As the old saying goes, you only get one chance to make a good first impression, and in today’s job market, that one chance is more important than ever. When you find a job posting or ad that appeals to you, count on the fact that it has probably appealed to a couple dozen other people at the exact same moment. Once u send in or e-mail your resume, you are starting out by fighting to get to the top of the heap and be noticed. So how does this happen?
Most employers will tell you that they want to be pretty much instantly impressed by your resume, so it is very important to word it in such a way that it won’t become a two point shot towards the nearest wastebasket. You’ve got a matter of seconds to make that impression, so what do you do?
For starters you can personalize your resume and cover letter. A lot of people don’t like this, because it takes time, and when you’re trying to blanket 50 resumes out a day, you just can’t be bothered. But it works; a resume with the company’s name and job titled listed as the objective is an eye catcher. You also need to tailor your talents and abilities to the company you are applying to (i.e. an IT firm doesn’t care if your sales techniques are top notch).
You may also want to change the format of your resume from chronological, which lists your last several jobs and the responsibilities that went along with them, to functional, which negates company histories in favor of the listing of specific skills and responsibilities that you are versed in. Functional resumes may also be very attractive options for somebody re-entering the work force after an absence of several years, such as a stay at home mom.
If you opt for the functional approach, load up the first half of your resume with as many pertinent facts about yourself as possible. You want to grab the employer’s attention and make him want to read further down the page. Resist the urge to be cutesy or amusing in your resume, hiring managers are very serious about this and such levity will not help you to be taken seriously at all.
Use a larger font (11 or 12 pt.). This not only makes it easier to read (especially after the poor guy has spent the day combing through these things, but it also makes the information provided jump off the page a little better.
If you have a considerable work history, do your best to whittle it down into something that will fit on one page. Two page resumes do not have a track record of any greater success. You don’t have to give them the whole Bible when just a couple of verses will do.
Use bullet points instead of paragraphs. Most people are drawn to lists. We love lists. So make a detailed list of your achievements and talents designed to impress.
Highlight past successes. Focus on achievements, things you have done for your previous employer that will be impressive. They are wondering why they should hire you…..go ahead and give them a good answer. It isn’t being presumptuous to give them what you know what they want from you.
Know thyself. Know your strengths. You are a unique creation, with unique talents and abilities. Figure out what those are and use them to your strongest advantage.
Do not proof read your own resume. Once you have gotten it into a form that you find acceptable, pass it a round to some friends, especially any friends who might be hiring managers or business owners, and get some feedback. You will be surprised at what you overlook even after reading through it a number of times. Take it from someone who has sent out resumes only to spot a mistake just as his finger hit the send button. From that point forward, the first impression is made.
Consider a professional resume writing service. That works in many cases, although this author wouldn’t know anything about it. I am a full time writer, and having a resume written by somebody else would not create the great first impression that I am going for. If you are so fortunate as to be able, let somebody with a more objective eye on your career and achievements take a stab at representing you on paper.
Taking the time to craft an impressive resume, illustrating your greatest talents and showcasing a solid body of work will go a long way toward securing the position you are seeking.
No comments:
Post a Comment