Resume Help Blog

You have decided to update your resume for any number of reasons – but the reason isn’t important. What is important is this – if you are going to the trouble of writing your resume, then do it right so you actually might have a shot at the job you want/need. Otherwise, why bother. First let’s look at the facts of life in the real job market world:

Research has proven that approximately one out of two hundred resumes results in an interview. No interview – no serious chance of getting the job. Research has also shown that resumes are seldom read, they are scanned. We have found that the same thing applies in other markets as well. For instance few people read a web page entirely. Instead they scan it looking with a critical eye.

Your resume is your advertisement for YOU. The first few lines can make or break you. If it is well written you have a chance of getting the reader to respond.

An effective resume is really powerful but subtle advertising copy. You are selling a product – you. Difficult, yes because you have a large personal investment. More difficult though - most of us do not think in a “marketing mindset.” The thought of “selling” something (even ourselves) sends chills up our spine.  But if you want to improve your chances in the job market it is necessary to hone these skills.

There are two things you must not do:

1. Hard sell your product - YOU!
2. Make any claims that are false – EVER!

Get over any modesty about yourself or your skills. You must be willing to “toot your own horn.” Good advertisement will attract more buyers than the “best product” the majority of times.

What You Must Do:

Focus on the employers needs and not your own. Most probably the person reading your resume is the person responsible for selecting “the best candidate” for the job. In other words, they care how the person they select will perform. They are not just some lowly clerk buried in some basement. They have a responsibility to someone higher up, so your resume must have a direct appeal.

If you are applying for a job in a field that you already know well then you probably already know what would make a person desirable. If you are not sure then do some research.

• If you know someone who works for this firm then you already have an advantage, ask them. If not then research the company, what they do.
• Read the job description carefully pulling out the “action” words. These are also called “keywords.” These describe the type of person or skills that they are looking for.
• You could call the HR person and ask what they are looking for. They may not tell you but it won’t hurt to ask.
• You can research the companies website. Many times they will have a HR link and you can find information that way.

This is important so don’t guess but do the research as well as possible. Every step along this path should convey one message – that you are an exceptional candidate for this job.

Once you know what the job is about and have your set of “action” or “keywords” then start tailoring your resume to show them how your job skills fit those key words. For instance if they want someone that knows how to make a spreadsheet, tell them about how you created reports and saved the company time and money. You get the idea.

When writing your resume focus in on what you did that “brought value” to your former employer. Did you create a time saving measure? Take on extra roles to free someone else up? Were you promoted to a higher lever because of a certain “skill” you possess? Most importantly – did you bring in money or do something that saved the company money? Make these part of your resume.

If you’re a do-it-yourself type and want to write your own resume then this e-book is a must-read. For less than $10 101 Before and After Résumé Examples is a comprehensive, downloadable manual of professionally written sample resumes that show you step-by-step (using 101 REAL before-and-after examples) exactly how to create your own job-winning resume – or transform one that isn’t working for you!

Also recommended is Secrets of a Successful Job Search. This is a one-of-a-kind, no-holds-barred program that will guide you step-by-step through every phase of the job search start-to-finish. You will benefit from expert guidance and straight-to-the-point tips throughout your job search and your entire career with this proven system and simple-to-follow strategies that you can use over and over again to advance and promote your career faster than you ever thought possible.

For professional help writing your resume we highly recommend DistinctiveWeb.com. These licensed professionals can turn your job skills and history into a high quality, powerful resume that is guaranteed to get you the interview.