Records Manager Resume Example
If you're hoping to start a career as a records manager, you'll need experience in ensuring data compliance and maintaining records security. For a successful records manager application, you'll want to submit a professional resume that showcases your relevant skills. In this article, we'll highlight tips and examples for creating a records manager resume that makes a winning impression on recruiters and hiring managers.
This comprehensive guide will give you all the tools you need to craft a records manager resume that positions you strongly against other candidates. The article will take you through the key steps of creating a resume that presents your key skills, qualities and career achievements in a format that employers favor. It will also help you tailor your resume according to your unique skills and experience level. Continue reading to find expert tips and advice from Jobseeker that will help you with your records manager resume.
Key sections for a records manager resume
A successful records manager resume will typically include each of the sections listed below, with some optional sections.
If you're applying for junior, entry-level or graduate records manager positions and you lack work experience, consider using a skills-based resume format to emphasize your skills and education. Focus the content of your resume on your soft and transferable skills, and any hard or technical skills you've learned from your studies or career to date. You can also mention any relevant internships, training courses or voluntary roles you've taken on.
If you're already working as a records manager, concentrate on proving your credentials with your work achievements. Use a reverse-chronological resume format to place work experience prominently in your resume. Use your work experience section to highlight your career achievements and show how you meet the job description. Offer evidence of the impact you had on successful outcomes for the company.
Senior job applications require a slightly different approach to mid-level or junior records manager roles. Use a reverse-chronological format focusing on your work experience, with a particular emphasis on the impact you've made. Senior resumes are often longer than resumes for junior roles. This is because you may choose to include extra sections, such as awards, professional memberships, publications, conferences or certifications on your resume.
The order you present these sections can vary according to your career stage, but it's still essential to include each of the following:
Resume Header
The resume header is the place to add your name and contact details, along with your LinkedIn URL if you have a profile, so employers can find more information about your career journey and skills. You don't typically need to add a photo, or any other personal information to this section. Create a clear, well-structured header that acts as the headline of your resume. Use color accents and blocks to help this section stand out and catch the eye of the reader.
Only include professional, name-based email addresses in your resume header. If you have an old email address that uses nicknames, puns, references to your personal interests or anything else that could appear unprofessional, set up a new email just for your job applications. Finally, always double-check your contact details are correct and up-to-date before sending your resume.
Emery Clark
emery.clark@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
123 Sesame Street, New York, NY
linkedin․com/in/emery–clark123
Resume Summary
Next, write a short paragraph to introduce yourself. You could also call this section 'resume summary' or 'personal profile'. In two or three sentences, explain your professional background, achievements and key skills. If you choose to write a resume summary, this focuses on your career experience to date. On the other hand, a resume objective addresses your future plans and career ambitions. Always make sure your summary reflects the job description and highlights some of the key skills required for records manager roles.
Alternatively, focus on introducing your career ambitions, and why this role is a good fit, both for you and the organization.
A great resume summary should highlight why you're an ideal candidate for records manager roles by showing key skills and qualities that reflect the job description and provide evidence to support them. It should also introduce your personality and unique qualities to the reader, to help them start to form an opinion about you as a candidate. You can see some positive examples of a resume summary for records manager jobs below.
Good example:
Dynamic and detail-oriented Records Manager with a Bachelor of Science in Information Management and extensive experience as an Information Governance Specialist. Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing information governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and optimizing records management processes. Proficient in utilizing advanced information management systems and tools to enhance data integrity, security, and accessibility. Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams and driving continuous improvement initiatives to support organizational objectives. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with a commitment to excellence in information management practices
Bad example:
Records manager with a background in information management and experience in handling records. Worked on creating systems to manage information and ensure rules are followed. Familiar with using tools to keep data safe and accessible. Led teams and worked on improving processes to meet goals. Good at analyzing, solving problems, and communicating, with a focus on maintaining good practices in managing information
Alternatively, a poor resume summary would include bland, generic information that does little to prove your suitability for the role, while failing to provide any useful insights on you as a person or as a candidate. The visual above includes some examples of what not to do with your records manager resume summary
Work History
Your resume work experience section is the chance to show your relevant previous jobs and career achievements as a records manager. For each entry, list the job title, the name of the employer, its location and the dates you worked there. Add each job in reverse-chronological order, starting with your current or most recent role.
