Have you been waiting for the phone to ring or an email requesting an interview with no luck? If so, your resume could be seeking a physical examination. This critical document should provide a photogenic picture and a synopsis of who you are. Your skills and what you bring to the table, your qualifications and knowledge are essential focal points of what makes you different from the rest. This confidence should exude on paper so that it is heard loud and clear.
With so many people searching for a job, your uniqueness needs to grab attention during the filtering process. As a hiring manager and recruiter, I often come in contact with so many resumes that enter file 13 even before I begin to read them. If the picture does not grab my attention immediately, then it's not worth reading. As the old saying goes, "First impressions are lasting impressions," that's on paper too. Outlining eye catching specifics like what makes you the person we need to contact should be your prime focus. There are a few components to keep in mind when composing your resume for distribution.
1. To get noticed, you have to sell yourself on paper or web first. Wear your best suit so that you get noticed immediately upon arrival. This includes speaking clearly, punctuating correctly and spell checking at every attempt. Don't forget to add an eye catcher like a great objective.
2. Always write in 1st person. After all, the resume is about you and no one else. Your accomplishments are what we want to hear about, not your colleague.
3. Utilize key words to express messages that are descriptive and create a visual perception. These words often jump out at a recruiter upon scanning.
4. Capture what you accomplished that really stood out for your current organization, i.e. growth, improvements, program development. I want you to do the same for my organization, if not better.
5. Make certain the resume is not too busy that it becomes confusing or distracting i.e., excessive lines, too many colors and humongous font. Just like your interview attire, the resume needs to be clean, crisp and pressed.
6. Always be truthful. Lies catch up with you. If not today, certainly tomorrow. This can lead to termination or possible criminal charges.
7. Before submitting to a potential employer, get a second opinion about your resume from a trusted source.
By initiating these steps in your resume check-up process, your chances of getting the opportunity you are seeking may be around the corner.
If you are seeking a review of your resume or have questions about interviewing techniques, please submit to diversecc2012@yahoo.com or follow her on twitter @diverseconnect.
