is often an achievement in itself!
Core skills:
This is a chance to emphasise your general skills, experience training, qualifications so the recruiter can see these immediately. Proven technical skills in Professional Liability, D&O, E&O, Fiduciary Guarantee and Bankers Blanket Bond insurance e.g
- Effective man management skills
- Experienced in both established companies and start-up operations
- Business development experience ñ extensive range of contacts throughout North and South America.
Achievements:
We would generally advise that you concentrate on 3 achievements in your career/education to date e.g
Built the Financial Lines book of business from scratch to $600m in 3 years. The most successful department in the company.
Achieved the award for the highest mark in CPCU qualification
Instrumental in the implementation of new system into 3 departments.
Employment History:
List each position starting with the most recent and dates, company name, location, job title e.g
Under each position write your duties and responsibilities ñ start with an initial sentence describing the role and add bullet points thereafter, between 6 and 10 is advised. Concentrate on your most recent positions or the past 10 years. Write these as if you are writing your job description for a stranger to read.
Education:
List from your high school onwards including years of attendance and details of qualifications.
Committees/memberships:
List these if you feel it is appropriate.
Interests:
These can be useful in order to make you into a person rather than a piece of paper. These can be particularly useful if you are a golfer and you know that is going to be a useful skill!
Tip: Show your true worth by doing yourself justice by spending time preparing a resume.