In addition, include a few bullet points under each job, highlighting your key achievements so the hiring manager can see how they led to successful outcomes. Back up each point with evidence to show how you meet the job description.
A good work experience section pulls the reader in with clear examples of where you've put the skills necessary for the job into good use in your career to date. This typically includes evidence of how your skills and activities contributed to positive outcomes for the organization. See below for some good examples of what to include in your resume work experience section.
Good example:
Information Governance Specialist, January 2022 - Present
OrganizeX Solutions, Long Beach
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive data governance framework, improving data quality and compliance by 30%
- Led a cross-functional team to achieve ISO 27001 certification, enhancing organizational data security standards
- Conducted data audits and risk assessments, reducing data breaches by 25% through proactive policy enforcement
Bad example:
Information Governance Specialist, January 2022 - Present
OrganizeX Solutions, Long Beach
- Managed various data-related projects to enhance organizational efficiency and compliance
- Collaborated with teams to improve data management processes
- Conducted assessments to identify and mitigate data risks
See above for some of the pitfalls to avoid with your resume work experience section. A bad resume work experience section might fail to address skills and achievements that relate directly to the job description. Falling back on clichés, vague descriptions and basic responsibilities, rather than showing the impact you made, is likely to disengage the reader.
Educational Achievements
The education section provides space to list your highest and most recent academic achievements that are relevant to working as a records manager.
If you're applying for records manager positions you'll typically need to have a degree. A Bachelor of Science in Information Management will usually help your chances of success. You could also list any qualifications that demonstrate your data protection laws or document control procedures.
Include any qualifications relevant to the role. For each, add the name and level of the award, the institution name, its location and your dates of study. You can enhance this section by adding bullet points that show any outstanding grades, awards or achievements and any specialist subjects you studied. These details can make you stand out from other candidates.
If you organized or participated in any clubs or societies while at university, or you took part in any voluntary work, you could also mention these here.
Bachelor of Science in Information Management, 2017 - 2020
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Skills
The skills section of a records manager resume is a chance to list any skills you have that match those of the job description. You could include data protection laws, effective communication skills or any other skills that show you're a suitable candidate. Again, refer to the job description and make sure you include skills that the employer has listed as essential or desirable for employment as a records manager.
Highlighting your hard skills
In your hard skills list, include any specific abilities related to the role you're applying for. These could be technical skills or industry knowledge that showcases your expertise in your chosen profession. Furthermore, it's important to show these skills in a records manager resume as they provide a strong indication of your experience in the sector. Aim to include four or five key hard skills. If you have space, explain how and where you've used that skill to create successful outcomes in your career. These skills will demonstrate your credentials and show how you meet the job description.
The best resume hard skills sections focus on specific technical skills necessary for the job, showcasing skills that you have particular expertise in. There are some examples of valuable hard skills for a records manager resume below.
- Records management systems
- Document control procedures
- Data protection laws
Soft skills on your records manager resume
Soft skills are the personal skills and qualities that make you a good fit for the job. They include transferable skills and strengths that help you settle into the role, adapt to new challenges and build effective working relationships. Indeed, as the nature of work changes, soft skills are growing in importance, so make sure you include them in your resume. Aim to include approximately five soft skills that reflect the skills listed in the job description.
An effective records manager resume soft skills section should be targeted to include skills that reflect your personality and unique characteristics, while also matching the job description. The graphic below includes some examples of good resume soft skills.
