Is your resume formatted to follow the requirements of recognition software being used to screen resumes? If you were reviewing hundreds of resumes, would you be impressed with yours? Do you have an objective at the top, or do you top your resume with a summary of qualifications? Do you list your core competencies front and center with pride?
As you begin looking for a new job, it is important to recognize that you are putting together a marketing program to sell YOU, and a large part of that program is your resume, along with a dynamite cover letter. If your existing resume hasn't been updated in a few years, it may be to your advantage to considering hiring a professional to help you create the copy. The market is flooded with people seeking work and your resume is your one and only change to get noticed long enough to get the interview. It needs to be targeting your prospective market with assertive and effective language that catches the attention of the person reviewing the resume, and entices them to call you for the interview.
Here are some simple changes that will help you get noticed.
Rather than a career objective at the top, replace it with a professional profile or summary of qualifications.
Don't state the obvious, for example: will provide references upon request. They know you will provide them when they ask for them. And, they will.
Break out of the mold of standard resumes, and begin using some of the publishing tools available. Examples: WinWay Resume, Resume Maker Professional, Resume Maker Professional Ultimate, Resume Writer, Power Resumes, MyResumes, The Print Shop Pro Publisher. These software packages range in price from $10 to $70.
You no longer need to stay with the one page resume. Pack as much information in as possible.
Look at job board free samples for comparison, and then create a style uniquely yours.
Use key words throughout your resume. Prospective employers are performing key word searches to find prospective employees.
Page one of your resume should include your professional profile, a list of your core competencies, all software applications you have experience with, and the last two employers.
Page two - continue your employment history.
Closing - Education, Certifications and Additional information, i.e., volunteer work, board memberships, etc.
Are you impressed when you read your resume with an objective eye? Would you like to interview the person described? If you are not, go back and tweak it until you are.
Once you are satisfied with the document, get it posted on all the major job sites and send it off directly to recruiters. There are a number of posting services who will do this for you. For example: ResumeRabbit, ResumeMailman, and ResumeZapper, ResumeDirector and ResumeArrow. Some of these services are free, and some are fee based. Some things to consider before you post:
Do you need your resume posted on so many sites?
Do you have time to post your own?
Do you need thousands of recruiters receiving your resume, or do you want to be more selective?
Remember, marketing yourself is all about creating a competitive edge. Your resume is only one tool in your tool box. Don't forget to network, read the classifieds and search job listings on all the career sites daily. Good luck with your job search.
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