Resume Audience

May 22, 2009 by · Comments Off
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If you think your resume is about you, well, it is and it isn’t. It may seem like a professional autobiography but it really is not intended to be so. Its content is all about how you sell yourself but the audience is your possible employer. When you successfully pass the initial screening and are set for a negotiation before an offer, then by all means, do your best to make the deal the sweetest it can be for you.

But, in the beginning, it is about your reader. They have the power to make or break this possibility. Keep this in mind when writing your resume. Make sure to include information that will be of value to the company. Check that you do not repeat yourself needlessly. If some of the responsibilities you’ve handled in different roles are the same, then perhaps you don’t need to list all over and over again. The most important thing to remember is to show your employer how you will be a beneficial addition to the company.

Chronological Resumes

December 1, 2008 by · Comments Off
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There are several kinds of resumes you can choose from. Gone are the days when “ones size fits all”.

How do you know what kind of resume template to use? Look at the job position you are looking to apply for and then check which type of resume would best fit displaying you in that position.

The most common resume type for individuals who already have a strong work history is the chronological résumé. This kind of resume lists all your previous jobs in chronological order, starting from the most current to your very first job. This is the most common for professionals because it is the easiest for employers to read. They have full view of your work history in detail, which will be the most important content in marketing yourself for a new job.

Again, take note of your own history when choosing a resume type as this kind is for those with work experience to list.

A Little Effort Goes a Long Way

October 14, 2008 by · Comments Off
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When preparing your resume, make sure to know as much as you can about the position you want. If you know the “mission-vision” of the company, understand the directions it wants to take, know the industry the company belongs to and its competitors, you can use these to gauge your value to the employer and, in turn, sell yourself well.

A way to effectively market yourself would be to give the employer something eye-catching from the beginning- and preparation is the key to making this happen. Make sure to have a section at the beginning of your resume that highlights your professional and personal skills directly related to the position you are seeking. Items and skills of the greatest importance to the employer should be first on your list, to support the view of you being the best ‘fit’ for the job. Also make sure to include something that makes you memorable and different in comparison to your competition, this way showing your employer that it will not only be worthwhile but a great decision to call you for an interview.

The Target of a Resume

August 19, 2008 by · Comments Off
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It is surely difficult to create an effective resume. What is often overlooked is the part where you have to create your objective. There is a myth that every resume must have an objective. If you’re going to place a generic objective, one that can be found in any resume, it is better not to put one at all.

Instead, place what is called a ‘positioning statement’. This is a short phrase that sells you and your skills. For example, “Yale educated historical researcher with 10 years record of excellence. Worked on several archaeological sites in Egypt doing research on newly discovered artifacts origins; apprenticed under Dr. Zahi Hawass for 5 years.”

This way, you are clearly marketing yourself and what you have to offer. Similarly, it is preferred that you tailor make your resume to fit the job you are applying for. A position statement like that above or a clearly stated objective that is acceptable for a job in the academe may not be suitable for a job in the corporate world.

The Truth in a Resume

June 8, 2008 by · Comments Off
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Today’s world places a premium on education. Gone are the days when you could go a long way in the corporate world on a high school diploma. It is common knowledge now that if you want to make it in the multi-national companies, you have to have a college degree.

So when writing a resume, remember that this one detail is something employers WILL look at. Do not make up that degree! Similarly, do not lie about past seminars attended, job experiences, or positions held. It is easy now to do background checks. With the click of a finger, HR screeners can easily see if what you’ve listed is the truth and being caught in a lie when applying for a job is the fastest way to start the wrong reputation and kill your career.

It is also important to attach a separate sheet for your references. Again, don’t list people whom you met once in passing and expect them to give you glowing reviews. Also remember that using a separate sheet will keep their information private and make your resume easier to screen.

Resume Length: The Right Way to Go

March 7, 2008 by · Comments Off
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What goes into your resume is important. Look at what you include in your resume as this has a direct impact on the length of the document. Many believe that the length of the resume can turn-off an employer in an instant.

Let’s discuss this point. It is advised for college students to keep their resumes short and sweet. Because there is no significant on-the-job experience, it is important to list pertinent facts about yourself and your educational background to showcase the skills you’ve learned.

It does not, however, make sense for more seasoned professionals to try to fit their job experiences in one sheet. After holding a few positions, you will have added to your skill set and narrowed down what you have to offer an employer. It does you no good as well to squeeze all this information into a few pages by using the smallest font size and the narrowest margins. This makes for a disorganized, cluttered, and difficult resume to screen. Therefore, look at the content and remember that quality is the key.

What is a Resume?

January 4, 2008 by · Comments Off
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It can be seen as the most important item to start, progress, and secure your professional life. It can also be the single, most annoying object you will ever have to pay attention to in your working life. While both viewpoints are acceptable, a resume is much more than either.

A resume is a professional introduction geared towards obtaining a face-to-face interview that may lead to an offer for a position in a company being given to you. Hardly ever is a candidate offered an interview without first undergoing resume screening and hardly ever is a candidate offered a position based solely on his/her resume.

This document is your first impression so it should clearly state your skills, background, experience if any, and hiring value. It should be organized and written well so that the impression you give the employer is a positive one and the step towards convincing him/her that you are ideally suited to the position you are applying for is taken. Together with an effective cover letter, the resume can be your most powerful marketing weapon.

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