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication skills
- Time management proficiency
Certifications and Training
Your certifications section is the place to mention any relevant professional records manager certifications, licenses or qualifications. Add any official certifications or accreditations that increase your level of qualification and suitability for working as a records manager. Therefore, list any official licenses and certifications, along with their dates, so employers can assess whether you've got the necessary qualifications to work as a records manager.
Take a look at some example certifications for a records manager resume below:
- CRM Certification, 2022
- CIP Certification, 2022
- IGP Certification, 2022
Expert Tip:
Optional Information
To provide further information on your suitability for the role, you could add some optional sections to a records manager resume. Choose optional sections from the list below, if they help to showcase your relevant skills and experience.
Personal Interests
Including your hobbies and interests can be a valuable way of showing your key skills and qualities. Consider listing hobbies and interests to help your resume stand out, or to provide the employer with some insight into your personality and wider interests. They're perfect for candidates who might lack genuine work experience as a records manager. Don't include hobbies and interests in your resume unless they showcase a specific interest or aspect of your personality. You'll want them to add something to your application that you can't add elsewhere.
Voluntary Work
Listing volunteer work is another useful way to prove your relevant experience for records manager roles. Add your volunteer job title or role, the name of the organization, its location and the dates you were involved.
References
References aren't a standard records manager resume section, but employers do sometimes ask for them. Check the job advert and only include them if requested. Add two or three professional references, and be sure to approach each referee before you include them.
References can be provided upon request.
Best words to use in a records manager resume
Using strong action verbs in your work experience bullet points can make a stronger impression on employers and show the value you added to your previous roles. The suggested action verbs below will help the reader to understand your key qualities and the impact you made on the organization.
- Organize
- Maintain
- Oversee
- Implement
- Develop
- Retrieve
- Evaluate
- Classify
- Audit
- Streamline
Jobseeker's resume templates were created by careers experts to help you produce a professional resume in minutes. You can also find cover letter templates to complete an eye-catching job application that gets you noticed.
Example of a records manager resume
The records manager resume example below includes all the sections above, so you can see how a completed resume looks:
123 Sesame Street, New York, NY
•
emery.clark@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/emery–clark123
Results-driven Information Governance Manager with a Bachelor of Science in Information Management, offering extensive experience in developing and implementing comprehensive records and information management policies. Proven ability to ensure regulatory compliance, streamline data management processes, and enhance organizational efficiency. Skilled in managing electronic records systems, conducting audits, and leading cross-functional teams to optimize information governance frameworks. Adept at leveraging technology to support data integrity and security
Information Governance Manager
2020
-2022
DataGuard Solutions Inc (Baltimore)
- Implemented enterprise-wide data protection policies, reducing data breaches by 30% within one year
- Led cross-functional team to achieve ISO 27001 certification, enhancing organizational security posture
- Developed and executed data retention strategy, ensuring 100% compliance with regulatory requirements
Bachelor of Science in Information Management
2017
-2020
Ohio State University (Columbus)
Records management systems
Document control procedures
Data protection laws
Attention to detail
Effective communication skills
Time management proficiency
CRM Certification
CIP Certification
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Key tips for a records manager resume
Advice to help you craft a winning resume
- List your relevant work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your current or most recent job.
- Review your resume thoroughly and correct any errors before sending it, to avoid unnecessary harm to your chances.
- Use a professional resume format with clear headings, a defined structure and consistent margins for optimum readability.
- Quantify your achievements and show evidence of how you've used your skills to bring positive outcomes in your career to date.
- Write a compelling resume summary or objective to introduce yourself and your key records manager skills.
Keep away from these common resume mistakes
- Don't add work experience that's unrelated to the role you're applying for, as it isn't likely to help your chances of success.
- Don't write any unnecessary personal details on your resume. Details such as age, gender or nationality can lead to unintentional recruitment bias.
- Don't lie or exaggerate any information on your records manager resume, as this can cause you problems further down the line.
- Don't fill up your records manager resume with unnecessary information that contributes nothing to your chances of success.
