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 Resume
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The "Interviewable" Resume
It is rumored that the
only word William Shakespeare wrote on his resume was “Available.” We’ll
probably never know if that is true. But it raises an interesting question. How
much information is too much and how much is too little when dealing with resume
copy?
The
resume is a vital piece to any job search. As companies scramble to find the
ideal candidate, they use the resume to screen candidates. Done right, a resume
builds an instant connection with the reader and helps steer the course of the
interview in your favor. If you submit a resume that piques the curiosity of the
reader, he or she most likely will ask questions based on the information you
provided on the resume as opposed to relying on a pre-packaged questionnaire.
That’s how you know you have an “interviewable” resume, when it assists in
shaping the course of the interview.
The challenge is, How does one create an “interviewable” resume, one that isn’t
boring or sterile? How does one write a resume that motivates the reader to give
you a call?
Write with the employer in mind
Cast aside the belief that the resume is about you – because it isn’t.
Though the resume is your “story”, the heart of it should focus on the needs
of the employer. When developing your resume give thought to the person who will
be reading it. What are his or her immediate concerns? How will you be able to
solve that person’s problems?
Though it
may be difficult to pin down a company’s immediate concerns before an
interview, the reality is that organizations recruit candidates for one of the
following reasons: they need to replace an unproductive employee, a peak
performer was promoted or left, or a new position has been created. A recruiter
usually searches for a candidate who will produce certain results, one that is a
skilled communicator and has a strong work ethic. If you are able to target your
resume toward these key areas, you will, without a doubt, tap into the
organization’s concerns.
Choose your phrases carefully
Sentence starters and appropriate use of action words all determine whether the
resume is “interviewable.” Instead of using predictable phrases, think of
ways to add punch to your resume. For example, instead of using increased sales
by 250%…write delivered a 250% increase in sales…; instead of
using ability to effectively…write demonstrated ability to
effectively…; and instead of using reduced costs…write slashed
costs.
When your resume doesn’t “sound” like all the others on the recruiter’s desk, he
or she will take notice. You will be remembered when your resume breaks the
monotony of the recruiter’s day. Guaranteed.
Have a consistent message
Don’t
try to become all things to all people. If you are a CEO, don’t add a
statement that indicates that you are willing to be a Business Manger. If you
are a Sales Manager, don’t indicate that you are willing to take on a position
as a Customer Service Representative. Get the picture? Determine what you are
selling (and looking for) before you put one word to paper.
Determine your major selling points
Though you may share the same job title with many other people, your
accomplishments and how you carry out your responsibilities are what
distinguishes you from all the other qualified candidates. Focus your resume on
not only what you did but also how well you did it. By design, what makes you
interviewable is how you market your strengths on paper.
Recognized as a career expert, Linda Matias brings a wealth of experience to the
career services field. She has been sought out for her knowledge of the
employment market, outplacement, job search strategies, interview preparation,
and resume writing, quoted a number of times in The Wall Street Journal, New
York Newsday, Newsweek, and HR-esource.com. She is President of CareerStrides
and the National Resume Writers’ Association. Visit her website at
www.careerstrides.com. |
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