We all know for a fact that when we create a resume we are selling ourselves. It is a brochure of ourselves as job seekers in order for us to land the job we wanted and hope to give everything (almost!) of our needs.
But many of us, struggles in creating one that would really define our capabilities, talents, skills and everything we want to brag about. When we start drafting our resume we believe that we created one that tells of who we are and fits the job opportunity perfectly. Once we give our resume to employers, more often than not we get an instant answer “We’ll get in touch with you, thank you for your time!” When we start to hear that we know that all doors are closed and even windows for the opportunity we aspire for.
So how do we get an edge on everyone in the job market just by showing our resume, the answer: Create a strategic resume!
I know some of those eyebrows are raised when I said strategic. Some of you might think that: “is this a game?” My answer: YES it is a game! A game of survival!
Resume strategy # 1: Who are you and how do you want to be perceived?
Who you are? This is to be answered not by stating your personal information. Rather what you have done professionally and academically. Remember we are applying for a profession that will be our bread and butter. Basically, you can start by answering the question: “What is it that you have done for a living all these years?”
How do you want to be perceived? First impressions last. Remember that employers are seeing you for the first time. Of course, you want to create a very expressive impression. You want them to see at first hand how you have been handling your job to excellence. You focus on the key points of your talents, skills, capabilities and even your creative thinking. Be careful though, there is a fine line between job description and the things that I have mentioned.
Resume strategy # 2: Sell it to me… Don’t tell it to me
If you “tell it,” you are simply stating facts. If you “sell it,” you promote it, advertise it, and draw attention to it. Make use of those adjectives. Paint the picture you want to show the employer. Employers already knows the fact. How you do it makes a difference.
Resume strategy # 3: Use Keywords
Keywords are vital in your resume or cover letter. Words should convey of what you are expert of doing in your career. Keywords are also an integral component of the resume-scanning process, whereby employers and recruiters electronically search resumes for specific terms to find candidates with the skills, qualifications, and credentials for their particular hiring needs.
Resume strategy # 4: Use the “Big” and Save the “Little”
When deciding what to include in your resume, try to focus on the “big” things— new programs, special projects, cost savings, productivity and efficiency improvements, new products, technology implementations, and more.
Then, save the “little” stuff—the details—for the interview. With this strategy, you will accomplish two things:
• You’ll keep your resume readable and of a reasonable length (while still selling your achievements).
• You’ll have new and interesting information to share during the interview, instead of merely repeating what is already on your resume.
Resume strategy # 5: Make your resume “Interviewable”
At this point, you should make a good use of strategy 4 and 2. You should be able to get the interest of the employer after they have cross-matched your resume to their needs. Make your resume highly readable. Meaning you should have an adequate space for font size, and a logical flow from start to finish.
Don’t devote lots of space and attention to areas of your background that are irrelevant or about which you feel less than positive; you’ll only invite questions about things you really don’t want to discuss.
Resume strategy # 6: Eliminate Confusion with Structure and Context
Be consistent. Put job titles, company names, and dates in the same place for each position.
Make information easy to find. By clearly defining different sections of your resume with large, highly visible headings
Define the context in which you worked. Specifically, define in concise the function of the department / organization you worked. After that you briefly describe your activities and accomplishments.
Resume strategy # 7: Use Function to Demonstrate Achievement
Use as much adjectives as you can but use it appropriately. Every employer knows the job functions, what you need to do is to show them how you have performed in your job.
Resume Strategy # 8: Remain in the Realm of Reality
Do not push your skills and qualifications outside the bounds of what is truthful. You never want to be in a position where you have to defend something that you’ve written on your
resume. If that’s the case, you’ll lose the job opportunity before you ever get the offer.
Resume strategy # 9: Be Confident
You are the only one in this world. There is no one else like you. You should always be at your best. You might see that you are listed among the qualified candidates but still you have your own advantages and disadvantages. Make sure that you will are able to express truthfully of the things you have stated.
Best of luck!
