Is your resume doing all it can for you? Just how important is a resume when looking for a job? Many job seekers consider their resume as the key to getting them the job they want. While it is definitely an important factor, it is a factor in getting you the interview, not the job.
How do you make sure your resume will get you an interview? It has to stand out from the rest. Since most resumes these days are stored digitally, choosing fancy paper to print it on is no longer likely to make it stand out. If you can't use pretty paper, then how can you make your resume stand out? It's all in the substance and presentation of the information, itself. Here are some tips for creating a successful resume.
• Whenever possible, tailor your resume to the job. This is critical in today's job market. Read the job description carefully and then change your resume to address their requirements specifically, and in order. A summary section at the top is especially helpful for this. In it, you can answer every question that manager has.
• Let your personality show! Instead of “10 years experience in the floral arrangement field” say “I have enjoyed ten years of creating custom floral arrangements for a wide variety of clients.” While brevity is important in a resume, making an impression is even more important. Look at your resume and ask yourself one simple question: If I read 100 résumés today, will I remember this one at the end of the day?
• Make sure there are NO spelling or grammatical errors. Don't rely on spell check (but don't forget to run spell check). Have several people read it before sending it out.
• This should be a given, but many people send smudged and wrinkled resumes. Remember that your resume is reflection of you. If your resume is in substandard condition, the hiring manager will believe that your work ethic may substandard as well.
Finally, many people think that paper resumes will soon be a thing of the past because many job searchers are choosing to post them online. Video resumes are also popular. However, some hiring managers will always prefer to have a piece of paper in their hands. Resumes are likely to take the path of much of the printed media today. The information is available online but some people will still prefer to buy a copy they can hold.
Michael D. Hayes is a native of Arizona, and is a graduate of Northern Arizona
University and Thunderbird, The American Graduate School of International
Management. Read his blogs at
www.momentumstaffing.wordpress.com or
www.phoenix.jobing.com