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Resumes ReexaminedBy Wendy Alexander, Administrative Assistant and Janet Hansen, Career Advisor
Submitting resumes to jobs for which you are fully qualified and still the phone doesn't ring? If your resume is not landing you interviews, it's time to rework it. Competition for jobs can be fierce and an effective resume may be a foot in the door to your dream job.
Resumes have changed a lot over the last few years; a reflection of the changing economy. People no longer have one job for 20 or 30 years - you might have five or more careers in your working life. Being able to move effectively from job to job means you must be able to market yourself differently to prospective employers. How do you do that?
Try targeting your resume. A catchall resume that details every skill you have, from hairdressing to welding, is not as effective as one written specifically for the job you are applying for. Don't assume the employer will know what position you want or that they will "match" you to a job in their company. You need to tell them what you want and how you know you are qualified to do it.
Start with a clearly defined objective (i.e. Objective: To obtain a position as a Plumber with XYZ Company). Refer back to your objective to help keep you focused while you write the rest of your resume.
Follow your objective with a "Highlights" or "Summary of Qualifications" section. This is a good way to package your top 4 or 5 selling features right at the top of your resume, where they are more likely to catch the reader's eye. For example, our plumber might tell us the number of years he's worked in the field, his certification and tickets, any special skills he has or notable projects that he has worked on. He might round out this section with a few personal attributes or qualities he brings to the job. The idea is to give the employer a snapshot of your skills and experience as they relate to the position.
A traditional resume would then list your work history in reverse chronological order, including some details of your responsibilities and achievements for that job. This works really well for people with a steady work history and a solid background in their field. For a job hopper or a career changer, a skills-based or functional resume is a more effective style. A more recent trend in resumes, this style takes the focus off where and when you worked and puts the emphasis on what you can do.
Not sure what skills to focus on? Go back to your objective. What are the main skills required to do the job you want? Our plumber might have a skills section entitled "Industrial Installation Skills", which gives 2 or 3 examples of projects he has completed that show the depth and breadth of his experience in that area. Make sure your examples are specific and where possible, tell the reader how or how well you do things.
No matter which resume style you choose, always, always, always check for mistakes, omissions and "red flags". This might be anything that would cause the employer to put your resume in the "no" pile. Things like being overqualified, gaps in work history and short-term employment all create questions for the employer. Minimize your red flags or explain them in a well-written cover letter.
Remember, there is no right or wrong on a resume, only effective or ineffective. Your resume is a living document that will change as you gain skills, experience and education. Don't be afraid to leave things off your resume. If you no longer want to use a certain skill or your work history is more than 15 years old, it may be time to let something go. If you are changing your objective, expect to change your resume - it is an advertising tool to sell you in to the job you want.
Now, go answer the phone.
If you are unemployed and need assistance with resumes, job search skills or career planning, contact The Job Shop at 334-3119. |