Resumes are funny because you don't get a job because of a resume but you absolutely need a resume in order to get a job.
The resume's job is to make the potential employer like you enough on paper to actually call you in for an interview in person. So you must have a good, strong resume that touts your qualifications and accomplishments.
Upon a thorough review, aided by sharp criticisms from Jessica C at Jobfox.com, I realized that my resume lacked something vitally important: clout. Your resume should basically be your own personal paper cheerleader, getting an employer psyched about a potential star player. And the name of the game is not modesty. That was my biggest problem. I was being way too conservative and modest about some really great things that I've done in past career positions.
I participated in a resume workshop yesterday morning that gave me some great insight on to improve my resume. As a result I've completely enhanced and upgraded mine including:
- Keywords - These are words such as "Trainer", "Customer Service", "Manager", etc. These are used for specific keyword searches employers do to filter the hundreds of resumes they receive and have scanned into their resume database
- Quantified Accomplishments - I had good information before but now I've added numbers to back my accomplishments. An example is "Oversaw program implementation of 90+ client accounts resulting in 95% retention" What I did resulted in this
- Visual Facelift - Using recommendations I got at the resume workshop, I made changes to font sizes, margins, bullets, and text placement to improve the readability and appeal of my resume. Admittedly, I don't think it looks as snazzy as it used to but it has the information it needs to have to pique interest which is infinitely more important than the color of a bullet point.
I'm pleased with the result. You can see it by clicking here. I'm very open to impressions, critiques, and really great job offers!
Keep Moving Forward!
* I've opted for the fully Americanized version of the word "résumé" so as not to come across as a snot-nosed French speaking grammar Nazi. That said, I really do prefer "résumé" because it's French.
I too went through a class this week. We discussed not job hunting the mass mail way but rather by asking everyone you know this question: "Who do you know that I should be taking to?" Then the task using Google, Linkedin, Facebook, etc. to learn about these folks in order to do informational interviews. I've already had a couple with friends as warm-ups, I have a message into the Dale Carnegie company and will be talking with another firm tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, at the risk of over promoting, you can read my latest blog with some news, http://thegoldenruleguy.blogspot.com/2011/03/transform-your-life-discover-yourself.html.
So glad you all are doing well. You have a good heart and will do the right company good. If you come across something that feels up my alley, think of my, as I will you.
Cheers!
John