One of the most key elements of success in a job search is the resume and it can often be one of the most difficult documents to develop. The resume is the job seekers primary marketing document that sells the product , skills and the experience of the individual. To be effective, the resume must grab the attention of the reader in 35-45 seconds. A good resume will extend that attention span to over a minute. A successful resume will prompt the reader to contact the job seeker. In effect, the success of the job search revolves around the effectiveness of the first step the resume.
No one knows your background and experience better than you. Most applicants can get the basics of their projects and experience down on paper in a sensible fashion. What most applicants have difficulty with is making their resume to sell to the reader. Here are six tips to help you make your resume sell.
1. Select the best organizational format. Most resumes are written in chronological (reverse time order) format, but that does not mean that the chronological choice is best for you. A combination format may be best. The combination format is evenly balanced between skill set description, achievements, and employment history, with the advantage being that projects can be highlighted for greater impact.
2. Assume that your resume will be viewed on a computer screen rather than on a piece of paper. Most resumes are sent, received, and managed via PC. That does not mean that the document has to be drab and ugly, visually. Many people who have images or pictures of project work have good success with creating a CD ROM portfolio of these images
3. Make absolutely sure your document is error free. An error in a resume can often be the killer between two closely matched candidates. Applicants are expected to be detail-oriented so an error in the resume reflects badly on possible future performance.
4. Find a balance between wordiness and lack of detail. Employers need to see details about your work history and experience, but they don’t need to know everything. The fact that you were Den Leader in your Cub Scout troop is irrelevant. Keep information germane to the goal of attaining an interview.
5. Think accomplishments rather than job duties. What made you stand out from the crowd? How did you come up with a way to do things better, more efficiently, or for less cost? What won honors for you? Information such as this will be what makes you grab attention and put your resume on the top of the stack.
6. Keep it positive. Reason for leaving a job, setbacks, failed initiatives, etc. do not have a place on an resume. Employers are seeking people who can contribute,have a positive attitude, are enthusiastic, and have successfully performed similar job skills in the past. Concentrate on communicating these issues and avoid any detracting information.
Remember, resumes do not get jobs people get jobs. Resumes get interviews. Most first time job interviews are conducted via telephone rather than in person as they used to be. Make sure you are prepared for that telephone call when it arrives. And make sure you have a resume that will make your phone ring!
Contributor:
Ashutosh Lamsal
Ashutosh Lamsal is a Civil Engineering Student from Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus. He has been involved in various Engineering and media related projects. To know more about him, Please Click on “Know Ashutosh” the Button below.
