For the last 18 years, Edelman’s Senior Vice President of Recruitment Alyssa Boule has served large, client-centered organizations as a recruiting specialist capable of spotting the perfect resume in less than 10 seconds.
Edelman is a global public relations firm with over 6,000 employees worldwide. Boasting countless awards and clients like Jaden Smith’s JUST Water, the PR firm has found a winning formula for identifying and inspiring young professional talent.
We caught up with Boule with one burning question in hand– what makes a resume capable of commanding six-figures and beyond? Here’s what she said:
“A resume should allow us to get a sense of what you’ve done, who you are and why our organization needs you, all in about 6 seconds flat,” says Boule on identifying the perfect professional resume.
“A six-figure resume shows results and accomplishments both at work and in the community. Next, it shows you made an impact outside of your team– cross-collaboration that extends beyond. What are you doing to make your employer a better place to work? Or the world a better place to live? Finally, you have an outstanding reputation and brand– which isn’t necessarily on your resume, but it is still crucial.”
What’s your biggest gripe about all the resumes you’ve reviewed?
“My biggest gripe is when resumes aren’t easy to digest – if they aren’t organized or clear, it makes me wonder how the candidate would present to a client. Spelling and grammar mistakes are glaring on resumes, no matter what level.”
What are some aspects that set apart the resume of someone applying for a six-figure role?
“6-figure resumes are results-oriented and not generic or generalized, use specifics. In fact, every resume should do this.”
“I love my job. On a daily basis, I have the opportunity to shape the face of Edelman and offer talented people opportunities to grow and develop professionally and personally.” -Alyssa Boule
How do you go about reviewing a resume for a role?
“I skim. If it looks like someone’s experience could be relevant for Edelman, I then take a deeper dive. I’m looking for leaders— people who are “always an account executive” as Dan Edelman would say. Those that know how to do, drive, and inspire the work in themselves and others.”
What’s your last piece of advice?
“Use your network. Building, cultivating, and maintaining your network is mutually beneficial. As my husband will say, it’s not just what people can do for you, but what you can do for them.”
