Thursday, June 6, 2013

Your Resume can "Sing" Without Distracting Bells and Whistles

Many job applicants think that a gimmick or two will increase the changes that their resume will stand out from the crowd. Don't you believe it! Most of the time, "bells and whistles" will just put your resume into the circular filing basket sooner rather than later. According to Resumes for Dummies, 3rd Edition, what the resume reader wants to see is a resume that is:

Carefully constructed to compete, compel, and capture attention,
Too skills-rich to overlook,
Targeted to the job, showing you can and will do the work.

 
The resume reader, who may or may not be the ultimate employer, only spends from 30 seconds to 1 1/2 minutes reading each resume. Therefore the resume must be to the point, thorough, and targeted toward the specific job you are seeking. Even before the reader gets the resume, it may have been given an initial screening by a computer, looking for specific "key words" relating to the specific job description of the position for which you are applying.  

If you really need to show off your creativity, attach a portfolio (but only if you're an artist or in advertising). Remember, this is a very tough job market right now, and competition is fierce! In order for you to get that all-important interview, your resume must speak loudly and clearly about your value as a potential employee. It must emphasize what has happened in your work life, what actions you took to make those things happen, and what supportive personal characteristics you brought to your prior jobs, including how you contributed to solving problems in the workplace.

Your resume will be your last, most powerful advocate. Even after your interview, it will play a large part in the final evaluation of your application.  Your resume must "tell," not "show." How you write it is essential, but how you present it is crucial, too.  Even without its bells and whistles, you can still sing on key!