- Don't use complex and elaborate formatting that can make your records manager resume less readable and more difficult for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan.
Tips on creating an ATS-optimized resume
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are increasingly taking responsibility for the management and processing of job applications, helping hiring practices to become more efficient. This can include screening resumes by scanning and ranking each application according to how closely it matches the job description. When drafting your records manager resume, there are a few guidelines to follow to give you the best chance of passing the ATS screening stage and progressing with your application.
Here a some simple tips to follow for an ATS-friendly resume:
- Use a traditional resume format, such as reverse-chronological or functional. These will give your resume a structure that's easier for ATS systems to scan.
- Include keywords throughout your resume that align with the job description. ATS software tends to compare your resume to the job description for points of similarity, so careful, considered use of keywords should help your chances of success.
- Using clear, simple headings makes it easier for an ATS application to scan your resume, as it can easily identify what's in each section of your document.
- Use a resume design that includes clean, professional design elements to give your content space to breathe. This might include clear, readable fonts, subtle color accents and simple design elements.
- Make sure your resume is as concise as possible, so ATS applications can easily scan and identify the required details.
If you need help creating a professional resume, take a look at our expert career articles and variety of resume examples created by careers experts.
FAQs for a records manager resume
Accompanying your resume for records manager applications, you'll want to produce a cover letter that similarly leaves a positive impression on hiring managers.
In some situations, a full, professional cover letter may not be necessary. Check the job advert and decide whether to write a formal cover letter, or if a brief email is more suitable.
If you choose to write a full cover letter, follow traditional letter-writing conventions surrounding greetings, sign-offs and use of professional language. The body of the cover letter tends to be three paragraphs. The first introduces yourself and the role you're applying for, giving reasons for your application. The second briefly covers your key skills and achievements that are most relevant to records manager roles. Finally, the third paragraph re-emphasizes your interest in the role and leaves a call to action, encouraging the employer to reach out to you.
For help creating an eye-catching cover letter that impresses recruiters and hiring managers, use Jobseeker's professional cover letter templates.
If you have no experience, it's still possible to write a professional records manager resume that makes a positive impression on hiring managers. Choose a resume structure that best showcases your key skills for the role, such as a functional format. This places your skills and education above your work experience. Optional sections at the end of your resume can play a stronger role if you're lacking relevant work experience. Use certifications and training, hobbies and interests, volunteer roles and internships to show you've got the necessary skills for the job.
You can use a resume headline to introduce your document and set the tone for your records manager applications. Resume headlines can also help you pass the ATS stage of the selection process, by highlighting the job title and one or two key details. Write a short, concise resume headline incorporating the job title, one or two key skills that match the job description and a reference to your reputation or track record.
See an example resume headline below:
- Junior Records Management Specialist
- Expert Records Management Professional
- Experienced Senior Records Management Professional
The top resume format for your applications will vary according to a couple of factors. First, how much professional experience you have. Second, what type of job you're applying for and its seniority level. If you don't have much experience, for example if you're applying for a graduate role or changing careers, you might consider a functional resume format. This focuses on your skills and education above your work experience. For more senior roles where you have plenty of relevant experience, use a reverse chronological format. This resume structure places work experience at the heart of the document, using it as a showcase for your skills and achievements.
Key takeaways for your records manager resume
The best resumes focus on your skills and the value you've added to previous roles, rather than focusing on your duties and responsibilities. Choose the most suitable resume format for your experience levels, and focus on tailoring your resume based on the requirements listed in the job description.
Use Jobseeker's resume templates, other tools and resources to create an application that impresses employers. Sign up today to access a wealth of valuable resume and cover letter resources. To make the best possible impression with your applications, write a cover letter with the help of Jobseeker. You can also find plenty of expert-designed cover letter examples for inspiration.
Sources:
(1) Tips for Writing a Federal Resume, U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/tips-for-writing-a-federal-resume
(2) Resume Tips, Duke University: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/resources/resume-tips/
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