Know your three audiences. Who is reading your resume? There are three audiences: human resources, executive recruiters, and resume scanning systems. To maximize your opportunities, your resume must be effectively written for all three groups, because you often don't know which of these three groups will be reading your resume.
Resume writing tips for Human Resources. This group is short on time. Make sure your resume quickly answers the following three questions: What does this client want to do? What is this client's overall experience? What makes this client uniquely qualified? Your goal is to pique the interest of the reader to call you. This is not where you tell your life story!
Resume writing tipsfor Executive Recruiters. Although this group tends to 'read' resumes in much the same way as Human Resources, there are some subtle differences. Namely, within your cover letter, you need to specify where you want to work geographically, and what your salary requirements are.
Resume writing tips for Scanning Systems. Here is where things get a bit tricky. Resume scanning systems are used to eliminate the task of filing hard copies. Your resume is scanned through a HP type scanner, and is converted into an electronic form. The hard copy of your resume is tossed out. So how do you write effectively for a resume scanning system, while also being effective for human resources and executive recruiters?
Break the rules and you'll win the game. You'll see rules for writing 'scannable' resumes. The problem is, if you follow these 'rules' you will have a resume that was very bland to the human eye. So how do you get around that? You need to find a friend at a company (usually a larger company) that uses a resume scanning system. Write your resume so that it is appealing to human resources and executive recruiters, then have your friend scan the resume through their resume scanning system. How did it come out? What key words dropped out because they were not 'scannable?' You will soon find out; use that information to adjust to those problem areas. Then re-submit your resume through their scanning system. This is a process of trial and error. But consider this, if your resume is not scanned effectively, you are a non-person, you don't exist for that company!
How do I handle gaps in employment on my resume? One method is to indicate employment dates by year, not by month and year. This allows you to 'buffer' awkward gaps in employment. For example, if you were employed from July, 1994 to May, 1997, then were without a job for two months, it would appear better to state you were employed from 1994 - 1997, then at your current employer from 1997 -Present.
How do I send my resume by e-mail? A recent survey of executive recruiters showed that 81% of all executive recruiters prefer receiving resumes by e-mail. This is good news for you, as you save postage costs. But how do you ensure that the resume looks 'good' on the recipient's end? After all, you don't know what type of technology your recipient has.
The answer is you have to assume your recipient has the oldest technology which is Windows 95. When you are saving your resume, save it as Word 6.0/95. This ensures that all your recipients can read the resume, whether they have Windows 95 or the latest Windows software.
What are the biggest mistakes people make in their cover letters and e-mails? Per our conversations with dozens of employers and executive recruiters, it comes down to two items:
The first mistake is not indicating what position you want at a company. A whopping 25% of all resumes do not specify what the client wants!
The second biggest mistake is spelling errors. You can set up your spell checker in your e-mail to automatically check your spelling before allowing a document to go out. One small spelling error will sink your chances of an interview,regardless of your qualifications.
So why are they hiring you? There are basically two reasons why a company wants to hire you. You want to clearly reflect these two reasons in your resume and cover letter.
The first reason. You have the experience and skills that they feel can translate into successful performance at their company. For example, you have 10 years of solution sales experience in an IS/IT role, so they know you can 'speak the language' of their industry.
The second reason is not so obvious. You have personal traits that led to your previous achievements. These traits usually cannot be taught. These traits include: innovation, tenacity, creativity, communication skills, resourcefulness,motivation, leadership skills, empathy, and common sense. If you have traits that led to achievements of interest to an employer, mention them on your resume.
Where do I get the'key words' for my resume? Although you are probably deluged in the 'language' of your particular industry, chances are there are terms you don't use which can spell the difference in securing an interview. Where do you find those words? Here are three resources: industry magazines, trade fairs, and training seminars. Now that you are aware of this, you will find yourself picking up many industry 'key words' which you already understand but don't often use!
Now what? So you've got this great resume. Shouldn't you start looking through the newspaper, going online and submitting to local employers? No! Your best chances for success are in networking. We know, we've heard it firsthand from the 2700 people we've written resumes for! Also, bear in mind that our background is in human resources, so we know what works ~ and what doesn't work ~ in the job search.
Dress for success.
BE ON TIME !
Smile.
Greet the interviewer in a confident, cheerful voice.
A firm handshake with eye contact will get the interviewers attention.
Be aware of your posture and body language.
Ask key questions about the job.
Ask good questions about the company.
Offer a neat, well organized resume.
Convince the interviewer that you really want the job.
Don't mention salary unless asked.
Close the interview in your favor.
A firm handshake with eye contact in parting, is a nice touch.
Follow-up the interview.
Ask key questions during the follow-up.
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