By Sunny Simon
Whether you are revamping your resume, or creating one for the first time, do
not under estimate the importance of this marketing tool. The sole objective of
a resume is to reach the next level which is an invitation to interview. Obtaining
the attention of a prospective employer is essential. Avoid getting your document
tossed in the reject pile by carefully crafting each line of your resume in a manner
effectively displaying your strengths, talents and experience.
In the past, a common practice included an objective statement at the top of a
resume followed by the individual’s contact information. Typically found in this
section were phrases like “to obtain a position where I can utilize my experience
and skills.” If your current resume contains a similar statement, hit the delete key
now. Why? Objectives tend to describe the job seeker’s desires. Every line on a
resume should convince the potential employer that you are the ideal candidate. At
this point, it is all about them. To score a face-to-face meeting your resume must
hone in on the employer’s needs.
The opening statement of your resume carries the most weight. It serves as a focal
point and may receive less than a 10 second scan. If the hiring manager finds
nothing of interest on the upper portion of the first page, your document may be
quickly replaced by the next one in a pile of many. To introduce yourself, provide
data proving you are capable of performing in the job. Do this by creating four-
to-six descriptive statements. Showcase these sentences or phases in bullet form
to make a visual impact. Use a heading such as “professional profile” or “career
summary” to indicate this information is a synopsis of who you are and states the
value you bring to the position. Think of it as your personal branding.
The second mistake candidates make while in a job search is the “one size fits
all” philosophy. It is essential to tailor your resume to a particular job or industry.
If you are working from a company’s advertisement or job description look for
key words. Specific skills sought by the employer must match the content found
in your resume. Whether an organization is using resume scanning software, or
manual screening through an HR representative, keywords are the ticket to further
consideration. Take sufficient time to customize your resume and increase your
chances of scoring that important interview.