Source:
Expert resumes for career changers
By: Wendy S. Enelow and Louise M. Kusmark
But many of us, struggles in creating one that would really define our capabilities, talents, skills and everything we want to brag about. When we start drafting our resume we believe that we created one that tells of who we are and fits the job opportunity perfectly. Once we give our resume to employers, more often than not we get an instant answer “We’ll get in touch with you, thank you for your time!” When we start to hear that we know that all doors are closed and even windows for the opportunity we aspire for.
So how do we get an edge on everyone in the job market just by showing our resume, the answer: Create a strategic resume!
I know some of those eyebrows are raised when I said strategic. Some of you might think that: “is this a game?” My answer: YES it is a game! A game of survival!
Resume strategy # 1: Who are you and how do you want to be perceived?
Who you are? This is to be answered not by stating your personal information. Rather what you have done professionally and academically. Remember we are applying for a profession that will be our bread and butter. Basically, you can start by answering the question: “What is it that you have done for a living all these years?”
How do you want to be perceived? First impressions last. Remember that employers are seeing you for the first time. Of course, you want to create a very expressive impression. You want them to see at first hand how you have been handling your job to excellence. You focus on the key points of your talents, skills, capabilities and even your creative thinking. Be careful though, there is a fine line between job description and the things that I have mentioned.
Resume strategy # 2: Sell it to me… Don’t tell it to me
If you “tell it,” you are simply stating facts. If you “sell it,” you promote it, advertise it, and draw attention to it. Make use of those adjectives. Paint the picture you want to show the employer. Employers already knows the fact. How you do it makes a difference.
Resume strategy # 3: Use Keywords
Keywords are vital in your resume or cover letter. Words should convey of what you are expert of doing in your career. Keywords are also an integral component of the resume-scanning process, whereby employers and recruiters electronically search resumes for specific terms to find candidates with the skills, qualifications, and credentials for their particular hiring needs.
Resume strategy # 4: Use the “Big” and Save the “Little”
When deciding what to include in your resume, try to focus on the “big” things— new programs, special projects, cost savings, productivity and efficiency improvements, new products, technology implementations, and more.
Then, save the “little” stuff—the details—for the interview. With this strategy, you will accomplish two things:
• You’ll keep your resume readable and of a reasonable length (while still selling your achievements).
• You’ll have new and interesting information to share during the interview, instead of merely repeating what is already on your resume.
Resume strategy # 5: Make your resume “Interviewable”
At this point, you should make a good use of strategy 4 and 2. You should be able to get the interest of the employer after they have cross-matched your resume to their needs. Make your resume highly readable. Meaning you should have an adequate space for font size, and a logical flow from start to finish.
Don’t devote lots of space and attention to areas of your background that are irrelevant or about which you feel less than positive; you’ll only invite questions about things you really don’t want to discuss.
Resume strategy # 6: Eliminate Confusion with Structure and Context
Be consistent. Put job titles, company names, and dates in the same place for each position.
Make information easy to find. By clearly defining different sections of your resume with large, highly visible headings
Define the context in which you worked. Specifically, define in concise the function of the department / organization you worked. After that you briefly describe your activities and accomplishments.
Resume strategy # 7: Use Function to Demonstrate Achievement
Use as much adjectives as you can but use it appropriately. Every employer knows the job functions, what you need to do is to show them how you have performed in your job.
Resume Strategy # 8: Remain in the Realm of Reality
Do not push your skills and qualifications outside the bounds of what is truthful. You never want to be in a position where you have to defend something that you’ve written on your
resume. If that’s the case, you’ll lose the job opportunity before you ever get the offer.
Resume strategy # 9: Be Confident
You are the only one in this world. There is no one else like you. You should always be at your best. You might see that you are listed among the qualified candidates but still you have your own advantages and disadvantages. Make sure that you will are able to express truthfully of the things you have stated.
Best of luck!
Source:
Expert resumes for career changers
By: Wendy S. Enelow and Louise M. Kusmark
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