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How to Use Your Resume to Paint the Picture of Your Future
The secret to getting a new and exciting job is to build your resume around your future, not your past.
So, before you even start writing your resume, you need to plan what kind of work you want to do next. Then, create a resume that’s about your future by using the following technique:
Imagine that you are an artist with an empty canvas (a piece of paper or your computer screen) in front of you. Your assignment is to paint a picture of yourself at your next job.
And, what do you have to paint with? You have four tools:
- Your experience (such as previous jobs, volunteer work, or school projects);
- Your skill areas (such as management, computer, or sales);
- Your concerns (such as the environment, homelessness, or human rights); and
- Your personality (such as dependability, sense of humor, or ability to communicate).
In other words, combine any of these four areas to paint the picture of your future job.
© Copyright Susan Ireland, 2003-12. All rights reserved.Used with permission.
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About this author:
Susan Ireland is the author of four job search books including The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Resume, now in its 5th edition. For more information about writing your resume, read Susan's books or visit Susan's Website SusanIreland.com. For immediate help with your resume and cover letter, check out Susan's Ready Made Resumes and Cover Letters, an online resume builder to help job seekers quickly create an effective resume. Follow Susan on Twitter @SusanIreland, visit her JobLounge blog, and interact with her on the LinkedIn's JOBS Group (Job Openings, Job Leads and Job Connections!) in her ** Let's Talk Resumes ** featured discussion.