| If your resume
has been circulating in the job market for more than a month and
you haven't gotten requests for job interviews, the problem could
be your resume. In this section, find articles, videos, and sample resumes to help you improve your resume.
Here's a quick quiz to identify if your resume needs
to be improved to produce results:
- Is your
resume a generic, one-size-fits-all document that focuses on your
past?
- Is your
resume composed of job descriptions instead of achievement statements?
- Have you
used a resume format that highlights your weaknesses and downplays
your strengths?
- Are there
any red flags (such as employment gaps, age discrimination, job
hopping, or appearing overqualified) in your resume that would
make an employer think twice about inviting you to an interview?
If you answered
Yes to even one of these questions, your resume could be your problem.
A bad resume can negatively impact your job search, sometimes eliminating you from consideration for your perfect job. They are viewed by many, on both sides of the hiring process, as a necessary evil. For the job seeker, they are your opportunity to "make your case" for why you should be hired. Think of them as personal marketing or advertising, even "selling."
A resume should summarize your achievements, skills, and education appropriate to the position you are seeking in the most positive way, but without being innacurate or misleading.
People often reject the idea that a resume is a "selling" document, but, if it is effective, that's exactly what it does. You are marketing your services to employers. It's your job to show the employer that you are the right person for the job, and your resume is the starting point for that show.
Basic truth about resumes: The purpose for your resume is to get you invited to interview for a job.
People are very, VERY, *VERY* seldom hired based only on their resume.
Your resume should open the door to a new job for you by:
- Surviving the initial resume screening process (Do you meet the qualifications? Does your resume make a good impression? Does your resume contain the appropriate key words? etc.).
- Keeping the hiring manager's attention long enough to see that you are (or are not) qualified for the job opening.
- Presenting the best picture of you (your skills, accomplishments, and education most relevant for the job you want).
- Presenting that targeted picture of you in a way that entices the hiring manager to learn more about you.
- Providing appropriate, accurate contact information so that the employer may reach you.
This section of Job-Hunt will try to help you put together a resume that will help you get to that job interview. Then, other sections of Job-Hunt provide information on "Job Interviewing,""Working with Recruiters," "Job Search Networking,""Social Media and Job Search" and more...
© Copyright Susan Ireland, 2003-10. 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, a downloadable product 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.
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