I've used your website as an aide in the development of a resume,
and for advice concerning the job search and interview process. Chris Freeland
Great Resumes
What makes a great resume?
Here are David's unvarnished, personal perspectives on great resumes. These are some of the "all time great" resumes that have been sent to David and are used by permission. David has hired scores of Ministers and looks at hundred of resumes each year. Also, check out these pages on XPastor:
- How to hire staff―XPastor's perspective on how churches hire staff
- Resumes from ChurchStaffing.com―see how other people present themselves
- Resume and job search tips from About.com
- Resume and career advice from Monster.com
Now, for some great resumes ...
John Allison: Worship Pastor Resume
Since writing the comments for Buzz Matthews (below), I have come across another example of simple elegance John Allisons' resume, like John, is articulate and thought provoking:
- Demonstrates the heart of an artist
- Illustrative background images on each page-stunning Words outline his face.
- John's abilities and diversity shine in this resume
- "I went to his web site, listened to his music & called him immediately"
- Terrific use of a personal web site (the wave of the future for all ministry applicants).
Buzz Matthews: Youth Pastor Resume
In the last five years, I have reviewed over one thousand resumes as I fill staff positions. Only twice have I asked a potential candidate for permission to post his/her resume on XPastor. Buzz Matthews' resume is outstanding with a simple elegance:
- Superlative photo-not your typical mug shot
- Different background images on each page-stunning
- Core competencies that spoke without shouting: "missional," "theological and biblical orientation," arts and creativity."
- Articulate, biblical, defined, purposeful, aesthetic
Judd Dicke: XP Resume
Judd's resume is clear and articulate He combines good graphics, photos and text His education is a strong asset for an XP role, as is his business background.
Judd uses the 5 Functions to explain how he can help a local church.
The first page is strong, with more primary information on the second page The third and fourth pages contain data that "I will read if I am interested in him as a candidate." Page five has great references Most ministry resumes are now about five pages and follow a similar format.
J.P. Gradone, XP Resume
While not as graphically appealing as the other resumes on the Great Resumes page, J.P.'s resume is a prime "executive" resume
- Note the executive experience, going from corporate executive to Executive Pastor
- Begins with a great summary of qualifications
- Very clear grouping of employment history.
Chris Vogelsang
Chris developed the best cover page to a resume that I have seen. See his Cover Page.
- He posts all his contact information at the top of each page Since it is in a smaller type size, it doesn't get in the way, yet it is present! He is easy to contact.
- The crisp and professional color photo is relaxed yet polished.
- The Life Purpose clearly shares his vision for living.
- His education is on the front page, so I can easily see if he is within our preferences for a given position The web addresses of the schools did not help me, but they are an innovative addition.
- The Experience section shares data in a flowing form The bolded terms make it easy to read On succeeding pages, he shared the data behind his overview paragraph by talking about each of his ministries with starting and stopping dates.
Because of this resume, Chris got an immediate phone call, which is virtually unheard of in our search process As a candidate who lives locally, I invited him to lunch and heard his story This resume stood out from 35 others and got immediate attention!
Because of Chris' resume, good contacts and God's providence, Chris is now the Pastor of Small Groups in a Fellowship Church.
John Gibson
What a great resume to read! Take a look at John's original resume and then at John's revised resume
- Great looking color picture-warm, personable and professional
- Fascinating use of key words in the left margin
- He hooks your interest on the first page
- Right on the first page, easy to get to know his personal and ministry mission
- Pages 2 and following have good, detailed information
- Contact information in the footer of each page, a nice addition for any Search Committee member
Because of John's resume, good contacts and God's providence, John is now the Pastor of College and Young Singles at Creek Baptist Church in Allen, Texas.
Cricket Keith
- Great heart for ministry that is easy to see
- Education on the front page is good for Search Committee with scores of resumes to look through
- Ministry experience begins on page 1 A huge item in my hiring checklist is ministry experience, especially quality and length in one church.
- Conversion on page 3 If I like the resume enough to read to page 3, then I want to know the conversion experience.
Cricket's original resumeCricket's revised resume
Christy McFarland
- Amazing clarity
- Superb ministry
- Distinctive style
- Easy to read
- Hireable!
Because of Christy's resume, good ministry expereince and God's providence, Christy is now the Assistant Minister of Singles & Local Outreach at Northwest Bible Church of Dallas.
Rick Parks
- Here is a resume that was e-mailed to me by Rick as a "cold call."
- Wonderfully different
- Easy to read
- Quickly see his heart
- Excellent use of Black and white
- Superb photo
Rick is now the Associate Director of Seeds International. One of their projects: "Project Seedbag provides children around the world with their own Bible, a 14 week children's Bible study, Seedlings, which covers the basic foundations of the Christian faith. Trained local teachers guide and mentor these children through the first steps of their Christian walk."
Rick Parks
